Rush Sign Former Nemesis Joe Grimaldi; Add Two Rookie Forwards
Published on September 14, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - Today, the Rapid City Rush announced the addition of three more players to the 2011-12 roster. Joining the squad is former Colorado Eagles defenseman Joe Grimaldi along with rookie forwards Brad Flynn and Josh Heidinger.
Grimaldi come to Rapid City after spending the majority of last season with the Colorado Eagles which included a seven-game series against the Rush in the Turner Conference Finals.
"Joe was certainly a thorn in our side all of last season," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "He has the capability of getting under opposing team's skin and getting them off of their game. One of our top priorities as a coach staff was to upgrade the back end, especially since [Dave] Grimson and [Dan] MacIntyre were retiring. We're very familiar with him and know what he brings on a nightly basis. We know he plays with an edge and serves not only as a shut down d-man, but can anchor our powerplay and can move the puck very well. The best part of pro hockey is that one year, you have player that was a bitter rival. The very next season when they join your team, they become instant fan favorites and part of the fabric in the community."
Last season, the 25 year-old Grimaldi began the season appearing in 17 games for the Evansville IceMen, pouring in 11 points (5g, 6a) in that span. The 5th-year pro was then traded to the Colorado Eagles where he totaled 24 points (4g-20a) in 45 games while also racking up 171 penalty minutes.
"I am ecstatic to come to Rapid City this season and join the Rush," said Grimaldi. "I am honored and thankful to be able to be apart such a prominent organization, not to mention a successful one. I feel that Rapid City and the Rush organization have started something special here from day one; a tradition. When you step on the ice in the Civic Center you can feel the history in the building, and that's extremely important to me as a player. I feel that out of all the rinks I have played in throughout my career, its one of the toughest for the opposition to be successful in. I know this from firsthand experience during the Turner Conference Championship this past season. The main reason is because of the great atmosphere the fans provide for the Rush. I feel that every great organization has amazing fan support behind them and I am pumped to be a part of it in Rapid City. I have gotten a chance to work with Coach Ferras early in my career when we were both in the New York islander organization, and it was a great experience. I am hoping for this experience to be even better!"
Grimaldi is a 6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed shooting defenseman who has spent the majority of his pro career at the AHL and ECHL levels, putting up 40 points (7g, 33a) in 142 games. In 204 total pro games, Grimaldi has amassed 61 points (14g, 47a) and 548 penalty minutes.
"I am also looking forward to go to AHL camp with the Springfield Falcons, another successful organization that has been around for quite some time now," continued Grimaldi. "I have been training extremely hard this off-season, both on and off the ice, to prepare for this opportunity. I am extremely excited to lace up the skates and get to work! I have played in the AHL earlier in my career and I feel that, since that time, I have developed more as player. I feel that some of the areas I was once weak in, I have now matured and improved, so it's going to a great personal challenge to see what I can do."
The Ronkonkoma, NY native was a member of the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2002-03 and 2003-04 before attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha the next two years. He also spent time with the OHL's Ottawa 67's in 2005-06 and 2006-07, putting up 57 points in 92 games.
The Rush have also inked rookie forward Josh Heidinger who recently completed a four-year NCAA career at Canisius College.
"Josh had four stellar seasons playing college hockey at Canisius, culminating being a part of a championship run in the ECHL with Cincinnati," stated Ferras. "These are the guys you want on your squad. With him being a first year player, he'll bring that enthusiasm and energy to our club. He is capable of slowing the game down, has great hockey sense and is very creative with the puck."
Heidinger, who stands 5-11, 185-pounds, joined the Cincinnati Cyclones as an amateur, appearing in 10 playoff game and potting 6 points (3g, 3a) en route to a 2010 Kelly Cup Championship. In his four year career at Canisius, the Buffalo, New York native appeared in 141 contests and put up impressive numbers totaling 132 (37g, 95a) points and 209 penalty minutes.
Finally, the Rush bring in another rookie forward coming out of college with the addition of Brad Flynn.
"Brad is a first year pro that we're looking to bring some grit and hard-nosed hockey, continued Ferras. "He's a character kid that will leave it all on the ice and be the first guy to stick up for his teammates."
After playing one season for the University of Southern Maine, 5-10, 190-pound forward then transferred to Brock University in the CIS. Over his four seasons, the New Glasgow, Nova Scotia native finished with 6 points (2g, 4a) and 89 penalty minutes in 62 games.
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.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2011
- Rush Sign Former Nemesis Joe Grimaldi; Add Two Rookie Forwards - Rapid City Rush
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