ALEC BAER RETURNS FOR FIRST FULL SEASON

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush announced today that rookie forward Alec Baer has rejoined the Rush for his first full professional season in the 2018-19 campaign.

Baer came to the Rush last season following the conclusion of his major-junior career in the WHL. The 5’11”, 180-pound forward played in the final 8 games of the season in the Black Hills, and earned 3 goals, 3 assists, and 6 points in his first professional action.

Baer made his professional debut with the Rush on March 21st in Idaho against the Steelheads and made an immediate impact with the team. He scored his first professional goal in his debut with 2:10 left in regulation to tie the game at 1-1 and send it into an eventual shootout, where he also managed to score. Of the 6 points Baer registered with the team, they came in 5 of his 8 games played.

“I had a great time in Rapid City playing for the Rush last season. I’m excited to get back on track and start the season in October,” Baer said of his return to the Black Hills. “I had a ton of fun in the locker room. There were some great guys to play with, which made for a pretty easy transition. For me, the pace of the game helped my success as well. You always want to be moving forward, not staying the same or going backwards, so the level up helped and was exciting to be a part of. I’m going to utilize that experience to spring into next season, and I can’t wait for a full season of Rush hockey instead of just 8 games.”

“Alec played very well with us when we brought him on at the end of the season. Registering 6 points in 8 games was just a glimpse of what he can bring to the professional game,” Rush Head Coach Daniel Tetrault said of Baer. “Alec is very talented with a ton of skill, a great hockey sense, and works very hard. It’s good that he’s getting a fresh start with us, considering now that he isn’t coming into a shorthanded situation. I think he’s going to have a breakout season, and will produce well for us.”

A native of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Baer began his professional career with the Rush after skating in the WHL. The vast majority of his time in major junior was spent with the Vancouver Giants, but he finished his career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and, most recently, the Kootenay Ice, playing in a total of 342 games over the course of roughly six seasons, with 86 goals, 101 assists, and 187 points to his credit. In his final WHL season in Kootenay last year, Baer had his best season yet, scoring 30 goals with 31 assists for 62 points in 72 games.

For more information on season ticket packages for our 11th season of hockey in the Black Hills, call the Rush office at 716-7825.

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