RUSH ADD TOUGHNESS WITH BRANDON BLAIR

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, announced today that defenseman Brandon Blair has been added to the roster for the upcoming 2017-18 ECHL season.

Blair comes to the Rush after skating with the SPHL’s Pensacola Ice Flyers and the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals. In Pensacola, the 6’2”, 245-pound blue-liner played in 39 games and scored 2 goals with 4 assists for 6 points, while also registering 134 PIM, the second-highest single-season total in his career. He skated the final 7 games of the year in Norfolk and added 19 more PIM to his season total.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to play in the ECHL. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Rush organization from the staff, to the community, and fans. It’s a first class organization and I’m looking forward to this opportunity,” Blair said of signing in Rapid City. “I like to bring a physical game in front of the net, get hard shot off from the point if I have the chance, and contribute where I can offensively and play a full 60 minutes. I’m hoping to play for a championship; that’s the goal no matter what league you play in or what team you play for, and I hope to contribute to an overall effort for a wining season.”

“I’m very excited to have Brandon on board for the upcoming season. He’s going to add a ton of toughness and size to our team,” said Rush Head Coach Daniel Tetrault on signing Blair. “He’s going to create time and space for our skilled guys and will be a valuable leader off the ice. With the presence of Anthony Collins, and now Blair, we’re definitely not going to be pushed around.”

A native of Coral Springs, Florida, Blair, 25, heads into his fifth season as a professional, but his rookie campaign by ECHL standards. He’s skated in both the FHL with the Danville Dashers and Dayton Demonz, with the latter of which he won the 2014 league title, and with Pensacola in the SPHL where he captured his second championship in 2016. Adding his time in Norfolk in the ECHL last season, Blair has a total of 209 games played, 8 goals, 25 assists, 33 points, and 674 PIM.

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.

######