Rush Ink Goaltender Tim Boron for Upcoming Season
Published on June 8, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush are pleased to announce three signings for the upcoming 2012-13 season. Returning for his third season in a Rush uniform is goaltender Tim Boron, while the team has also brought in rookies Darcy Findlay and Winston Day Chief who appeared four playoff games for the Rush as an amateur last season.
Boron, 29, returns for his seventh professional season and third in Rapid City.
"We've got all the confidence in Tim to be that goalie that will lead us to a championship," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "Timmy is coming off of two stellar seasons here in Rapid where he's jumped into difficult situations and excelled. Getting him signed early this offseason was a priority, and we know he'll be ready to take this team on his shoulders and carry the ball. His two playoff performances have been incredible, and he knows we have some unfinished business. He's the type of athlete that wants to be the go-to guy and carry the load as a premier goalie at 'AA' level, and we have all the confidence that he can do so."
Last season, the Winnipeg, Manitoba product posted impressive numbers, leading all CHL goaltenders with a .925 save percentage while also finishing tied for first with three shutouts. The veteran goalie also ranked 4th in goals against (2.44) and 5th in wins (24). On March 20th, Boron was named CHL Goaltender of the Week and winning four games in five nights, posting a 4-0 record along with a 2.20 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. During that week, the Rush swept the top three teams in the league at the time (Wichita, Allen and Evansville).
"I'm very excited to come back for a third season with the Rush," said Boron. "Rapid City is, without a doubt, the greatest place to play. It's a pleasure to play in front of the greatest fans in the CHL and I love being a part of this wonderful city and community that gives so much support to the Rush. I really like the way the team is shaping up and it's going to be nice to have some young talent and high energy players this season. I'm returning this year with the aim of backstopping this team to another successful season, but definitely looking to go all the way this year."
The 6-foot, 177-pound Boron joined the Rush at the midway point of the 2010-11 season where he won his first eight decisions and finished with a very impressive 9-2-0 record during the regular season. The netminder's play carried over into the playoffs where he led all goaltenders with a 2.01 goals-against average and .941 save percentage in 12 games played. In game #4 of the Turner Conference Finals, a game that finished as the fifth longest playoff game in CHL history, Boron broke a league record that stood for over fifteen years, making 68 saves against the Colorado Eagles.
In Boron's rookie campaign of 2006-07, he appeared in 18 games for the Eagles, finishing with a 13-4-0 record. In 10 playoff games, he led all netminders with a 1.79 gaa and .944 sv%, culminating with a 27-save performance in game six of the Presidents' Cup finals to secure the Championship over the Laredo Bucks. During that 2007 playoff run, Boron set a CHL record for shutouts in the playoffs with three.
The Rush also announced the return of rookie forward Winston Day Chief to the lineup.
"We were very fortunate to get Winston as an amateur last season," stated Ferras. "After a remarkable college career in the CIS, we know he'll adapt to the pro game with ease, especially with what we saw in the playoffs. This time, he has all summer to prepare, knows what this level is like, and we expect him to come in and have a big year. Winston skates very well and has incredibly soft hands, but also a big strong body that is not afraid to go into tough areas and get the job done. Winston comes from the same program and is a similar player to Missouri's Andrew Courtney, who is a solid power forward, and we're hoping brings his offensive instincts to the pro game."
Day Chief, 24, joined the Rush as an amateur last season, suiting up in four playoff games. A native of Standoff, Alberta, Day Chief scored 23 goals and 24 assists in three years at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta.
"I'm excited to be returning to Rapid for the upcoming season," stated Day Chief. "I really enjoyed the little time I had spent there last season. I am anxious to play in the arena there because the fans are so great and we are treated unbelievable by the community of Rapid City. I am hoping to bring a hard work ethic to the ice that will help the team be successful."
The 6-2, 190-pound Day Chief played his junior hockey with the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the British Columbia Hockey League and scored 10 points on four goals and six assists in 27 games for the University of Alaska-Anchorage in 2007-2008, then finished at Lethbridge, where he'll earn a degree in kinesiology.
Finally, the Rush welcome newcomer Darcy Findlay who recently completed his senior year at Bemidji State University.
"We've had tremendous success with players coming from Bemidji," continued Ferras. "Coach Tom Serratore consistently prepares players for higher levels and we've always had great results with guys coming from that program. Darcy is a physical player that skates well, will finish his checks, and brings that much needed spark to the lineup."
In 112 games at NCAA Division I Bemidji, Findlay potted 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points to go along with 128 penalty minutes. In 2010-11, his junior campaign, the 5-10 205-pound forward earned WCHA Scholar Athlete Academic All-WCHA honors.
"I'm definitely excited to be a part of the Rapid City Rush," said Findlay. "There have been a lot of Bemidji State Beavers that have gone to Rapid City and had great success. Talking to the other players, I've heard nothing but great things about the team and city, and there was no doubt about where I wanted to go. In speaking to former players and my college coach, I've heard excellent things about coach Ferras and that was what drew me towards this team. It just goes to show how well established and respected he is. With the success that this franchise has had, it made my decision a no-brainer and I'll look to help continue that tradition."
Other Rush News:
Join the team! Season tickets for the 2012-13 campaign are on sale now, starting at only $10 per game! Call the Rush at 605-716-PUCK (7825) to reserve your seats today. Season ticket holders receive a variety of benefits and exclusive perks.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 8, 2012
- Bullfrogs Avoid Sweep With 4-1 Win Over Mallards - Quad City Mallards
- Rush Ink Goaltender Tim Boron for Upcoming Season - Rapid City Rush
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