Rush Inks Two CHL Vets
Published on September 2, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
Herauf, a 5'9'' 167-pound winger from Balgonie, Saskatchewan, comes to the Rush after spending last season with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Herauf's CHL experience includes time with the Tulsa Oilers and the New Mexico Scorpions.
Before that, Herauf spent one season and the University of Regina and three years playing for the Yorktown Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).
"Lance is a great skater with a ton of offensive upside and he's the type of player that can be a point-per-game guy in the CHL," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "I know he's excited to come to a new franchise and I look forward to Lance getting back the form he had 2 years ago in New Mexico when he was an All-Star."
Herauf has competed in 128 contests in two seasons in the CHL where he boasts 98 points while accumulating 137 penalty minutes. While at New Mexico, Herauf was awarded with an All-Star nomination during the 2006-2007 season.
Herauf joins the Rush by way of a trade with Rio Grande Valley that was completed as part of the expansion draft at the CHL's summer league meetings. The Rush selected goaltender Mike Minard who was then sent to the Killer Bees for the rights to Lance Herauf.
Neal is a 5'10'' 175-pound defenseman from Scotland, Ontario. Neal spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playing for the Oshawa Generals. Following that, Neal began his career in the CHL by suiting up for the Lubbock Cotton Kings and the Youngstown Steelhounds during the 2006-2007 season. Last season, Neal played for the Austin Ice Bats along with Rush goaltender Miguel Beaudry.
"John is the type of player that is built for the new game. He's an exceptional skating defenseman that can join the play and still get back on defense," said Head Coach Ferras. "I watched John play several times down the stretch last season when the Austin Ice Bats were battling for playoff position and he showed great poise and played in all situations during crunch time, which was great to see for a young defenseman."
Neal has posted 13 goals and 24 assists to go along with 82 penalty minutes in two seasons in the CHL. Last season was Neal's best in the CHL as he was able to tally 8 goals and 21 assists for a total of 29 points in 57 games.
"Coming off a breakout season, I know John is eager to build on his offensive totals and continue to get stronger and become and impact player," said Coach Ferras.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 2, 2008
- Rush Inks Two CHL Vets - Rapid City Rush
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