Mark Binetti Takes Over As Voice of the Rapid City Rush

(Rapid City, SD) – The sixth season of Rapid City Rush hockey will have a different sound come game day. The Rush are pleased to introduce Mark Binetti, who will bring all of the action to the fans as the new Media Relations Director/Broadcaster for the team. Originally from Tappan, NY, Binetti, 25, has spent the last 11 years living in Charlotte, NC. He will handle all media relations, public relations, and play-by-play duties for the Rush, replacing Daniel Nieves, who has been with the Rush organization since the teams’ inception. “I look forward to working with such a high class organization in the Rapid City Rush”, said Binetti. “I want to thank Daniel and Coach Ferras for this opportunity, and cannot wait to get behind the mic and bring all the action to the Rush fans on 100.3 FM the FOX. I wish Daniel the very best of luck in his future endeavors, and look forward to maintaining the strong media relations and broadcasting foundation that he has built with this team over the last 5 seasons in the CHL.” Binetti has spent the last 2 seasons in the broadcast booth of the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, serving as Lead Broadcast Assistant, as well as an on-air personality alongside Jason Shaya, the Director of Broadcasting for the Checkers. With the Checkers, Binetti organized and hosted intermission reports for all home Checkers contests, and handled hosting duties for select pre-game and post-game shows for the team. Additionally, he has spent the previous 3 years with ESPNU in Charlotte as a freelance contractor, performing duties ranging from production as a tape edit operator, to screening as a game logger, and to statistics and research assisting with ESPNU’s National Signing Day coverage for college football. Binetti earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of South Carolina, graduating in 2010. Nieves, 28, has been the ‘voice’ of the Rapid City Rush and has covered every game since the team’s inaugural season in 2008, including a successful championship run in 2010 and the 2011 CHL All-Star Game. In 2012, Nieves earned ‘CHL Broadcaster of the Year’ honors. “This was one of the most difficult decisions that I have made in my life,” said Nieves. “I have been calling games for over a decade now, and being a broadcaster is a fire inside of me that will never burn out. Having said that, I have been presented with an opportunity that I simply cannot let pass. The exposure that I received as a member of the Rush organization has allowed me the chance to meet a group that is giving me a break into the business world. Something that made my decision easier was the fact that I will remain here in Rapid City, maintaining the many relationships that I have built over the years. I hope to continue to be a part of the fabric that shapes this great town that I now consider home. I would like to extend a monumental thank you to the Rush organization. The owners, General Manager Tim Hill, Head Coach Ferras, fellow staff members and Civic Center staff for the wonderful treatment I have received. I owe a lot to mentors like Andy Evans, Bob Hoffman, Mike Emrick and Mike Haynes. A special thank you goes out to Steve Mears, who originally linked me to the Rush organization. Making a career change like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, the people who have blessed me with everything that I need to be successful in life. Finally, the biggest thank you goes to the fans who have made it a joy to live and work here in Rapid City. I hope to see you at my new restaurant this spring.” 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. ###