CHL Rapid City Rush

Rush Start Off-Season Signings With Pair Of Returnees

Published on May 11, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release


(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush are proud to announce the first signings of the 2009 off- season. After an inaugural season full of success, the Rush welcome back two key elements in forwards Rich Hansen and Derek LeBlanc.

Last season with the Rush, center Rich Hansen was voted in as a starter for the 2009 CHL All- Star Game after collecting 13 goals and 26 assists for a team-leading 39 points through the first 27 games of the season. The All-Star appearance was Hansen's second of his career, first as a starter. The selection was also the second award of the season for Hansen. After the first month, Hansen was named Sher-Wood Player of the Month by the CHL for his performance during the month of October. In his 7 games during the month of October, Hansen recorded 7 goals and 11 assists for 18 points.

"Richie had a break-out season last year, averaging over a point a game and was a key element in our success," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "We're expecting Rich to bring a ton of leadership to the team both on and off the ice and we're looking for him to continue to grow and build off of his stellar season."

Hansen, a native of Northport, NY, led the expansion Rush in a number of statistical categories even though he missed 6 games due to injury. Hansen led the team in assists (46), points (64), rating (+8), powerplay assists (25) and powerplay points (29). Hansen also scored the first shorthanded goal in Rush history (11/2 @ Wichita), scored the first goal at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center (11/29 vs. Colorado), accumulated his 200th regular season point (2/6 @ New Mexico), had eight 3+ point efforts through the season and had a team-high 8-game point streak through the month of December.

LeBlanc also put up numbers last season as a rookie. After taking time to adjust in the first half of the season, LeBlanc quickly climbed his way up the points list. In the 28 games of the '08 calendar year, LeBlanc posted 9 goals and 2 assists for 11 points while in the final 36 games of the season, he exploded for 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points.

"Derek was our most pleasant surprises last year as after a slow start, he turned into one of our more dominant players in the second half," said Ferras. "Derek has great speed and size and is one of those players that will go into traffic and go into tough areas and do whatever it takes to score goals. I don't think is it a far reach for Derek to reach the 35-goal plateau for next season.

After his first season as a professional, Derek knows what it takes to be a pro and we expect him to bring leadership and commitment to the Rush on a nightly basis and be that impact player."

The Brandon, Manitoba native led the Rush with 4 game-winning goals while his 26 goals ranked second on the squad and his 45 points were good enough for 5th on the team. When looking at the CHL's rookie scoring leaders, LeBlanc finished the regular season ranked 3rd in goals, 9th in points and led all rookies in powerplay goals with 11.

Other Rush News:

Don't forget that if you haven't already done so, you must renew your season tickets before Friday, May 15th , 2009. A $100.00 deposit per seat is needed before 5 pm on the 15th or your seats will be released. To renew your season tickets for the 2009 - 2010 Rush hockey season, call the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825).

Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.

Check out the Rapid City Rush Statistics

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Central Hockey League Stories from May 11, 2009


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