SARCONA RETURNS; ELMES JOINS RUSH

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, announced today that rookie forward T.J. Sarcona has re-joined the Rush, while rookie defenseman Josh Elmes has also been signed for the 2017-18 ECHL season.

Sarcona, 25, comes back to the Rush after finishing last season with the team following the completion of his college career. The 5’11”, 185-pound forward played in 12 games with the Rush and notched the first 4 points of his professional career, all assists. Prior to turning pro, the West Islip, New York native skated with Niagara University in the NCAA, where he played with current Rush teammate Vinny Muto and notched 62 points (25g-37ast) in 137 games. Before attending Niagara, Sarcona played junior hockey with the Amarillo Bulls of the NAHL. He racked up 140 points (55g-85ast) in 163 games, and, while skating with another current Rush teammate, Geoff Fortman, won the 2013 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship.

“I wanted to come back to this team for a number of reasons, but mainly to be a part of bringing a winning team back to Rapid City,” Sarcona said of his return to the Black Hills. “We didn’t have the best of seasons last year, and I want to be a factor in helping this team get back to the playoffs and win the league. If there’s anything, however, that I’d like to improve on and show Coach Tetrault, it’s my finishing touch. I’ve always prided myself on being a two-way player: defense first, offense second. I showed that I can battle and take care of my zone, but I want to show that I can score and finish on the puck as well. My expectation, simply, is not to quit, and play a full 60 minutes. In the 12 games I played, we were right there, but couldn’t finish, so I expect to play a full 60 minutes and battle ever shift.”

“I’m very happy to have T.J. back this season. I loved his work ethic and how he did all of the little things so professionally,” said Rush Head Coach, Daniel Tetrault. “He was a grinder, great on the forecheck, and was a pest for the opposition. He’s going to play a penalty-killing role, has to be good in the faceoff dot, and be relentless on the puck. That’s what I’m looking for from T.J. He knows what to expect now at this level and has been working hard all summer for this season.”

Elmes, 24, joins the Rush after finishing his first season as a professional in the SPHL. The 6’2”, 210-pound blue-liner started the season with the Fayetteville FireAntz, playing in 8 games and scoring a goal with 2 assists for 3 points. He was then traded to the Evansville Thunderbolts and added 5 goals, 11 assists, 16 points, and 30 PIM in 35 games. Prior to playing professionally, Elmes, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, jumped around the ranks of junior and college hockey, playing for the OCN Blizzard in the MJHL, the Fargo Force and Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, the University of Manitoba, and the Moosomin Rangers in the North Central Hockey League.

“Summer’s been looking up for me since Coach Tetrault reached out and signed me. I can’t wait for hockey season to begin, and to come in and prove myself to Coach Tetrault and the Rush staff,” Elmes remarked on his signing in Rapid City. “I’m a stay-at-home d-man that takes care of my own zone, but I like to contribute offensively as well. I have a good first pass up to my forwards, and in the o-zone, I look for an open patch of ice to jump in and make a play happen. Things went my way last year after my coach in Evansville gave me the green light to jump in and make plays. Our coaching staff has the expectation to win, and I bring that expectation with me into camp. Last year, I finished last in the SPHL, so I want to compete for a championship and prove myself on the ice.”

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Josh from my Manitoba connections, and all he needs is a chance to showcase his skill,” Coach Tetrault added on Elmes. “He has a lot to prove, and is a hungry kid who is in fantastic shape. He’ll be a physical d-man that won’t be afraid to mix it up if needed, which is something we lacked last season. Josh has the potential to be a diamond in the rough, and we’re really excited to see what he brings to camp.”

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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