FORMER RUSH STANDOUT, BLAINE JARVIS, PASSES AWAY

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced a tragedy that has befallen the organization. Blaine Jarvis, a standout forward and key piece of the 2010 CHL Championship team was taken from us all too soon, passing away on January 26, 2016. He was 31 years old.

“It’s a very difficult day for the Rush organization and the Rush family,” said Rush Head Coach and GM, Joe Ferras. “Today, we received some tough news about one of our impact players and one of our key pieces to our championship team, but most importantly, one of the guys that exemplified everything that it meant to be a member of the Rapid City Rush and a professional hockey player both on the ice and in the community. Today, we lost Blaine Jarvis in a horrific snowmobile accident in Montana last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jarvis family, especially his wife, Jenny, and his young son, Ryker.”

Ferras continued: “We want the entire Jarvis family to know that we are thinking of them. The rest of our season is dedicated to the Jarvis family and the memory of Blaine. We want them to know that in this time of need, the condolences of our coaching staff, our players past and present, our organization, and our ownership group, are with them. We love you all, and you have our prayers in this hard time.”

Jarvis only played two seasons of professional hockey, amassing a total of 122 games between the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and the Rapid City Rush. The Gladstone, Manitoba native played 113 of his career contests in the Black Hills, wearing the numbers 9 and 29, and was an offensive threat, totaling 66 total points, 43 of which came in his breakout 2009-10 season (16 G, 27 Ast). In the postseason that year, the 6’0”, 209-pound forward kept his offensive pace up, adding another 12 points (6 G, 6 Ast) in 17 games, helping the Rush secure their first championship in franchise history.

Prior to playing professional hockey, Jarvis played 129 games in 4 seasons with his alma mater, Bemidji State University, playing with former Rush defenseman Riley Weselowski. Jarvis tabulated 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points in his collegiate career. Jarvis is survived by wife of 4 years, Jenny, and his newborn son, Ryker.

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