RUSH TAKE ON EAGLES IN HOME-OPENER FOR FIRST-EVER CRYSTAL CUP

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The time has finally come, and the Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, are set to take on their archrivals, the Colorado Eagles, in their home opener tonight, signifying the beginning of the first-ever battle for the Crystal Cup.

These teams share one of the most intense rivalries in minor-pro hockey dating back to the first season they both squared off against each other in the 2008-09 Central Hockey League season. Both adversaries clashed for three seasons before the Eagles left for the ECHL at the end of the 2010-11 season, and met again for the first time in four seasons last year when the Rush followed suit in joining the “Premiere ‘AA’ Hockey League”. This trophy, which is in its inaugural season, is a symbol of how fierce this rivalry is, now that it has been renewed once again.

“It’s always very exciting and competitive hockey every time the Rapid City Rush and the Colorado Eagles battle,” said Rush Head Coach and GM, Joe Ferras. “Both organizations have tremendous respect for each other, and the 12-game series will produce some tremendous hockey with great intensity. It should be great for our dedicated fans to witness.”

The winner of the Crystal Cup is the team that earns the most points after the conclusion of the 12-game head-to-head series this season. If the teams finish the series with the same point total, then the first tie-breaker would be goal-differential. Should that not decide a winner, then total goals scored will be used to settle the stalemate.

The Crystal Cup matchup dates are as follows:

• Friday, October 23rd at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Saturday, October 24th at the Budweiser Events Center

• Wednesday, October 28th at the Budweiser Events Center

• Saturday, December 26th at the Budweiser Events Center

• Sunday, December 27th at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Friday, January 22nd at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Saturday, January 23rd at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Wednesday, February 10th at the Budweiser Events Center

• Friday, February 12th at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Saturday, February 13th at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Tuesday, March 15th at Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

• Wednesday, March 16th at the Budweiser Events Center

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.

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