RUSH ADD DUO OF ROOKIES

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today that defenseman Nick Walters and forward Brayden Low have been signed and added to the Rush defense corps. Walters and Low become the second and third rookies added to the roster this offseason.

Walters, 22, joins the Rush defense corps after a one-year stint in Canadian college hockey that was preceded by a four-year junior career. Most recently, the 6’2”, 205-pound defenseman skated in 23 games with the University of Calgary. His time in the CIS followed his 307 games in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Lethbridge Hurricanes, where he notched 66 total points (11 G, 55 Ast). Additionally, he played 4 games in the AHL with current Rush Assistant Coach, Daniel Tetrault, as a member of the Peoria Rivermen. Walters, a native of St. Albert, Alberta, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 2012 NHL Draft (4th Rd-#116).

“With Nick, we were put onto him by Doug Soetaert, the General Manager of our AHL affiliate in Tucson, who saw Nick play when he was in the WHL. I called Nick to see if he was returning to school or wanted to turn pro, and fortunately for us, Nick wanted to turn pro and that’s how we ended up signing him,” said Rush Head Coach Mark DeSantis. “Nick describes himself as a player that is defensive-minded first. He’s a physical presence on the ice, which we are very excited about.”

“I’ve always had it in my mind that I wanted to be a professional hockey player, and to do so by signing with this team means a lot to me. Coach Mark and Coach Daniel have told me what a great place this is to play with loyal fans, which adds more to my excitement in signing here,” Walters said of coming to the Rush for his rookie season. “I’ve always prided myself on trying to become the best defender possible. I’m hardnosed, will block shots, and do the dirty work in my own zone. On special teams, there are players that love the power play, but I really enjoy being a part of the penalty kill. I hope to come in, be more ‘ears than mouth’, and learn from the older players in order to be the best team guy possible.”

Low, 22, comes to the Rush after a season of Canadian college hockey that followed a five-year career in multiple junior leagues in Canada. The 6’2”, 210-pound forward wrapped up last season with the University of Alberta, where he tallied 4 points (G, 3 Ast) in 21 games. Before playing in the CIS, the Richmond, British Columbia native played five seasons of junior hockey, the majority of which came in the WHL, specifically with the Everett Silvertips. Exactly 182 of his 187 WHL games came with the “Tips”, where he registered all 57 points of his WHL career (26 G, 31 Ast).

“Doug also introduced us to Brayden as a possible player that wanted to turn pro. After discussing Brayden’s plans of turning pro, and what he feels he can bring to our team, it was a no-brainer to sign him,” DeSantis added on Low. “With his size and weight, Brayden will be a valuable player for us at both the center and wing positions. We are very excited to bring Brayden Low onto our team.”

“It means so much to me to sign with this Rush team. It was a great opportunity presented to me and I jumped on it right away. I’ve heard nothing but great things from former players about this organization and look forward to being a part of the Rush,” Low said on signing with the Rush. “For me, I use my size to my advantage, and also take pride in taking care of my own zone. I’m a two-way, 200-foot player and am not afraid to mix it up as well. I want to come in and contribute every night and do my job; whether I’m called upon to score, block shots, or whatever I’m asked to do, I want to be reliable for my team. I’d like to see a deep playoff run out of this team with all of us on board.”

Other Rush News:

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