Rapid City's Top Point Men Return WIth Re-Signing of Jesse Schultz & Jared Brown

“Whenever you can bring back your top two impact forwards that play with the passion that both Jesse and Jared do, it’s a great day for the Rapid City Rush organization,” said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. Schultz, 30, returns for his third full season in Rapid City. After beginning last year in Italy, Schultz rejoined the Rush in mid-December, yet still managed to finish second on the team with 45 points in 43 games played (18G, 27A). Along the way, Schultz earned the 13th hat trick in franchise history (1/5 @ ALN) and appeared in 600th career game (3/1 @ ARZ). The veteran concluded the regular season on 14-game point streak, the longest of the year for Rapid City, and the 2nd longest in the CHL last season. “I am very excited to return to Rapid City for the upcoming season and to continue our goal of winning another championship,” said Schultz. “To once again play in such a wonderful city and in front of the best fans in the CHL is something I couldn't pass up.” The 6’0” 195-pound forward had a stellar 2011-12 campaign with the Rush. Schultz notched a five-game goal scoring streak and a 13-game point streak (7g, 13a) which tied for the longest such streak in franchise history at the time. For his efforts, Schultz was named Oakley CHL Player of the Week on December 12th and selected as a starter for the 2012 CHL All-Star Game in Prescott Valley, AZ, making him just the second All-Star starter in Rush history. When he joined the Rush in early March of 2011, Schultz became the first player in Rush history to have NHL experience under his belt. In 2006-07, Schultz was called up from the Manitoba Moose and appeared in two games for the Vancouver Canucks. From 2003-09, the Strasbourg, Saskatchewan native appeared in 441 AHL games for the Moose, Chicago Wolves and Houston Aeros, totaling 284 points (129g, 155a). In 2005-06, while with the Moose, Schultz led the team with 37 goals and 67 points in 80 regular season games. “Jesse’s not only been a point a game player since he’s come to Rapid City, he’s a player that has blossomed into a leader and is very well respected in the locker room,” stated Ferras. “He is a player that expects a lot out of himself and relishes the opportunity to be placed in key situations and wants to be a go to guy. When we put Jesse and Jared together along with Winston Day Chief, they all complimented each other very well. Jesse’s patience and hockey sense coupled with Jared’s speed and tireless work ethic along with Winston’s strength and intensity gave the line great chemistry that other teams had to key on.” The Rush also welcome back their leading scorer from last season, Jared Brown, who is entering his third season as a professional. “I’m very thrilled for the opportunity to play in Rapid City next season, one of the premier organizations in minor hockey,” stated Brown. “I feel that Joe is putting together a very strong contender this season and I’m excited to see what this team can accomplish. In his first season with the Rush, Brown led the team in assists (34), points (50), rating (+12) and game-Winning%20Goals (7) despite appearing in just 53 games. His seven game-Winning%20Goals were also good enough for 2nd in the CHL. “Jared is such a dynamic player with tremendous speed and offensive firepower and one of only a handful of players in the league that is capable of beating d-man 1 on 1,” continued Ferras. “Brownie is the type of player that is always creating scoring chances for our hockey club and his work ethic is second to none. Jared logs a ton of minutes and gives everything he’s got on a nightly basis, which makes players around him better. Going into his third professional season, we’re anticipating a breakout year, and also expect him take a leadership role for this hockey club both on and off the ice.” Before joining the Rush early last year, the 5’10” 185-pound forward began the season in Poland, skating for GKS Gastowice where he had 17 points (5G, 12A) in just eight contests. In his rookie campaign of 2011-12, Brown finished with 26 goals and 40 assists in 66 games played for Quad City. The Gardner, Kansas native made a big impact in his first campaign, leading all rookies and ranking ninth overall in the CHL with 66 total points. His performance earned him a spot on the CHL’s All-Rookie team. Prior to turning pro, the 26-year-old played four years of NCAA hockey for Northern Michigan University. Over four years as a Wildcat, Brown scored 32 times and recorded 83 points in 155 games. In his senior campaign, Brown produced nine goals and 23 points in 41 games while helping NMU to the school’s first NCAA tournament bid in a decade. Other Rush News: Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are available now by calling the Rush office at 716-7825. Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com. ###