STRAIGHT AND MASTRODICASA RETURN FOR NEXT SEASON

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today that second-year forward Destry Straight has returned to the Rush along with defenseman Anthony Mastrodicasa who is set to participate in his first full season as a professional.

Straight, 23, returns to the Rush after completing his rookie season in the 2015-16 campaign. The 6’1”, 185-pound center appeared in 60 games in the Black Hills and racked up 5 goals and 13 assists for 18 points last season. Prior to coming to the Rush to begin his pro career, the West Vancouver, British Columbia native played four seasons in the NCAA with Boston College, winning the 2012 National Championship in his freshman year.

“It feels great to be coming back to the Rush for my second season as a pro. I learned so much about hockey, especially the demand of a pro career in the sport, and look to use that knowledge in coming back next season,” Straight said of his return to Rapid City. “Hard work gave us a great push towards the end of last season, so I expect us to be a very competitive team and work hard every night.”

“We’re very happy to have Straighter back. I think he learned a lot from his first year pro,” said Rush Head Coach Mark DeSantis. “I expect him, like all players, to come in and earn a job on our team. He can be a great asset to our penalty-kill, and is a forward that can play all three forward positions. With his hard work and effort, he will create a lot of offensive chances for us.”

Mastrodicasa, 25, came to the Rush last season as an amateur following his collegiate career. The 6’1”, 201-pound defenseman managed to record the first two points of his professional career, both assists, in 10 games in the Black Hills. A native of Woodbridge, Ontario, Mastrodicasa completed a four-year college career with Mercyhurst University, registering 56 points (12 G, 44 Ast) in 132 games played.

“It’s awesome to be coming back to the Rush next season. The 10 games that I got to play last year were crucial for me, as they helped me develop and transition from college into the ECHL,” Mastrodicasa commented on his return to the Rush. “Now that I have ECHL hockey under my belt, I understand the level of play and hope to be an impact in my rookie season. With the players returning, as well as the new additions, I think we have a really solid shot at not only making the playoffs, but making a run for the Kelly Cup.”

“Maestro is a guy that came in a got to play a ton towards the end of the year for us last year,” DeSantis added on Mastrodicasa. ‘I see lots of upside in Anthony, and think he can be a guy that can eventually be great on the power play. Having Daniel Tetrault coaching on our staff, I think he can be instrumental in developing Anthony’s all-around game.”

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