GAME NOTES: April 2, 2025 at Kansas City Mavericks

(INDEPENDENCE, Mo.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, battle the Mountain Division’s top team as they face the Kansas City Mavericks in a three-game series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT on Wednesday at Cable Dahmer Arena.

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LAST TIME OUT
The Rapid City Rush dropped the series finale to the Tulsa Oilers, 8-2, at the BOK Center on Sunday. After two tight games on Thursday and Saturday, the Oilers ran away with this one. While the first period was scoreless, Tulsa scored three in the second and five in the third against a tired Rush group. Ryan Wagner scored his 28^th goal of the season late in the second period, and Jonathan Yantsis scored his first goal in a Rush uniform late in the third while on a power play.

WAGS NEARING HISTORY
Ryan Wagner is the ECHL’s leading point producer since December 1^st, and he is encroaching on making Rush history in his first season with the club. Wagner is five assists away from passing Alex Aleardi for the ECHL-era single-season record. He is eight points away from becoming the first Rush skater in the ECHL era to reach 80 points. Rapid City has six games remaining.

A BRIGHT SPOT
There were not many positives to take away from Sunday’s game, but one that stands out is the Rush’s special teams’ performance. Rapid City went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill against Tulsa. The Rush also struck on the power play, which has gone 4-for-10 over the last two games.

BUILDING A PICKET FENCE
The Rush showcased an evenly distributed scoring effort in Tulsa last week. Rapid City scored exactly one goal in eight of the nine periods: no more, no less. Six different players combined to score those eight goals.

TORCH’S DEBUT
Goaltender Nathan Torchia saw his first professional action when he played the final 12:33 of Sunday’s game in Tulsa. The 24-year-old from Baden, Ont. made seven saves in his debut. It was Torchia’s first action since his final collegiate game on March 1^st.

HE’S WEARING 91 THIS TIME
Blake Bennett made his season debut on January 17^th at Cable Dahmer Arena. After nearly scoring on his first shift, Bennett wound up with two goals in his first game. He wore the #16 jersey for that two-game series due to his #91 not being immediately available. Bennett will wear his usual number this time around against KC.

THE FINAL ROADIE
The 2024-25 Rapid City Rush begin their final road series today. A special, tight-knit group that put together a valiant second-half effort and the franchise’s longest winning streak in over a decade, the Rush look for one last hurrah on the road against the Mountain Division’s top team.

The Rapid City Rush take on the Utah Grizzlies in the final home series of the regular season on April 9^th, 11^th, and 12^th at The Monument Ice Arena. 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. Call the Rush front office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com for more information.