RUSH SIGN AMATEURS CAMPBELL AND DIVJAK TO ROOKIE CONTRACTS

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush is pleased to announce the signing of Reid Campbell and Patrick Divjak to rookie contracts for the upcoming 2014-15 CHL season. Both Campbell and Divjak joined the Rush as amateurs last season for the team’s opening round playoff series with the Quad City Mallards, but did not see any playing time in the seven-game set.

“Having both Reid and Patrick join the team as amateurs for our playoff run last season allowed them to see what is expected at the professional ranks,” said Head Coach and GM Joe Ferras on his new rookies. “Even though they did not receive playing time, they showed much promise as hockey players, and their brief beginning with our hockey club will help their transition from the collegiate game to the professional game.”

“It feels really great to be back. I really enjoyed the community, the people, and the fans when I was with the team last, so I’m definitely looking forward to playing in front of them this season,” said Campbell on his signing with the Rush. “I wasn’t able to play last season unfortunately, but seeing what pro hockey had to offer, especially with a first class club like this, was great.”

A native of Haines Junction, Yukon Territory in Canada, Campbell, 25, comes to the Rush from NCAA Division III powerhouse St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA). In 116 games spanning four seasons with the Green Knights, Campbell recorded 40 points as a defenseman (10 goals and 30 assists), and helped the Green Knights to three NCAA Division III National Championships in the last four years, winning this past year’s national championship, and his first two back-to-back in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

“Throughout my entire career, I’ve always tried to be a ‘sparkplug’ on the ice,” added Campbell on what he brings to the professional game. “I really like to play physical even though I’m not that big, and I like making a great first pass. If I stick to what I’ve done in college and juniors then my transition will be easier for sure. My ultimate goal is a championship, but outside of that I want to play the role that’s given to me, be that seventh man, and make others around me better. I’ve been working hard this offseason to give myself a great shot at training camp, but again, at the end of the day, the team’s success is everything.”

“Reid is coming off of an exceptional 4 year career as an impact player at St. Norbert College,” said Ferras of Reid Campbell. “He was an instrumental part of three championship teams in his four-year collegiate career. Although not big in stature, Reid has very good feet and quickness that will be very important as a pro. Reid is very similar in style to current Rush defenseman Brett Kostolansky, and if he develops like Kosto has then we will have a very good player on our club.”

“I am very excited to be coming back to the Rush club,” said Divjak on his first rookie contract. “I know I didn’t spend much time here, but I was very pleased with the community of Rapid City during the playoffs last year. I’m excited to be playing in front of the best fans in the CHL too. I saw what they were capable of in the playoffs, and I’m thrilled that I get to experience that for a full season this time.”

Divjak, 25, spent the last four seasons playing in the NCAA with the Niagara Purple Eagles in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA). In his time in Lewiston, NY, Divjak saw much personal success, setting career highs in goal-scoring twice, including his sophomore season when he led the team in assists and finished tied for the team lead in points. Divjak is no stranger to the mid-west, having played with the Sioux Falls Stampede for two of his seasons spent in the USHL. On top of his junior and college success, the Vienna, Austria native represented his home nation in the 2008-2009 World Junior Championships.

“Personally, I think I can contribute with my playmaking ability,” continued Divjak on what he feels he can contribute to the team. “I take great pride in my ability to be offensively available on the ice, bring a quality shot, and just simply make big plays. I hope to be an impact on the offense, and I hope to learn under some great talent as well during the season.”

“Patrick had a great career at Niagara, and we’re excited to have him as a part of the Rush,” said Head Coach and GM Joe Ferras. “Patrick is a highly skilled, dynamic player, and brings lots of speed to the game along with a great shot. He is a player with a solid skill set and work ethic and will be a great pro hockey player.”

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