RUSH ADD TWO FORWARDS TO ROSTER

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and AHL’s Springfield Falcons, announced earlier today the signing of two rookie forwards: Destry Straight and Mike Driscoll. With the addition of these first-year pros up front, the Rush now have 7 forwards on the roster prior to training camp.

Straight, a 22 year-old native of West Vancouver, British Columbia, comes to the Rush after the completion of a four-year stay at his alma mater, Boston College, of the NCAA. With the Eagles, the 6’1”, 183-pound forward played in 139 games in his tenure in Chestnut Hill, MA, recording 22 goals, 28 assists, and 50 points with a +21 rating. Among the many accomplishments to his name with BC, Straight helped the Eagles to two Hockey East Regular Season Titles, and the 2011-12 NCAA National Championship.

“It’s exciting to sign my first pro contract and begin the next phase of my career with the Rush. College has prepared me really well for the professional game. I learned how to play as part of a team to succeed and hopefully that will translate to the ECHL level,” Straight said on his new beginning. “I feel that I bring a great work ethic, offensive upside, and I believe that I am a great team player. My hope is that leads to great team success this season.”

“Destry is a player who knows what it takes to win championships, and has a tremendous compete level coming from one of the best college programs in the country,” said Rush Head Coach and GM, Joe Ferras, of Straight. “He’s a big forward who skates very well, and has a skillset that should translate very well to the professional level this next season.”

Driscoll, a 23-year old from Milton, MA, joins the Rush after the conclusion of a four-year career with his alma mater, Babson College, in the NCAA Division III. With the Beavers, the 6’1”, 183-pound forward competed in 111 contests, notching 78 points (41 G, 37 Ast), including a career-best junior year when he set highs in all three offensive stat categories with 12 goals, 13 assists, and 25 points in 29 games.

“Many thanks go out to Coach Ferras for this opportunity. I’ve heard unbelievable things about Rapid City and can’t wait to get there,” Driscoll said of his first professional opportunity. “Most people don’t know how tough NCAAA III is, and I feel that my experience at Babson has provided me the best opportunity to prepare myself for the pro game. I am a strong two-way forward: I pride myself on being responsible defensively and contributing as well on the offensive side. At Babson, I grew into a strong leader and feel that will translate well in my game also.”

“Mike has the intangibles that made him an elite player throughout his four years at Babson,” Ferras added on Driscoll. “His offensive instincts and ability to play on both ends of the ice, coupled with his grit and fearless style of play, made him a leader both on and off the ice to his teammates. His willingness to do whatever it takes to win will bode well for him at the professional level.”

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