KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO: Opening Weekend

(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, welcomes in Rush Nation for the first home games of the season this weekend.

LAST WEEK’S GAMES
Saturday, October 19 @ Tulsa: Rapid City Rush 1, Tulsa Oilers 7
               BOX SCORE  |  GAME RECAP  |  HIGHLIGHTS
Sunday, October 20 @ Tulsa: Rapid City Rush 1, Tulsa Oilers 4
               BOX SCORE  |  GAME RECAP  |  HIGHLIGHTS

 

UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, October 25 vs. Utah, 7:05 p.m. MDT
               GAME DETAILS  |  TICKETS  |  WATCH  |  LISTEN
Saturday, October 26 vs. Utah, 7:05 p.m. MDT
               GAME DETAILS  |  TICKETS  |  WATCH  |  LISTEN

YOUR OPENING WEEKEND GUIDE

• To celebrate our first home game of the season, we are throwing a Block Party, presented by Coors Light, at 5:00 p.m. on Friday!
  • Head over to The Monument Bandshell by entrance E to check it out.
  • Enjoy some LIVE music from the Jessica Loobey Band.
  • Take in some cold drinks at our beer garden.
  • Meet select Rush players and wish them good luck this season.
• Take advantage of not one, but two at-the-door giveaways on Friday!
  • Rally towels, courtesy of Denny Menholt Auto Group.
  • Magnet schedules, courtesy of Stuart Martin Real Estate.
• Friday night is Oktoberfest, presented by Denny Menholt Auto Group.
  • Special Oktoberfest-themed food and beverage options at the concession stands.
  • Plastic steins will be available for purchase.
  • Stick around during the first intermission for a special presentation recognizing our local first responders and community heroes who helped fight the First Thunder Fire this summer.
• Saturday night is Tacos & Tequila, presented by Black Hills Energy.
  • An assortment of taco options will be available across our concession stands.
  • Margarita and Ranch Water specials will be on hand.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

• HOMECOOKING: The Rush ended last season on a hot streak in front of the hometown fans: a 7-0-1 record in its final eight home games, including a series victory over Utah.
• SHAKING IT OFF: After a rocky season opener last Saturday, the Rush shook off the opening night jitters and drastically improved in game two. Despite falling short on an unlucky bounce with four minutes remaining in Tulsa, the Rush defense impressively limited the talented Oilers’ offense.
• NEW FIGHTER IN TOWN? With two fights in his first two games, Rush forward Connor Mylymok has declared he is not afraid to drop the mitts. He has provided a spark for his team in other ways, too: after scoring the Rush’s first goal of the season last Saturday, the 24-year-old ended up with two-thirds of a Gordie Howe Hat Trick in his first Rush game.
• RADS IMPRESSES AGAIN: Nobody played more games in net for the Rush last year than Matt Radomsky, and in his first start of 2024-25, he shined between the pipes. Radomsky stopped 26 of 28 Tulsa shots in one of his best performances with Rapid City to date. The Winnipeg native is on an AHL/ECHL deal with the Calgary Wranglers this season.
• HOME DEBUTS: It is no secret that this season’s Rush roster looks quite different than last year’s. In fact, 13 players on the current roster have yet to play a home game at The Monument Ice Arena. Of course, that will soon change.
• CAPTAIN WAGS: Head Coach and General Manager Scott Burt announced his leadership group last week. Ryan Wagner, a veteran of nearly 300 AHL games over six seasons, will serve as Captain of the Rush, his first time wearing the ‘C.’ Defenseman Charles Martin and forward Brett Davis, both returning players, have been named alternate captains.

QUOTABLES

• “We really want to prove to the fans—and the group themselves—that we are in it for the long haul. We finished strong last year, and we want to start strong. Obviously, this past weekend did not go our way, but I can chalk it up to nerves on the first night, and an unlucky bounce on the second night, but the guys played really well.”
  – Scott Burt on The Nate Brown Show
• “We are going to have to score by committee and we are going to have to win some close games. That brings teams together, and I am excited for that. I put the group through a pretty intense work day (Tuesday), and they will be ready. I will tell you right now, they will be ready to play 60 (minutes).”
  – Scott Burt on The Nate Brown Show
• “We just got the first two games out of the way. We know Utah is going to come in hot, too; They lost their first game against Idaho last week. Honestly, I think that coming back to Rapid for the first (home) game of the year, the energy is going to be super high. The last couple practices this week have been super dialed. Burtie has been working with us on video and paying attention to detail, and I think you will see a much better team this weekend.”
  – Connor Mylymok
   

Boss' Pizza & Chicken, featuring two Rapid City locations, is the official Pre-Game Restaurant of the Rush! Wear your Rush gear on game day and score discounts all season long.

Opening night at The Monument Ice Arena is tomorrow! Secure your seats today and be a part of the action. Check out the 2024-25 promotional schedule for a list of all themed nights. The Rush kicks off its 17^th season in the Black Hills on Friday, October 25^th and Saturday, October 26^th. Call the Rush front office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com for more information.