(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced Wednesday, in an Active Life Chiropractic roster adjustment, Braden Birnie is joining the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks on a Professional Tryout contract (PTO).
Birnie, 24, signed with the Rush on March 9th and has impressed in his first month of professional hockey. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound winger has recorded six points (2g+4a) in his first nine pro games. He scored his first pro goal on March 14th and has two multi-point performances.
The Weyburn, Sask. native joined Rapid City from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Nanooks won the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup, an end-of-season tournament for independent Division I hockey teams. Birnie, who wore a letter for multiple seasons at Alaska, assisted on the championship-clinching overtime goal.
A PTO contract in the AHL is limited to 25 games, and the player can be released at any time. At its conclusion, the player has the right to sign a standard AHL contract or another PTO. The Rush continue to hold Birnie’s rights should he return to the ECHL.
Abbotsford, the 2025 Calder Cup Champions, have six games remaining in their season. The Canucks host the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Friday night.
The Rapid City Rush return home to face the Tulsa Oilers on April 1st, 3rd, and 4th at The Monument Ice Arena! We’re rolling out the C of Red on Saturday, April 4th for Affiliation Night, presented by KT Connections. Head to www.rapidcityrush.com or call 605-716-7825 to secure your seats today.
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