(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, announced today that the team acquired forward Darik Angeli in exchange for defenseman Alex Mikulovich in a trade with the Orlando Solar Bears.

Angeli comes to the Rush after finishing his second year as a professional, which was spent with four different ECHL teams. The 6’3”, 203-pound forward played the first five games of the season with the archrival Colorado Eagles before heading to the Norfolk Admirals for an additional four. He then went to the Tulsa Oilers and contributed 3 goals, 4 assists, and 7 points in 15 games before finishing the season in Orlando, where he found his scoring stride. In the final 36 games of the year, Angeli racked up 20 points (10g-10ast), and added an additional 3 assists in a 7-game opening round playoff series against the Florida Everblades.

“I’m excited for an opportunity to succeed. I’ve never been to Rapid City before, so it’s a new chapter to explore,” said Angeli of the trade. “I believe my success came because I played with more confidence and capitalized on opportunities that I was given. It was a hard year last year, but finding Orlando helped me find my game and confidence again.” When asked of his style and expectations, Angeli added: “I am a big power forward, but am also fast and skilled, and will do anything to win. I expect our team to work hard every night, and with hard work comes success.”

“I’m very excited to have Darik be a part of the Rush organization for the upcoming season. I was looking for a big forward with a scoring touch, and Darik showcased that in his time with Orlando at the end of last season,” said Rush Head Coach Daniel Tetrault. “Because of his strong finish with the Solar Bears last season, Darik is coming into our camp with a ton of confidence. He’s originally from Colorado, so it’s great that his family will be close by as well. I had a great talk with him following the trade, and he’s excited to be a part of our team for next season.”

A native of Lakewood, Colorado, Angeli, 26, begins his third season of professional hockey. His brief career has taken him through the ECHL with Orlando, Tulsa, Norfolk, Colorado, and Manchester, and seen him record 43 points in 110 games (19g-24ast), and he also suited up in 11 AHL contests with the Manitoba Moose (10 GP, 1g-2ast-3pts) and former Portland Pirates for one game. Prior to turning pro, Angeli played four years of college hockey with Ohio State University in the NCAA where he tabulated 45 points in 128 games as a Buckeye. Additionally, he played junior hockey for two seasons in the USHL, suiting up with the Sioux City Musketeers, Chicago Steel, and Tri-City Storm.

REMINDERS:

• The 2017-18 ECHL Schedule is OUT! Head to www.echl.com to see where the Rush play during their 10th anniversary season!

• For more information on Season Ticket Memberships for our 10th anniversary, call 716-7825.

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