Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Rush intrasquad scrimmage held on Saturday October 11th culminated the end of an intense training camp, giving a sneak peek into the brilliant hockey play the Rapid City Rush can achieve this season.
The scrimmage ended with a shootout and a final score of 4-3. In my opinion this score reflects the importance of balance that was a key objective I witnessed during training camp. Both teams were evenly distributed with veterans and rookies. By the numbers there may have been minute advantages, but camp is not the time to finesse one individual over another. They are all part of the same team and need to come together as such. The coaches have masterfully done this.
The scrimmage was played in two 30 minute halves in front of hundreds of members of Rush Nation. All the lessons taught during camp were proved on the ice. Clean skating, good passing, communication, and general hockey sense were displayed. The goalie game is at a whole different level and I do not envy the coaches having to choose who to cut.
My one concern is the changes at the bench. An easy goal was scored during scrimmage in correlation to a very bad change. I also witnessed too many men which will get a penalty during regular season games.
Coach Smith mentioned in an interview that the leadership comes from the top. The proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL Calgary Flames and AHL Calgary Wranglers are rife with great leaders. Starting with Jared Reid the president, observed during the scrimmage running interference on issues, VP Georgia Veatch has brought the corporate sponsorship game to a whole new level, Cory Berberian keeping things legit on the public relations end and the whole administration crew, ticketing agents, and Nugget are as professional as can be.
Tickets are available for the upcoming home opener, Rally Weekend on Oct 24-25, sponsored by Danny Menholt. For information regarding this event and all future promos and games you can contact the Rapid City Rush at www.rapidcityrush.com or at 605-716-7825.
