2024-25 SEASON RECAP: A LOOK BACK AT A ROLLERCOASTER YEAR 17

Well, folks, we have reached that time of the year again. The offseason. As the ice surface at The Monument Ice Arena gives way to the hardwood floor, the temperature rises, and the players who called Rapid City home for the winter scatter about North America for the summer, it’s time to quickly pause and reflect on the season—or tale of two seasons—and the special group of hockey players we had the joy of watching over the last six months.

From the moment the guys arrive in early October, the days move at full speed as we’re all thrust into a new season. Every season has its story, and while we did not see the ultimate goal of a return to the Kelly Cup Playoffs, we saw something special unfold right before our eyes.

Let’s recap some of our favorite memories from a thrilling 17^th season of Rapid City Rush hockey.

WHAT A SECOND HALF
The final three months of the season provided some of the best regular-season entertainment—and success—in recent memory for this proud franchise. After being swept at Kansas City, the Rush flew home on January 19^th with a record of 10-20-7. From that point on, the team went 21-12-2, tripling its win total from the midway mark to the finish line. In the Mountain Division, only the first-place Mavericks won more games over that span than the Rush. The offense stepped up a notch with the Blake Bennett-Ryan Wagner-Deni Goure trio putting up insane amounts of points each week, while an improved Matt Radomsky and Connor Murphy delivered tremendous performances in goal.

IN THE RECORD BOOKS
Last season, the ECHL-era single-season goals, assists, and points records fell. This time around, two of those three were quickly rewritten. Ryan Wagner set the new mark for assists (50) and tied Alex Aleardi for points (79) in his first season with Rapid City. He did it on home ice against the Utah Grizzlies—his former team—during the final week of the season. 

“That’s what it’s about, the organization and putting on a show for these fans,” said Wagner. “Points are points. My goal and want is to have more wins. I told the fans we want to make the playoffs, and that is our goal from day one. It’s cool to have (the record) with this group and it is something I won’t forget.”

CRANKED IT UP TO 11
Another ECHL-era Rush record fell this spring when the group won 11 straight games from February 5^th through the 28^th. It’s the longest winning streak since the 2013-14 season and the second-longest in franchise history. It was a season-resurrecting streak, too: Rapid City went from ten games below .500 to an above .500 hockey team just in the span of those 11 consecutive wins.

CAPTAIN WAGS
What a first season it was for the captain. Ryan Wagner not only set numerical records, but was the driver of his squad from day one.

The Rush hosted Wagner, then a free agent with nearly 300 AHL games to his credit, last summer. Upon meeting him (and his wife, Cailee) and talking with him for the first time, you could tell there was something different about him in the best possible way. Wagner signed on in August, and the Rush found their centerpiece for the 2024-25 season and beyond.

Off the ice, Ryan and Cailee bought a house in Summerset and are here to stay. On the ice, Wagner’s lead-by-example mentality already has him in conversation for the best captain this organization has had since Scott Wray wore the ‘C’ for the 2010 championship team.

From December 1^st through the end of the season, nobody had more points in the ECHL than lucky number 13. Talk about one whale of a first impression.

BENNY AND THE NETS
And then there’s Ryan Wagner’s new best friend, Blake Bennett. #91 came back to us after catching a flight from Germany in mid-January. He said he returned because he missed buffalo wings. Kidding, of course, but Benny’s second year with the Rush was even better than his first. 27 goals and 52 points is well above-average for any player, but for only having played 37 games it is extraordinary.

From the time he made his debut on January 17^th, Blake Bennett was the best player in the ECHL. He led the league in goals, points, and shots on goal over that half-season span. Here’s what’s crazy about him: no matter the level Bennett plays at, he just seems to get better and better. He never put up numbers like he did this year in college or in junior, and he was no slouch there either.

The guy has an elite release, hunts pucks like no other, and always seems to make a difference. Nobody drew more attention from opposing teams than #91, something he embraced. Tip of the cap to Benny on a terrific return.

THE YOUNG GUNS
Where would we be without our rookies? First-year pros play a big part in any ECHL team every year. For the Rush, they made up the majority of the group. Rapid City was among the league-leaders in rookies throughout the season, and after the youngsters became accustomed to the pro game, they—and the team—began to soar.

Deni Goure finished tied for second among rookies with 55 points and finished second in the entire league with four shootout goals. He also earned the opportunity to make his AHL debut with the Calgary Wranglers.

The list goes on and on, but one thing is for sure: the Rush have a strong foundation of eager, fun-to-watch players who will be even more dangerous in year two.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS
There were so many memorable moments and games from throughout the season, but I wanted to highlight one night in particular. We tried something that hadn’t been seen since the old Las Vegas Wranglers had it as a staple more than a decade ago. The Rush and the Maine Mariners dropped the puck at 11:59 p.m. on March 15, the first-ever ‘Midnight Madness’ game.

At 12:01 a.m., Parker Bowman fought Maine’s goaltender, kicking off an unforgettable night which culminated in a Rush victory and series sweep.

BURTIE’S BATTLE
From staff on down to the players, every member of the 2024-25 Rapid City Rush went through a challenge they have never experienced before, but one that leaves us with inspiration. Scott Burt, our leader and fourth-year Head Coach, announced a medical leave of absence on December 6^th as he battled a brain tumor. A ‘gremlin,’ as he called it. After emergency brain surgery in Rapid City, Burtie only needed two months of treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Defying all odds, Burtie returned from his leave of absence in mid-February, then hopped back on the bench on March 1^st.

The ECHL community rallied around Burtie, who received countless calls and texts of support from the tight-knit hockey world. Numerous teams wore helmet stickers to support him. Multiple NHL coaches hosted him at Minnesota Wild games. He even got to drop the puck at a Sioux Falls Stampede game. The uplifting was endless.

Boss’ Pizza and Chicken right here in Rapid City ran a special one-day fundraiser with proceeds going directly to the Burt family. It raised nearly $3,500. Having been there, the little pizza joint was packed unlike anything I have ever seen.

Burtie has been open and honest with his inspiring story since his return to Rapid City. He took the time to speak with every opposing team, whether here at The Monument Ice Arena or on the road. He played a huge part in our Rush Fights Cancer night, where he got to meet with cancer survivors and ring the bell at the Monument Health Cancer Care Institute. There was not a dry eye in the arena when he was honored before the game and during the first intermission.

IN THE COMMUNITY
Rapid City is a hockey town, and the community supports their hockey team like no other. The Rush organization was out in the community, visiting towns all around the Black Hills and supporting a wide variety of initiatives. Our players and staff totaled 1,026 volunteer hours during the 2024-25 season and reached 114 organizations through community events. An additional 128 organizations received donations.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Folks, if last offseason is any indication of what this one will hold, there will be light at the end of the tunnel before we all know it. With a strong foundation in place, the Rush have put themselves in good position to get even better this summer.

Stay tuned to www.rapidcityrush.com and our social media channels for updates all throughout the offseason. June 23^rd is the first day that teams can sign contracts for next season, and that day cannot come soon enough.

Until next October, we hope you enjoy the warm weather, the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and all that these summer months have to offer. Go Rush!