(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today that forward Keeghan Howdeshell, defenseman Jalen Smereck, and goaltender Tyler Parks have all been called up to the AHL affiliate of the Rush, the Tucson Roadrunners. The call-ups serve as the second set of Black Hills Chiropractic Roster Adjustments this week.
Howdeshell returned to the Rush after his first call-up of the season, and played last night in the series opener against the Cincinnati Cyclones. The 6’0”, 205-pound forward currently holds 6 goals, 10 assists, and 16 points to his credit in 26 games in the Black Hills. Howdeshell is also the reigning Victoria’s Garden Rush Player of the Month of December, registering a point-per-game average with 9 points (3g-6ast) in 9 games.
Smereck returned to the Rush for the first time since October 13th following a lengthy call-up to the Roadrunners. Last night, the 6’0”, 190-pound blue liner also appeared against the Cyclones in the series opener last night, and now holds 2 assists in 4 appearances with the Rush this season. With AHL Tucson, Smereck has 3 assists and a +5 rating in 19 games.
Parks earns his second career call-up to the AHL, and returns to the Roadrunners for a second time this season. The 6’7”, 230-pound net-minder stopped 28 of 31 shots in a 4-1 defeat last night against the Cyclones in the first of this week’s three-game set. Although he did not see action with the Roadrunners on his last call-up in December, Parks is currently enjoying the best start to a season in his professional career this year with the Rush, boasting a record of 11-6-3-0 with 2 shutouts, a 2.91 GAA, and .919 SV% in 21 games. His save percentage ranks in the top-10 in the ECHL, and his 11 wins are also tied for 10th, 4 wins behind the ECHL lead.
The Rush continue their series against the Cyclones on Friday, January 10th, and Saturday, January 11th. Puck drop for the weekend contests is slated for 7:05 p.m. MDT. On January 11th, the Rush will host “Nickelodeon Night”, presented by Black Hills Energy, featuring specialty PAW Patrol themed jerseys. Additionally, the team will celebrate the birthday of our lovable mascot, Nugget, and the first 1,000 fans will have the chance to take home a commemorative Nugget bobble head giveaway, presented by Black Hills Energy.
Tickets for all remaining Rush games are on sale now! Visit www.rapidcityrush.com to purchase yours today!
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