Rush Continue to Build Roster; Ink Newcomers Ryan Menei and Andrew Smale
Published on August 18, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced today the addition of Ryan Menei and Andrew Smale, bringing the number of signed players for the 2010-11 season to ten. Both players set career highs in points last season as Menei compiled over 50 while Smale collected 30 and represented the Amarillo Gorillas in the 2010 CHL All-Star Game. The duo marks the first new additions of the 2010 off-season for the Rush.
"With all of the coaches we spoke to in ECHL, we've heard nothing but great things about Ryan," said head coach Joe Ferras. "We are getting a very good two-way player with a knack for getting the puck to net. With the loss of Brendan Cook, we believe Ryan can pick up the goal scoring and he should be able to fill that role with the fact that he's a natural right winger. Ryan is a great asset because he competes on a daily basis, knows what it takes to win and has a great work ethic."
Menei, 24, is entering his 4th season as a pro and first stint in the CHL. The 5'11" 203-pound Menei began his pro career with the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL in 2007-08, and in his debut season he finished second in overall team rankings in points (56), goals (23), and assists (33) while skating in 71 games which earned him a spot on the American Conference All-Star Team. Menei then played 13 games in Italy before rejoining the Sea Wolves for the remainder of the 2008-09 season where he picked up 32 points in 52 games. Last season, Menei split time between the Johnstown Chiefs and Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL where he compiled 18 goals and setting a career high with 53 points in 66 games played.
"I'm really excited to be joining the Rush," said Menei. "I've heard nothing but great things from Joe about the city and the fans of Rapid City. It will be an honor to play in front of dedicated and loyal fans and I can't wait to get the season started to help defend and repeat as champions. This means a lot to me to sign with Rapid City because they're known as a first class organization and a team that is focused on winning."
Prior to turning pro, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native skated three seasons with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL). After collecting a total of 37 points in his first two seasons, Menei had a breakout season in 2006-07, leading his team in goals (35), assists (42) and points (77) in 71 games played.
Also signing with the Rush for the 2010-11 season is forward/defenseman Andrew Smale who brings 6'4" 220-pound frame to the Rush locker room.
"To get a player the size of Andrew that can play both offense and defense, he will definitely be a big cog in our special teams, capable of playing in front of the net or at the point," said Ferras. "Andrew carries the puck very well skates equally as strong, and for this reason, he will be attending an AHL camp this year. Playing for Amarillo last season, Andrew was very effective against us and we are happy to have him on our side this season."
A native of Bowmanville, Ontario, Smale has played each of his 4 professional seasons in the CHL. Last year while with the Amarillo Gorillas, the 28-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.
"After missing the playoffs for the past three seasons, I jumped at the chance to join the defending champions," said Smale. "Not only because of the hockey program, but also because of the support I have seen the team receive from the fans of Rapid City. The prospect of winning a championship was a huge selling point for me because I want to win and I will do everything I can to help ensure a tradition of winning for the Rush and town Rapid City. After making multiple trips to Rapid City over the past two seasons, I know how well supported the team is and think the city deserves the best from all its players and organization. With the moves that both Coach Ferras and DeSantis have made this off-season, I believe the team is up for the task that faces a defending champion and I am excited to get started down the road to a repeat."
For his collegiate career, Smale played four straight seasons with the University of Toronto. He led all defenseman in goals and assists in each of his final two years with the Varsity Blues before turning pro in 2006-07 with New Mexico.
Menei and Smale mark the first newcomers to the 2010-11 Rush roster. They join forwards Brendon Hodge, Scott Wray, Rich Hansen, Blaine Jarvis, Luke Erickson and defenseman Riley Weselowski, Dave Grimson and Libor Ustrnul.
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 Rush hockey season. 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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