(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced Thursday, in an Active Life Chiropractic roster adjustment, the team has agreed to terms with rookie forward Deagan McMillan for the 2026-27 season.
McMillan, 21, comes to Rapid City to begin his professional hockey career. He brings five years of junior hockey experience, most recently with the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers. McMillan captained his hometown team last season and led the Vipers with 21 goals and 120 penalty minutes in 42 games, while his 42 points were good for second on the club.
“I am excited to sign with the Rapid City Rush,” said McMillan. “I can’t wait to get started, meet the team, and push for a winning year. Let’s go Rush!”
A 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward, McMillan spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League—the vast majority of which came in Washington State—before heading home and transitioning to the BCHL.
The Vernon, B.C. resident has earned a reputation for toughness, averaging just over a penalty minute per game in the WHL and nearly three per game in the BCHL.
“What jumps off the page with Deagan is his youth,” said John Mitchell, Rush Assistant Coach. “When you see a point-per-game player like him with 120 penalty minutes and he’s 21 years old, that makes for a very intriguing prospect. You don’t see a lot of players today being able to do that. He sees the ice well, he makes good plays, he has great poise with the puck as a forward, and he’s not afraid to stand up for his teammates and answer the bell.”
The Rush have announced the following player signings:
Forwards (8): Ryan Wagner, Logan Nelson, Rasmus Ekström, Cole Tymkin, Kenny Belanger Jr., Seth Fyten, Ryan Mahshie, Deagan McMillan
Defensemen (4): Eric Parker, Jake Ratzlaff, Andrew Noel, Ben Wozney
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