KONRAD REEDER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

(RAPID CITY, SD) – Rapid City Rush forward Konrad Reeder has been playing professional hockey for the last eight years in three different countries. After countless bus rides, big games, shining moments on the ice, and post-game head-slides as one of the three stars of the game, Konrad Reeder has announced his retirement from professional hockey.

“From a hockey standpoint it is always tough when you lose a player of Konnie’s stature. He has been an elite player at the AA level for several years, and in his time as a player for the Rush he led by example every day both on and off the ice. You can’t replace an individual like Konrad Reeder,” said Rush Head Coach and GM Joe Ferras. “We are very happy for Konnie as he begins the next chapter in his life and I know he will be very successful. As an organization, we take immense pride in the character and quality of people that we have brought into Rapid City to wear the Rush jersey. We want to thank Konnie and his family for all the great memories and wish them great success going forward.”

“Losing a player of Konnie’s importance is a huge blow to our organization, but it’s not always about hockey,” added Associate Coach Mark DeSantis. “We all wish we could play the game for forever, but we’re very happy he’s moved on in his life to new challenges and beginnings. Not only was he a great hockey player, but more importantly he is a great human being. We truly wish he and his family well, and we’re glad that they will continue to be a part of the Rapid City community.”

Reeder expressed his gratitude in a letter dedicated to the fans of Rapid City:

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“Rush Fans,

Thank you for all of your cheers and support! Playing hockey in front of you for the Rush has been an honor, and one of the best experiences of my life. When Coach offered me a contract in 2010 I thought Rapid City was just another stop in my hockey career, but it became our HOME.

My family and I love living in the Black Hills, and have really enjoyed becoming part of the community. I have made one of the hardest decisions of my life to retire from the greatest game in the world, but Katie and I feel very blessed to be able to stay and raise our family in Rapid City.

I would like to thank Coach for giving me the opportunity to play for the Rush, believing in a little guy, and always putting me in position to be successful. I’d like to thank the owners for providing a first class atmosphere and organization on and off the ice. Many thanks also goes to the staff, especially Romeo Vivit, for all the countless hours he put in behind the scenes. I would like to thank my teammates for all of their hard work, all the hours on the bus, and great passes. I was very lucky to play with some great players who made my job on the ice very easy. I’d especially like to thank my family: my parents for all the sacrifices they made to let me live my dream; my children Wyatt, Jax, and Khloe for being my biggest fans and giving me hugs no matter how poorly daddy played, and of course, my beautiful wife Katie for being the true definition of "behind every good man there is a better woman." I am blessed to have you all on my team.

Thanks again Rush Fans for letting me live my dream out in front of you. I know I felt your support 100% and I always tried to match that with my effort. I will miss playing in front of the best fans in the CHL, but am very thankful for the years I was able to. Thanks for the memories and I will see at the games!

GO RUSH and God Bless,

#21 Konrad Reeder”

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A native of Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Konrad Reeder, 32, finishes his eight-year career with 438 games played, 389 of which were played in the CHL. For the Rush, Reeder has finished in the top-five of virtually every statistical category in all-time franchise history, including Goals (2nd-87), Assists (4th-107), Points (T-3rd-194), and Plus/Minus (2nd-+71), among many others, all accomplished in 153 games played in the Black Hills. Among his many shining moments, Reeder is responsible for the 9th and 14th hat tricks in team history, and set personal career highs in the 2011-12 season by scoring 37 goals with 45 assists for 82 points. Prior to playing professionally, Reeder spent four seasons at St. Cloud State University, playing in 102 games for the his alma mater.

Other Rush News:

Konrad Reeder's historical jersey is the latest jersey up for auction in the Rush Historical Jersey Auction Series. His auction will last until 1:15 PM next Friday, Septemeber 19th. To bid on his jersey, follow the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Signed-Konrad-Reeder-2013-14-Game-Worn-Jersey-/231331564676

Join Rush Nation for only $10 per game! 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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