RUSH INK DEAL WITH RETURNING D-MAN KENTON HELGESEN

(RAPID CITY, S.D.) – The Rapid City Rush, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced Friday via a Heartland Health and Wellness Roster Adjustment that defenseman Kenton Helgesen has agreed to terms with the team. 

Helgesen, 29, from Fairview, Alberta, has logged 204 ECHL games in his career with his last 98 games coming with the Rush. His brother, Tyson, is already rostered by Rapid City. 

In 2021-22, Helgesen served as the Rush captain and led the Rush to their first playoff appearance since the 2014-15 season, the team’s first in the ECHL. 

A WHL product with the Calgary Hitmen, Helgesen was drafted in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks as pick number 187 overall. He is the third player signed to the Rush this season that was an NHL Draft selection. 

Breaking in with the Utah Grizzlies, Helgesen played three ECHL seasons before COVID-19 struck the hockey world to its knees. During the 2020-21 COVID season, he was named the SPHL’s Defenseman of the Year and was a first-team All-SPHL selection. 

Helgesen has already been placed on reserves and will not see action this weekend in Kansas City or Tulsa. Head Coach Scott Burt has not set a timeline for him to return to the ice. 

The Rush will open a three-game homestand versus Tulsa next Thursday! It's the first Weekday Power Play game of the season with discounts on tickets and drinks. Make sure to join us on Saturday, November 11 for our Veterans Day Game! Tickets are available at rapidcityrush.com.