(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today that goaltender Gordon Defiel has been signed ahead of the team’s Wednesday night showdown against the Wichita Thunder. The signing marks the second Black Hills Chiropractic Roster Adjustment of the day.
Defiel (DAY-feel) comes to the Rush after beginning the season with the Indy Fuel. The 6’0”, 190-pound net-minder went 0-2-0-0 with a 5.00 GAA and .861 SV%.
Last season, Defiel played in 24 total games, with a career-high 21 coming at the ECHL level with the Fuel and South Carolina Stingrays. He registered a 6-6-0-0 record with South Carolina in 14 games along with a 2.77 GAA and .913 SV% before finishing with the Fuel, where he logged an additional 7 games with a 1-5-0-0 record, 1 shutout, a 3.43 GAA and .900 SV%.
A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, Defiel turned professional with the Orlando Solar Bears and the SPHL’s Pensacola Ice Flyers in the 2017-18 season. He appeared in relief for Orlando in one contest, but in 22 games with Pensacola, he registered a 13-5-3 record with one shutout, a 2.61 GAA, and .911 SV%. Prior to turning professional, Defiel played three seasons of NCAA hockey with Lake Superior State University, and posted a career record of 30-55-12 in 98 games, with 7 shutouts, a 2.91 GAA and .914 SV%. In the 2015-16 season with the Lakers, he was selected to the WCHA All-Academic Team and WCHA Third All-Star Team.
The Rush play their last home game before the All-Star Break against the Wichita Thunder on Wednesday night, January 15th before they head on the road. Puck drop for the Mountain Division showdown is slated for 7:05 p.m. MDT at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena.
Tickets for all remaining Rush games are on sale now! Visit www.rapidcityrush.com to purchase yours today!
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