RUSH ANNOUNCE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT RUNDOWN

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today the rundown of events to help celebrate the team’s annual “Military Appreciation Night” game on Saturday, November 12th, against the archrival Colorado Eagles.

“Military Appreciation Night” festivities begin tonight, November 10th, in our painting of the ice prior to the game. Fans are invited to come to Premier Home Mortgage Ice in Rushmore Plaza Civic Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. and paint the names of military personnel that have served, or fallen protecting our nation and its freedom. It is similar to last year’s “Pink at the Rink” painting of names of those who have fought and survived, or lost their battles to cancer.

Saturday night’s showdown against Colorado begins with a 40’x80’ flag presentation at center ice. The flag, provided by Camping World, will be held by Rush players and military personnel on the ice, and will span from blue line to blue line. Following the flag presentation, a representative from both Camp Rapid and Ellsworth Air Force Base will participate in the ceremonial puck drop to signify the start of the game. The Rush will wear specialty jerseys paying homage to our proud nation’s military, sponsored by long-time Corporate Partner, JD’s Equipment Service. The jerseys will be auctioned off following the game.

In the first intermission, local veterans will participate in a Sled Hockey exhibition for the fans attending the game. During the second intermission, following our normal Chuck-a-Puck activities, 20 brave men and women will be sworn in to our nation’s armed forces on the ice, and join the fight to protect our country and the freedom we enjoy as Americans every day. Additionally, veterans ranging from World War II to present-day Afghanistan/Iraq will be honored and thanked for their service, hard work, and sacrifice for our country.

“Saturday will be a very special night with all of the activities that we have planned, including honoring veterans and active duty personnel from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan/Iraq,” said Rush General Manager, Joe Ferras. “Every year, ‘Military Appreciation Night’ is a very emotional game for the players, staff, and organization because of how much it means to all of us. With the addition of sled hockey with veterans, the unveiling of a 40’x80’ US flag prior to the national anthem to be held by all the Rush players, as well as members of the military, and with 20 very brave young men and women being sworn into the United States Armed Forces on the ice, it is very humbling for us as an organization, and is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything our armed forces have done.”

In addition, the Rapid City Rush will dedicate a seat in the arena to honor members of our military that cannot be with us because they are overseas serving, missing in action, or have paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day. The dedicated seat will be honored during every Rush home game moving forward.

Tickets for all military members, active and retired, are $15 ANYWHERE in the arena. For more information on our annual salute to our troops and “Military Appreciation Night”, call the Rush office at 716-PUCK.

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