Rush Sign Three Young Goaltenders for 2013-14 Season
Published on September 20, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush announced three goaltenders signed for the 2013-14 season via the organization's brand new mobile app this afternoon. The Rush have added fourth-year pro Garrett Zemlak, as well as rookies Keaton Hartigan and Alex Dupuis. The Rush now have fifteen players signed for the upcoming season, which will be their sixth in the Black Hills.
"With only 33 teams at the 'AA' professional hockey teams, and the level of goaltending being so high, the talent pool available this year is exceptional," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "The three goalies that we have coming to training camp have all been number one goalies in major junior and college hockey. We're very excited that all three fit the new generation of goaltenders, big bodies that take away much of the net while maintaining great athleticism. All three come highly recommended as quality netminders of high character and thought very highly of by former teammates and coaches."
Zemlak, 24, is entering his fourth season in the pro ranks, spending last season in the EIHL splitting time between the Braehead Clan and Belfast Giants. In 15 games with the Giants, Zemlak posted an impressive 2.22 goals against average (GAA) and .926 save percentage (SV%).
"I can't wait to join the Rush family and community," said Zemlak. "I've heard nothing but great things from former teammates and coaches who have played for this organization. I know the expectations and high standards Joe has for his players in terms of professional and character people on and off the ice. This is a fantastic chance for me and my family with being so close to home, and I can't wait to get started. I'm very blessed for the opportunity."
The 6-1, 195-pound goaltender also spent the 2011-12 season in England, suiting up for the Fife Flyers where he had a 4.41 goals GAA and .889 SV%. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native spent his rookie season of 2010-11 in the ECHL, playing for different teams, while also appearing in an AHL game with Binghamton Senators.
The Rush also added 27-year old Keaton Hartigan who recently completed a five-year CIS career at the University of Waterloo. In 93 games there, the Kitchener, Ontario native posted a 3.08 GAA and .905 SV%. Even better, in 21 career playoff appearances, Hartigan has 11 wins to go along with a 2.6 GAA and .927 SV%.
"I am extremely grateful to sign with Rapid City," said Hartigan. "To play for not only such a successful program but a high class coach is truly an honor. After doing some research on the hockey club and Rapid City in general, I felt that the program and the hockey-oriented city would be a great fit for me."
Hartigan's best season at Waterloo came in 2009-10, when he won the OUA goaltender of the year award, was named to the OUA first all-star steam, and was named a second-team CIS all-Canadian. This past season, Hartigan backstopped the Warriors to the OUA championship game with a 7-3 record, 2.6 GAA and .932 SV%.
Finally, the Rush have brought in another goaltender from the Canadian college ranks in 24-year old Alex Dupuis. Hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Dupuis recently completed four years at Lakehead University.
"I look forward to playing for a team that receives such a large amount of community support," said Dupuis. "I'm confident that the work ethic and focus I bring to the rink everyday will have a positive impact on my teammates. This is the biggest step of my hockey career and I am thrilled to get the season started."
Dupuis appeared in 109 career CIS games for the Thunderwolves, earning a 62-36-5 record and posting a 2.91 GAA and .908 SV%. The 6-0, 190-pound goaltender's best season came during his junior campaign of 2011-12, where he held a 2.5 GAA and 2.83 SV% through 23 games.
Other Rush News:
Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are available now by calling the Rush office at 716-7825.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2013
- Rush Sign Three Young Goaltenders for 2013-14 Season - Rapid City Rush
- Brampton Beast Boost Roster by Five - Brampton Beast
- Single Game Tickets on Sale October 1st - St. Charles Chill
- Sundogs Add Two Forwards to Their Roster - Arizona Sundogs
- Americans Add Goaltender Fogal, Young Forward Lessard - Allen Americans
- Chill Adds Local Talent to Roster and Staff - St. Charles Chill
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