CHL Rapid City Rush

Rapid City's Kevin Harvey Called up to AHL's Springfield Falcons

Published on January 17, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today that forward Kevin Harvey has been called up to the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL). Prior to the season, Harvey attended training camp with the Falcons before being assigned to the Rush. The 6'2" 200-pound winger was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 9th round, 270th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Harvey, 26, has totaled eight points (4G, 4A) and 155 penalty minutes in 32 games for the Rush this season. Harvey's 155 PIM rank second in the league, behind only Adam Smyth of the Arizona Sundogs.

"We know the type of game that Kevin brings night in and night out," said Rush head coach Joe Ferras. "He brings the same effort and intensity and keeps the game simple. He's very physical and for a player at 185 pounds, he'll fight anyone. Kevin works hard and takes no nights off, and those are the type of players that AHL teams want. He's already played two years at that level, and although we hate to lose him, we want all of our players to make it to the next level. This reflects well on the entire Rush organization, and we wish Kevin the best."

The Springfield Falcons are led by Head Coach Rob Riley who coached at West Point for nineteen years.

"Kevin had some history with us in Springfield when he came in during the preseason on a tryout basis," said Falcons Head Coach Rob Riley. "We liked what we saw from Kevin, but we had a number of contracted players sent back to us, so we had to let him go. He skated well, is very tough and a great teammate, so we were sad to see him go."

Riley's brother, Brian, who is the current coach at West Point, was the Head Coach at SUNY-Plattsburgh while Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras was a player there. Rob's father, Jack Riley, coached the United States to a gold medal at the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics. Jack also spent 36 years as the Head Coach at West Point.

"I'm a long-time close friend of Joe and he's a tremendous hockey guy," continued Riley. "We talked about Harvey, and we both wanted to give him opportunity to return to the AHL level. Joe and I have a good two way relationship and we help each other out whenever we can. I know it's tough to lose a player, but I won't forget his help today so that when Joe needs a player, I'll be there for him."

Harvey joined the Rush after playing a pair of seasons with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL).

In 117 total games with the Crunch from 2008-2010, Harvey collected 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 total points while racking up 479 penalty minutes. He also suited up in 23 games for the Reading Royals of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 2008-09, scoring 10 points and amassing 122 penalty minutes.

"To go back to the AHL level is something I've been striving for from the start of the season," said Harvey. "Joe has made me a better player and it definitely helps to be in a city with this kind of support. It makes it much easier to step in and strive for and opportunity at a higher level. Rapid is the closest you can get to being treated like an AHL player. The entire organization is first class and extremely well run, making it easy to fit in. After being sent down, Coach Riley said he'd keep his eye out for me and suggested I go to Rapid City, so it was the place I wanted to be."

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Harvey turned pro in 2006 with the CHL's New Mexico Scorpions. In two seasons with New Mexico, Harvey appeared in 109 games, totaling 29 points and 482 penalty minutes.

Other Rush News:

Tickets for the 2010 - 11 Rush hockey season are on sale now. 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.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 17, 2011


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