Rush signs former Ice Bats Forward
Published on July 30, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
R.G. Flath, 23, of Park City, Utah joins the growing roster of Rapid City Rush and former teammate Miguel Beaudry.
Flath began his professional hockey career last season with the Oklahoma City Blazers and finished the season with the Austin Ice Bats.
"I can't wait to start playing and winning games. I have the itch to get the season going," said Flath. "I feel that we are going to have a great team and make a real run at the Championship. We have forwards that can score, a solid defensive core, and I know first-hand how Beads (Beaudry) can play."
During his first professional hockey season, Flath played in 57 games earning 20 goals and 23 assists for 43 points.
"R.G. had a great first year as pro, after starting slow he developed into a go-to-guy for Austin and was instrumental in helping the Ice Bats earn a play-off spot," said Rush head coach Joe Ferras. "R.G. is very strong on the puck and is willing to go into tough areas to make the play and you can't have enough 20 goal scorers."
Prior to playing professionally in the CHL, Flath played two years in the NCAA for Milwaukee School of Engineering. From 2001 to 2005, he played for the Soo Indians in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
When asked why he chose expansion team Rush, Flath stated, "the experience of everyone in the organization. Everything has been done first class, and as a player, that's something you really look for. Second the quality of life in Rapid City. I did a lot of research on the town and found nothing but good things."
"R.G. was a player I targeted after watching him play several times last season," said Rush head coach Ferras. "After speaking with his former head coach Brent Hughes and how he felt that R.G. became a key player for the Ice Bats in his first pro season as the year progressed and he was given more opportunity. This reassured me that the Rush was getting a quality player that will only get better as his pro career continues."
"In my spare time I try real hard to play golf, but I'm not that good," Flath said. "Whoever convinced me that all hockey players were good at golf has really thrown me under the bus."
Other Rush News:
General Manager Jason Rent announced last week that the team is currently accepting applications for the team mascot. Applications are available on the team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.
"The Mascot is a critical element to the team and we're eager to introduce the Mascot at the Central States Fair," said Rent. "This is just one of several exciting events planned for the week's leading to our Inaugural Season."
Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras and select Rush players will host an Inaugural Hockey School August 25 - 29, from 8 am to 5 pm for area boys and girls. Cost is $325 per camper; registration forms are available online at RapidCityRush.com. For more information, contact Assistant General Manager Tim Hill at 605-716-PUCK (7825) or email tim@rapidcityrush.com.
Rush set to sponsor the September Rapid City Chamber Mixer on the 9th at the Civic Center. The Mixer will include food samplings from the new ice arena, tours of the new facility and several other hockey-related events.
Rapid City Rush opens their Inaugural Season on the road against Colorado October 17th. They're slated to play their home opener November 29th against the Eagles. The puck drops at 7:05 pm.
For more information on Rush Pro Hockey, log onto www.RapidCityRush.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 30, 2008
- Oilers Sign Two - Tulsa Oilers
- Jacks Add Depth with Moyer, Rutt Returns - Odessa Jackalopes
- Rush signs former Ice Bats Forward - Rapid City Rush
- Mike Tuomi Added To RiverKings Roster - Mississippi RiverKings
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