(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush (2-0-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, host the Kansas City Mavericks (0-2-0) on home opening night in Rapid City. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MDT on Friday on Slumberland Furniture Ice at The Monument Ice Arena.

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LAST TIME OUT
The Rapid City Rush scored twice in the third period to hold off the Kansas City Mavericks and secure a weekend sweep with a 4-3 victory at Cable Dahmer Arena on Saturday. In a seesaw affair that was tied three times, Ryan Wagner scored twice, including the game-winning goal with 8:35 remaining, to secure the weekend sweep. Alex Young and Tyson Feist also scored for the Rush. Owen Say earned his second win of the series after entering in relief for Semyon Konopsky at the start of the third period.

HIGH FIVE!
Ryan Wagner and Alex Young, the Rush’s two first-line wingers, showed out in a huge way last weekend in Missouri. Wagner (3g+2a) and Young (2g+3a) recorded five points each, which puts the two of them tied for second in the ECHL in scoring. All five of their combined goals featured an assist by the other. Wagner is entering his third season as captain of the Rush, while Calgary native Alex Young joined the Wranglers organization on an AHL/ECHL contract over the summer.

COMING IN COLD
After impressing in his ECHL debut last Friday, Owen Say did not start or expect to play on Saturday at Kansas City. When Semyon Konopsky suffered an injury and taken out of the game during the second intermission, Say had little notice before coming in. Despite the circumstances, the second-year pro did a fine job in relief, making nine saves on ten shots and earning his second victory in two nights.

NOW THAT’S A PLUS
With one weekend of action complete, the top two plus-minus leaders in the ECHL are Tyson Feist (+7) and Tyler Inamoto (+5). The duo has also combined for three points in two games. Dubbed the ‘Bash Brothers,’ Feist and Inamoto both spent time with Fort Wayne last season alongside Logan Nelson.

SHOT SUPPRESSION
The most important need for improvement going into this season was the shot suppression, after the Rush finished dead-last with 39.2 shots on goal allowed per game. Through two games, Rapid City has allowed just 29 and 23 shots. Their 23 shots against last Saturday was the fewest the Rush have given up since January 11, 2025 against Tahoe.

THE ELEPHANT(-SIZED SCREEN) IN THE ROOM
The 19^th home opener in Rapid City Rush history will be the first with a brand-new video board since 2008. The Monument’s $2.1 million capital improvements were completed over the summer, the crown jewel of which is a massive new video board on the south end of the arena. Plus, a smaller video board on the north end will allow more fans to watch the game presentation. Additionally, new audio and video equipment will allow for an upgraded experience for those tuning in around the world.

READY FOR OUR FIRST THREE-IN-THREE
Not only is this the first time in Rush history the team has started the season by facing the same opponent in two consecutive weeks, but tonight starts the first home-opening ‘three-in-three’ in 19 years. The Rush are scheduled to play three games in three days ten times throughout the season.

WELCOME, BRETT
Dave Smith made his first roster move of the new season when he claimed goaltender Brett Mirwald off waivers from the Allen Americans on Thursday. The 23-year-old posted a 5-0-1 regular-season record, 1.58 GAA, and two shutouts with Allen at the end of last year. Mirwald took home Goaltender of the Year honors at the University of British Columbia last season.

Rapid City Rush Opening Night, brought to you by Denny Menholt Auto Group and Your Home Improvement Co., is Friday, October 23^rd! Join us for a Pregame Party, presented by Coors Light, in the Club Level of the Ice Arena at 5:00 p.m. for drink specials, raffles, music, and a mystery player autograph session. Call the Rush office at 605-716-7825 or visit www.rapidcityrush.com to learn more and secure your seats today.