Hansen Returns for Third Season with Rapid City
Published on July 31, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush is proud to announce today that forward Rich Hansen will return for the 2010-11 season. Hansen returns for his third season and is the all-time leading scorer for the Rush.
"It's great to get Richie back, especially after having his best season as a pro," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "Not only did he put up great numbers, but Rich was a big key in anchoring our penalty kill that ended up being one of the best in the league. With losing players to other leagues, Richie will bring the needed leadership and character to new players coming in."
Appearing in all 64 games, Hansen finished the 2009-10 regular season with 17 goals and 58 total points. On January 29th in a game against the Missouri Mavericks, he became the first player to collect 100 points in a Rush uniform. The veteran also picked up his 300th career point in game #4 of the President's Cup finals.
"I'm very excited to be rejoining the Rush this season," said Hansen. "I expect this season will be one of the best because we'll see everyone's top game night in and night out. The great fan base in Rapid City will be in for an excellent season as we defend the championship."
Having been with the Rush since the team's inception, Hansen has been a vital component for the franchise. Hansen, 29, is the all-time leading scorer in the short history of the Rush, pacing the team through the inaugural season. In that first year, Hansen was voted in as a starter for the 2009 CHL All-Star Game after collecting 13 goals and 26 assists for a team-leading 39 points through the first 27 games of the season. The All-Star appearance was Hansen's second of his career, first as a starter. The selection was also the second award of the season for Hansen. After the first month, Hansen was named Sher-Wood Player of the Month by the CHL for his performance during the month of October. In his 7 games during the month of October, Hansen recorded 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points.
A native of Northport, NY, Hansen led the expansion Rush in a number of statistical categories despite missing 6 games due to injury. Hansen led the team in assists (46), points (64), rating (+8), powerplay assists (25) and powerplay points (29). Hansen also scored the first shorthanded goal in Rush history (11/2@Wichita), scored the first goal at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center (11/29vs.Colorado), accumulated his 200th regular season point (2/6@NewMexico), had eight 3+ point efforts through the season and had a team-high 8-game point streak through the month of December.
Hansen is the eighth player to return from the Ray Miron President's Cup Champion roster which also includes forwards Brendon Hodge, Scott Wray, Blaine Jarvis, Luke Erickson and defenseman Riley Weselowski, Dave Grimson and Libor Ustrnul.
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 Rush hockey season. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 31, 2010
- Hansen Returns for Third Season with Rapid City - Rapid City Rush
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