CHL Rapid City Rush

John Hess Returns to Rapid City as Senior Director of Marketing and Entertainment

Published on June 29, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today the return of front office member John Hess who spent last season with the NHL's Phoenix Coyotes. Hess will take on the role of Senior Director of Marketing and Entertainment.

"The entire Rush organization is thrilled to welcome John Hess back as Senior Director of Marketing and Entertainment. We pride ourselves on entertaining fans during games from start to finish, and we feel that John is the best in the business. I know that our fans will be just as excited as we are to welcome him home!"

Hess served as the Rush Game Operations Director for the franchise's first two years, before accepting a similar position with the Coyotes in 2010.

"I am very excited to return to the Black Hills and the Rush for the 2011 season. I gained a lot of great experience this past season with the Phoenix Coyotes and I am excited to take what I learned in the NHL and bring the Rush's game night entertainment and total fan experience to the next level. I miss the great fans and friends I made in Rapid and cannot wait to be a part of the community again."

While with the Coyotes, Hess oversaw the development of audio/visual elements for in-game entertainment, in-game broadcasts, team advertising and sponsors. As the event producer, Hess directed all control room operations, including management and scheduling of staff and he was also responsible for collaborating with the production team on creation and production of video board features and the game format. Hess also worked with Versus, TSN, CBC and Fox Sports Regional Networks for their coverage of Coyotes home games including games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Hess takes over for David McClure who directed events, sponsorships and in-game entertainment at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena last season.

"David McClure did a fantastic job in his inaugural season with the Rush," continued Hess. "I have no doubt that he will move on to bigger and better things in sports and game entertainment. He has a strong sense for game operations and will be considered among the best, wherever he goes as a director."

"We are grateful for the tremendous job done by David," stated Hill. "He began with the Rush by paying his dues as an intern, eventually earning a full-time job last season. David not only embraced the challenges and responsibilities associated with being the Game Operations Director, but he excelled at the job. He will have no problem finding a job in this field and we wish him the best moving forward."

Other Rush News:

Season tickets for the 2011-12 season start at $412 and are available by calling (605) 716-PUCK (7825). Season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to both Rush preseason games as well as numerous other exclusive benefits.

Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.

Check out the Rapid City Rush Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 29, 2011


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