Menei and Battochio Named Finalists for Year-End Awards
March 11, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - On Friday, the Central Hockey League (CHL) announced the finalists for each of the four year-end awards. Rush winger Ryan Menei was named a finalist for Most Valuable Player and goaltender Danny Battochio is up for Most Outstanding Goaltender. Balloting will take place among CHL Head Coaches, team Communications Departments and selected media members in CHL markets to determine the recipients of the CHL's Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Goaltender, Most Outstanding Defenseman and Rookie of the Year awards.
Menei is in his first season with the Rush and leads the team in goals (36), assists (43), points (79), rating (+25) and powerplay points (21). Among league leaders, Menei ranks 2nd in goals, 4th in points and 3rd in rating.
The 2010-11 MVP finalists also include Colorado forward Riley Nelson, Missouri goaltender Robby Nolan, Odessa forward Sebastien Thinel and Allen forward Colton Yellow Horn.
For the second straight season, Danny Battochio is a finalist for Most Outstanding Goaltender, coming in second last year to Odessa's Joel Martin.
Battochio is joined by David Brown of Quad City, Jeff Jakaitis of the Dayton Gems, Kyle Jones of the Colorado Eagles and Robby Nolan of the Missouri Mavericks as finalists.
Battochio currently leads the league in wins (25) as well as minutes played (2659) and is third overall with 1,169 saves. His 2.68 goals-against average ranks 9th, while his .908 save percentage is good enough for 7th in the CHL. The reigning rookie of the year also has three shutouts to his credit which is tied for third-most in the league.
The Rush are at home tonight against the Tulsa Oilers and tickets are still available.
Other Rush News:
Playoff tickets for the 2011 postseason are now available. To purchase, call the Rush office at 716-7825.
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
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