Rush Trade Lands Gio Flamminio Back in Rapid City

July 2, 2013, 12:08 pm (Rapid City, SD) – The Rapid City Rush are pleased to announce the completion of a trade with the Tulsa Oilers, serving as the first offseason move for the Rush. Rapid City has sent the rights of forwards Dan Gendur and Jordan Baker to Tulsa in exchange for defenseman Gio Flamminio. A native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Flamminio spent three seasons in Rapid City from 2008-2011, which included the team’s Presidents’ Cup Championship in 2010. In all, Flamminio has suited up in 211 games for Rapid City, where he has racked up 12 goals and 60 assists for 72 points and 280 penalty minutes. “It’s very exciting to get Gio back to Rapid City for the upcoming season,” said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. “We know the intangibles that Gio brings to our hockey club. He has a tremendous work ethic that pushes his teammates on a daily basis to be better players. He will bring that leadership especially to our younger players in the locker room and lead by example and show them what it takes to win.” Heading into his ninth professional season, the veteran defenseman has 491 career games under his belt, 424 of which have been in the CHL. In his first season with the Rush, the 6’0”, 195-pound Flamminio led all Rush defenseman in scoring, where he set career highs in assists (25) and points (32). “It’s so awesome to have the opportunity to play for the Rush again this season,” said Flamminio. “The professionalism of the organization along with having the best fans in the league are just two of the many reasons why I look forward to this year. My main focus is to be a solid teammate who competes and leads on a nightly basis. I also want to be a positive fixture in the community and give back to the game that has given me so much. Nothing would mean more to me than to win another championship in Rapid City.” Last season, Flamminio skated in 64 games for the Oilers where he potted two goals and added four assists. In his 2011-12 campaign, Flamminio amassed 15 points (3G, 12A) and 48 penalty minutes in 63 contests. “Gio is the type of defensemen that makes players around him better and we can match him up against other teams top lines because of his compete level and team first mentality,” continued Ferras. “The other side to Gio is his commitment to the Rush organization and his commitment to Rapid City and when the opportunity arose for me to get Gio back to the Rush it was a win-win situation.” Flamminio skated with the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) during the 2007-08 season where he tallied 30 points in 67 games. His first stint in the CHL was with Oklahoma City during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. While with the Blazers, Flamminio totaled 12 goals and 35 assists for 47 points in 117 games played. 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. ###