VIVIT MOVES ON TO BAUER HOCKEY

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and AHL’s Springfield Falcons, announced today that long-time Equipment Manager, Romeo Vivit, has moved on from the Rush for an opportunity with Bauer as a Performance Lab/Pro Shop Lead in their new store in Minneapolis, MN.

“We can’t say enough, or thank Romeo enough, for everything he has brought to the organization over the last six years with his friendship, dedication, commitment, loyalty, and tireless hours of work to make sure our players were ready to compete on a daily basis,” said Rush Head Coach and GM, Joe Ferras. “We wish Romeo nothing but the best and great success as he takes the next step in his new career. Romeo loves the game of hockey as much as anybody that I know, and will be a great addition to the Bauer family.”

Romeo’s first of six seasons with the Rush came in the 2009-10 season, where he was on hand when the Rush won their first-ever Championship. As the Equipment Manager of the Rush, Vivit was responsible for the day-to-day hockey operations of sharpening skates, setting up dressing rooms, ordering and maintaining gear, laundering and sewing uniforms/apparel, and controlling inventory both at home and on the road.

Romeo’s impact in the Rush organization was widespread, and was even more so in the overall community of minor-professional hockey. In just his second year with the Rush in the 2010-11 season, Vivit was recognized by his peers and league officials as the “Gunnar Garrett CHL Equipment Manager of the Year”, a recognition that he earned in three consecutive seasons. Before becoming the Head Equipment Manager of the Rush, he was the Hockey Director at Roosevelt Ice Arena, coaching youth and adults alike in the sport of hockey.

“The decision to take my passion for the game to another level has left me with both excitement and heavy-heartedness. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the great opportunities, professional development, and successes that I have experienced with the Rapid City Rush organization over the last seven years. Words are not enough to express how much I have enjoyed my time here,” Vivit said of his departure. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my friend and former Rapid City Rush net-minder, Tim Boron, for presenting this amazing opportunity with Bauer Hockey to me.”

Vivit continued with his gratitude: “Thank you to the Rush ownership group; your support has enabled my overall experience. Thank you Coach Ferras and Coach DeSantis; your friendship and guidance have given me the confidence to succeed not only within the game, but in life. Thank you to the entire Rush staff; I would not have accomplished much without your ongoing help and support. Thank you fans, volunteers, and the Rapid City community; your dedication and loyalty to the team allowed me to push myself above and beyond what was necessary on a daily basis. Most of all, thank you to my family and friends; without your compassion and understanding I would not be able to take on such a demanding, yet rewarding role.”

He concluded: “To leave family, friends, and such a hard-working and extraordinary team is heartbreaking, but I wish all continued success and all the best. I will miss all of you so very much with all my heart.”

Originally from Park Ridge, Illinois, Vivit was a standout hockey player at the Midget AAA level at a young age in Chicago. His elite abilities earned him the opportunity to attend United States development camps at the U.S. Olympic Center in Colorado. After his hockey career ended, Vivit moved to Rapid City and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from National American University, and lived in the Rapid City community for more than 15 years.

The Rush will formally announce the new Equipment Manager next week.

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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