RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, the Black Hills’ ECHL team, announced the signing of defenseman Mike Van Unen for the 2025-26 season. The 26-year-old comes to Rapid City after spending last season with the Allen Americans, where he played 42 games.
Van Unen is a former teammate of forward Jared Westcott, who the Rush also recently signed. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defenseman made his ECHL debut with the Adirondack Thunder in the spring of 2024 after a five-year collegiate career at Northern Michigan University.
During his time with the Allen Americans, Van Unen faced the Rush five times, including a three-game series at The Monument Ice Arena in November 2024.
According to Rush Head Coach and General Manager Dave Smith, Van Unen is a “really good skater” who will be counted on for his physical play and penalty-killing abilities. Van Unen, a native of Kamloops, British Columbia, is the first new defenseman to be announced for the 2025-26 roster.
