SMERECK AND HOWDESHELL RETURN TO THE RUSH

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, announced today that rookie forward Keeghan Howdeshell and defenseman Jalen Smereck have returned to the Rush from the team’s AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. The Black Hills Chiropractic Roster Adjustments come ahead of the team’s first ever series in Rapid City against the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Howdeshell comes back to the Rush after his first AHL call-up of the season. Although he did not see action with the Roadrunners, the 6’1”, 205-pound forward has 6 goals, 10 assists, and 16 points with the Rush in 25 games. Howdeshell is currently the reigning Victoria’s Garden Rush Player of the Month for December, where he averaged a point-per-game with 9 points (3g-6a) in 9 games.

Smereck returns to the Rush for the first time since appearing the first three games of the season from October 11th to October 13th. The 6’0”, 190-pound blue-liner earned two assists in those three games before earning his first call-up of the season to the AHL. From there, Smereck joined the Roadrunners and played in 19 games, recording 3 assists with a +5 rating.

Smereck began the 2019-20 Season in training camp with the Rush following an All-Star campaign at the ECHL level last season. In 2018-19, he earned an assist in 16 games with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, but spent the majority of the season with the Norfolk Admirals. In Virginia, Smereck tabulated 5 goals, 28 assists, and 33 points in 44 games, earning himself a spot at the 2019 ECHL All-Star Classic. Smereck led the Eastern Conference All-Stars in the festivities with 3 goals, 5 points, and a +5 rating. Prior to playing professionally, the Detroit, Michigan native played two seasons in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals and Flint Firebirds, earning 24 goals, 80 assists, and 104 points in 169 games.

The Rush return to home ice to face the Cincinnati Cyclones for the first time ever in Rapid City on Wednesday, January 8th, Friday, January 10th, and Saturday, January 11th. Puck drop for all three 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!

######