PREECE COMES BACK TO THE RUSH BLUE LINE FOR SECOND SEASON

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush has once again added to its stellar blue line this offseason. Head Coach and GM Joe Ferras has re-signed defenseman Bobby Preece for the upcoming 2014-15 CHL season. Preece is the seventh defenseman signed for the Rush, joining familiar faces from last season in Brett Kostolansky, Sean Erickson, and Justin Sawyer.

“It’s great to have Bobby back for a second season in a Rush jersey,” said Ferras. “Bobby is a heart and soul type player that when he’s playing his best, he’s playing a very competitive game. He brings a physical element and a tremendous compete level to the ice.”

“It feels really great to be back, best place to play in the CHL for sure,” said Preece, entering his second season with the Rush. “To play in front of the best fans again is amazing. We have some unfinished business to attend to, so hopefully we can come together and the fans can rally behind us as we look to bring another title home to Rapid.”

Preece played 56 regular season games for the Rush last year, and all 7 in the Rush’s first round playoff loss to the Mallards. He scored 2 goals along with 11 assists for 13 points in the regular season, also recorded 90 PIM, and added a lone assist in the playoffs. He finished the season tied for 15th amongst defensemen in the CHL in +/- rating (+13).

“Personally, I’d like to be tougher and try and contribute more offensively, whether that’s scoring more goals or helping our forwards break out on a play,” added Preece on his first season in the Black Hills. When asked about the current Rush lineup, Preece concluded: “It’s great to see some familiar names on the roster for the upcoming season. It will help us all build more chemistry and make us a better club for sure. I’m very excited to get things rolling for the season.”

“Bobby is a d-man that takes pride in matching up against the top forwards of other teams,” added Ferras. “He sets the tone for our hockey club with his dogged determination and his ‘never say die’ attitude. We’re looking for Bobby to build off of last season, both offensively and defensively, and be a very reliable d-man for our hockey club.”

A native of Bonita Springs, Florida, Preece, 29, is entering his fifth season of professional hockey, and his second with the Rapid City Rush. The 6’2”, 205 lb defenseman has played in 236 career games, all in the CHL, where he has notched 18 goals with 51 assists for 69 points, along with 333 PIM. Before coming to the Black Hills last season, he spent his first three seasons pro with the Quad City Mallards, suiting up in 180 games with The Flock. Prior to playing professionally, Preece played for the Bentley University Falcons in Massachusetts in the NCAA, where he played in 126 games with his alma mater over four seasons.

Other Rush News:

This Thursday, August 14th at 4 PM, “The Rush Report” comes back on 100.3 The FOX, the official station of Rush Nation. Join Head Coach and GM Joe Ferras, and the “Voice of the Rush” Mark Binetti, as they recap the offseason and ANNOUNCE ANOTHER PLAYER SIGNING ON THE AIR! Stay tuned!

The Rush Historical Jersey Auction Series returns, with Bobby Preece’s jersey auction beginning today and ending next Tuesday, August 19th at 1:30 PM. To bid, follow the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Signed-Bobby-Preece-2013-14-Game-Worn-Jersey-/231306221929?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35daecd969

Interested in season tickets? Call the Rush office at 716-7825 for details, and stay informed on all Rush happenings this summer through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com, and the Rapid City Rush mobile app, available on iTunes and Google Play.

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