RUSH MEDICAL TEAM SIGNS ON FOR EIGHTH SEASON

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and AHL’s Springfield Falcons, announced today the re-signing of the organization’s medical team for the upcoming season.

“With the competiveness, the physicality, and speed at the professional level of hockey, it is imperative to make sure that your hockey club is surrounded by the best medical team possible,” said Rush Head Coach and GM, Joe Ferras. “Having signed a long-term, multi-year agreement with Dr. Dietrich as our Medical Director, as well as the amazing group of physicians and medical departments, is invaluable to the future success of the Rapid City Rush organization. Our team of doctors that we have go above and beyond to make sure our players stay healthy, and receive the highest quality of care when the inevitability of injuries occur in such a high-paced, physical sport. Without a doubt, our medical team is the best in the business.”

The Rush medical team is led by the Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Dietrich of The Rehab Doctors, who has worked tirelessly in this capacity since the team’s inaugural season in 2008. Dr. Dietrich works closely with Rush Head Athletic Trainer Cody Lindhorst, as well as the remainder of the medical team, to ensure that the Rush players are healthy, on the ice, and in the game. The native of Huron, SD, is also the director of the Rapid City Concussion Project, a visiting physician at the United States Olympic Training Center, a Titleist Performance Institute Level 3 Certified Evaluator, and a team physician for the United States Ski Team. He is also an executive committee member with the South Dakota State Medical Association. He was awarded the South Dakota State Medical Association's Outstanding Young Physician Award in 2009, and the Community Service Award in 2011. Dr. Dietrich earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of South Dakota, and graduated with his MD Cum Laude at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic, serving as Chief Resident.

“Working with the Rush hockey team has been a great experience for both me and my associates,” Dr. Dietrich said of the recent medical team re-signing. “From the time the players come in for training camp, to the very last day of the season, and even past that if necessary, my team and I strive to provide the best medical care possible for our players. We are honored to do so once again for an eighth season.”

“Working with a medical team arrangement of this quality and magnitude is something that every first-year professional dreams of coming out of college. I got to experience that in my first season with the team last year, and couldn’t have been happier,” Rush Head Athletic Trainer Cody Lindhorst remarked. “The care that these players receive is first class, and the standard of excellence that our medical team holds itself to is second-to-none. I have a great relationship with our medical team and Dr. Dietrich, and I look forward to working with them, as well as fellow Central Michigan University alumni in the Arizona organization this next season, and for many more to come.”

The Rush Medical Team consists of:

The Rehab Doctors

Promotion Physical Therapy

Black Hills Neurosurgery and Spine

Black Hills Surgical Hospital

Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center

Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care

Black Hills Chiropractic LLP

Advanced Dental Professionals

Black Hills Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Black Hills ENT/Facial Plastic Surgery

Black Hills Regional Eye Institute

Other Rush News:

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.

######