Rush Welcome in Rookies
September 3, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Rapid City Rush are proud to announce a pair of rookies to the 2009-10 campaign. The Rush bring in netminder Danny Battochio as well as forward Devon LeBlanc who will skate alongside his brother Derek.
"We are very excited to have Devon in the fold coming off a solid junior career in which he had a career highs in points and fights," said Head Coach Joe Ferras. "We know he has the capabilities to put up numbers and play a physical brand of hockey. With Devon heading to AHL camp in the upcoming weeks, this should help his transition into the pro game."
The 21 year-old Devon LeBlanc is the younger brother of second-year Rush forward Derek LeBlanc. He enters his first professional season after playing 5 seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he totaled 50 goals and 97 points to go along with 251 penalty minutes. While with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, Devon skated against Derek who suited up for the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Calgary Hitmen with both donning the number 24. The two will now be united on the same squad for the first time as professionals.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to join an organization like the Rush," said Devon. "It's exciting for me to be signed with a team with such great players already a part of it. Adding to that to play with my brother Derek is a dream come true for both of us. The city of Rapid is first class and I can't say enough about the organization and the coaching staff, especially Joe [Ferras]. I've been anxious for this season for awhile and can't wait for it to start so we can bring a championship to Rapid City."
The Rush also bring in their second goaltender, rookie Danny Battochio. Battochio played the last 3 years with St. Francis Xavier University as their starting goaltender and was co-MVP for the 2008-09 season. The 5'10" 175-pound netminder hails from Sudbury, Ontario and posted a 3.30 goals-against average and .893 save percentage last season.
"I am very thrilled and excited to become part of the Rush organization," said Battochio. "It is going to be a great place to begin my pro career and I am looking forward to helping the team in any way possible."
Battochio posted a record of 15-11-0-2 this past season and was an AUS 2nd team All-Star. Battochio led all Atlantic University Sport (AUS) goalies in games played with 26 and was 6th in the AUS with his 3.30 goals-against average. He also ended up 2nd in the AUS in both shutouts (2) and saves per game (26.12 avg/game). Battochio was awarded CIS Athlete of the Week honors the week of Jan. 11, 2009.
"We're very excited to have Danny Battocchio," said Ferras. "He had a tremendous major-junior career leading the Ottawa 67's to the Memorial Cup. In his 3 years at St. Xavier, he was not only an All-Star, but was a leader both on and off the ice. Heading to AHL camp will give him that added confidence heading into our season and help him prepare for the level of shooters here at the pro level."
Both Devon LeBlanc and Battochio will attend AHL training camps in the fall.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 3, 2009
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- Rush Welcome in Rookies - Rapid City Rush
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- Killer Bees Add Rookies Hofstetter, Muncy And Sweazey To Roster - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Catch Up With Top Rookie Smith Friday - Laredo Bucks
- Haddon & Hogg Re-Sign With Eagles - Colorado Eagles
- Head Coach Bruce Ramsay has made two key acquisitions - Tulsa Oilers
- Bucks Sign All-Star Goaltender Spence - Laredo Bucks
- Former IceRay Joins Hockey Operations Staff - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Butler Named Player Assistant; Nemesis Standish Now An Oiler - Tulsa Oilers
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