Rush Bring Back Smale, Welcome Newcomers Poplawski and Brannigan for 2011-12
August 25, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today the signing of three players for the 2011-12 season. Andrew Smale will return for his second season while the team has signed its first newcomers of the offseason, bringing in defenseman Wade Poplawski and winger James Brannigan.
"With today's signings, all three players bring a ton of energy and add depth to our roster," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "All three are character kids with great work ethic, and that is the foundation of our squad."
The 6'5" 218-pound Smale played both offense and defense for the Rush last season, totaling 17 points on 3 goals and 14 assists. In a contest against the Dayton Gems on April 1st, the two-time All-Star collected his 100th career point.
"Last season ended on disappointing note with us falling just short of a spot in the Finals," said Smale. "I've been working real hard this summer with that in the back of my mind. I came to Rapid last year to win a championship, and that's why I'm coming back this season. I know from my experience last year, seeing the hard work that Joe and Desi put in, that they are putting together a championship contender again this season."
A native of Bowmanville, Ontario, Smale has played each of his 5 professional seasons in the CHL. In 2009-10, while with the Amarillo Gorillas, the 29-year-old had his best statistical season, setting career highs in goals (9) assists (21) and points (30). Smale began his pro career with the New Mexico Scorpions where he collected 46 points in three seasons.
"We're looking for Andrew to build off of last season," continued Ferras. "With Andrew, you know that he leaves all on the ice night in and night out. He has a great work ethic, can play both forward and defense, and we're looking at him to bring a physical element to our roster. We want him to build off of last season, especially with the confidence he had in the second half."
The Rush also bring in rookie defenseman Wade Poplawski who recently completed a four-year career at Colgate University. Before joining the Rush, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native will attend training camp with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Springfield Falcons.
"I've heard that Rapid City is a great place to play and that the fans are incredible," said Poplawski. "I'm very happy about having an opportunity to play for the Rush and I hope to be an important member of the team this season. The camp in Springfield will be my first experience with pro hockey, so I'm looking forward to it. It should be a good test for me and I'm excited to see how I'll compare to the other players."
In 126 games at Colgate, Poplawski totaled 6 goals and 28 assists for 34 points along with 102 penalty minutes. After an injury-shortened sophomore year, Poplawski bounced back in 2009-10, serving as assistant captain and a co-recipient of the Dan Coley "Barrell" Award for best defenseman.
"Poplawski is one of the players attending camp with Springfield," stated Ferras. "He had a tremendous college career with Colgate making it to the NCAA tournament, and him being the cornerstone of the defense. He's a great skater and anticipates the game well. Hopefully he will have a good AHL camp and be player that can come in and fill the void left by Dave Grimson. This is the young d-man we were looking for."
The third player announced was James Brannigan who last skated for the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 2008-09. In that season, he appeared in 27 games, pouring in 8 goals and 8 assists.
"James is a very skilled player that has great speed," noted Ferras. We're looking for him to come in here and be a consistent contributor at the pro level. With the way the games are called now, and with so many powerplays, we need him to use his strong offensive attributes."
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Brannigan attended Colorado College for three seasons on a full-ride scholarship. Despite being out due to injury, Brannigan has had the opportunity to skate alongside players such as Miroslav Satan, Alexei Yashin, Christopher Higgens, Mike Komisarek, and former Rush player Jon Pelle this summer.
"From what I've heard, the Rush have the best fans in the league and I'm really excited to be a part of the team," stated Brannigan. "I have been working hard at the New York Islanders practice facility where we do a lot of skill work, scrimmaging, and conditioning. I am ready to help this team win."
Prior to his college days, the 5'11" 185-pound winger skated for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, potting 23 goals and 45 points in 60 games. For that 2003-04 season, Brannigan finished 12th overall in goals and 5th overall with 6 game-winning goals.
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.
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- Learn About The Australian Ice Hockey League On Puska On Pucks - OSC Original by Denis Puska
- Rush Bring Back Smale, Welcome Newcomers Poplawski and Brannigan for 2011-12 - Rapid City Rush
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- Mallards Ink Sheldrake - Quad City Mallards
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