Rush Adds All-Star Defenseman To Lineup
Published on September 16, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
The Rapid City Rush today announced the addition of Central Hockey League All-Star Gio Flamminio to the growing roster. Flamminio joins the Rush after spending last season playing for the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
"We're very excited to have Gio because he's the type of player that brings all facets to the game," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "We're expecting Gio to quarterback our power-play, be able to jump into the play 5-on-5, and give us that offensive threat."
Flamminio, a 6'0" 190-pound native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, posted 6 goals, 24 assists and 57 penalty minutes in 67 games played last season for the Sea Wolves. Flamminio was the top-scoring defenseman for the Sea Wolves and his impressive play continued into the post-season as he tallied 6 points in only 4 playoff contests. Flamminio has also played NCAA hockey dressing for the Ferris State Bulldogs of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Flamminio has also made stops in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), where in two seasons and 113 games played, he notched 34 goals and 88 assists for a total of 122 points to go along with 232 penalty minutes.
"I'm very excited. Having played in the CHL for two years, just the fact that it's a new city that's excited, a new group of guys, [Joe] seems like a great coach, I'm very excited," said Flamminio. "Lance Herauf was very interested in signing with the Rush and introduced me to the idea, I watched the recruiting video on the teams' website and I saw what type of first-class operation it was. When I saw the players coach Ferras was assembling, it made my decision very easy and I was sold right away. Since then, I've heard nothing but good things about the city and about the program."
Flamminio is no stranger to the CHL, as prior to his play in the ECHL, Flamminio skated two seasons for the Oklahoma City Blazers from 2005-2007. During his first stint in the CHL, Flamminio showed he could contribute from the blue line as he amassed 47 points and 129 penalty minutes in 117 games played.
"With Gio having a tremendous career so far, becoming an All-Star in his first season with Oklahoma City, he has continued with his development and last season put up great numbers becoming the top D-man for the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL," says coach Ferras. "The work ethic that Gio brings to the rink every day will be very positive to our other players, especially the younger guys to see what it takes to excel at the pro level."
Flamminio was named to the CHL's All-Star team during the 2005-2006 season, his first year in the league. Prior to that, Flamminio was awarded the Tim Horton's Top Defenseman Award while playing for Kindersly Klippers of the SJHL for the 2004-2005 season.
The team roster now includes: goaltenders Miguel Beaudry and Lanny Ramage, forwards Brady Olsen, Chris Lipsett, Stephen Cooke, Derek LeBlanc, R.G. Flath, Lance Herauf and Rich Hansen and defenseman Jamie VanderVeeken, Mark DeSantis, John Neal and Gio Flamminio.
Other Rush News:
The Rapid City Rush has acquired the rights to forward Matt Miller via trade.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2008
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