Rush Bolster Both Ends of Ice with Signing of Eric Giosa & Ryan Palmer
Published on September 16, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush made a splash on Monday afternoon, announcing the signing of forward Eric Giosa and defenseman Ryan Palmer. With the addition of Giosa and Palmer, the Rush have now announced twelve players for the upcoming season.
Giosa, 29, gives the Rush a big boost offensively, having posted 28 goals and 70 points for the Quad City Mallards in 2011-12. Giosa spent last season playing for the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL where he amassed 33 points (14G, 19A) in 50 games played.
"It may sound clicḫ̩, but Rapid City is the right place, the right time, and the right team for me," said Giosa. "It will certainly be a pleasure playing for Joe who is involved with the team and the community on and off the ice. I'm excited to play in front of the loudest fans in the league and also reunite with a few former teammates, including Jared Brown and Ryan Palmer. I've also had a chance to meet a couple of the guys (Reeder, Wray, Schultz, Weselowski) this summer, and immediately knew it was a good fit. I'm really looking forward to getting the season underway and help in bringing a championship back to Rapid City."
This season will mark the Northville, Michigan native's fifth as a pro and fourth in the CHL, having suited up for the Quad City Mallards for two seasons and spending his rookie year of 2009-10 with the Laredo Bucks. In 175 CHL games, the 5-11, 185-pound Giosa has racked up 66 goals and 87 assists for 153 total points.
"Eric is a top-end player at the AA level and adds a ton of commitment and character to our hockey club," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "He is highly skilled and has been a point-a-game guy his entire career and I am confident that will continue here in Rapid City. Eric is a player that leads by example and boasts a tremendous work ethic that will resonate throughout the locker room. He was always a thorn in our side and a player we had to key on while he was a member of the Quad City Mallards. Knowing what Eric is capable of, he will become an instant fan favorite here in the Black Hills."
Giosa began his pro career in the ECHL, appearing in four games at the end of 2008-09 with Reading after leading Sacred Heart University (AHA) his senior year with 16 goals and 29 points. After netting a team-high 26 goals in 54 games during 2010-11, Giosa followed that with career-highs in goals (28), assists (42), and points (70) which were also eigth-best in the CHL in 2011-12.
The Rush also added a big body and shutdown defenseman today with the signing of Ryan Palmer. The 30-year old palmer brings a 6-3, 215-pound frame to the Rush blueline after splitting last season between the Bloomington Blaze of the CHL and the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL.
"I am extremely excited to be coming to Rapid City," said Palmer. "I have longed to be a part of a championship organization, to feel the excitement created each night by the great Rush fans and to finally play for coach Ferras. I look forward to earning the respect of everyone associated with the organization, our fans, and my new teammates. I wish for the fans to know they will always get my best effort each and every night. Finally, my wife Adrianna and son Jacoby can't wait to be an integral part of the Rapid City community."
A veteran of over 437 games, including 334 in the CHL, Palmer is entering his eighth professional season. The Groton, Massachusetts native 60 career points in the CHL (11G, 49A) while racking up 499 penalty minutes, suiting up for the Colorado Eagles, Laredo Bucks, Odessa Jackalopes, Quad City Mallards, and Bloomington Blaze.
"Ryan is another player of high character and a player that puts the team first," continued Ferras. "He has always worn a letter everywhere he has played, and now getting Ryan to Rapid City, we know he'll bring that leadership into our locker room. Ryan is a big body that plays a very gritty and tenacious game. He plays with a high compete level and strong skating ability which makes him a defenseman that is very difficult to play against. With Ryan attending the AHL's Worcester Sharks training camp, this experience will give him a head start in his preparation for the upcoming season."
Other Rush News:
Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are available now by calling the Rush office at 716-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2013
- Rush Bolster Both Ends of Ice with Signing of Eric Giosa & Ryan Palmer - Rapid City Rush
- Denver Cutthroats Partner with TicketsWest and National Western Complex - Denver Cutthroats
- Mallards Sign Rugged Forward Lane - Quad City Mallards
- Rapid City Rush Gear up for 2013 Golf Tournament at Red Rock Set for October 5th - Rapid City Rush
- Sundogs Resign Goaltender David Brown - Arizona Sundogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
