Rush Welcome Back Jarvis, Erickson, and Weselowski
Coach Ferras Announces Three Returning Players
Riley Weselowski, Luke Erickson and Blaine Jarvis will all be in training camp!
Here's Rapid City Rush head coach Joe Ferras had to say about the three returning players who were announced during the Rush Report Thursday July 15th at 4pm.
(Rapid City, SD) – The Rapid City Rush announced today that three more players have signed on for the 2010-11 season. The trio is composed of forwards Blaine Jarvis and Luke Erickson along with defenseman Riley Weselowski. The three played their college hockey together at Bemidji State University (NCAA).
“Teams win with players like Blaine, Luke and Riley,” said Head Coach Joe Ferras. “These are the type of players a team needs because they put aside all of their personal goals in order to achieve the team goal, and that is winning.”
Jarvis signs on for his third season as a pro and third with Rapid City. The 26-year old had a stellar season for Rush, doubling the goal total from his rookie campaign. In 62 games, Jarvis posted 16 goals and 43 points to go along with a +21 rating that was good enough for 4th on the team. Overall, the 6-foot, 209-pound forward set career highs in goals (16), assists (27), points (43) and penalty minutes (59). The Gladstone, Manitoba native played a key role in the Rush penalty kill that finished the season ranked second in the league at 85.42%. His strong play continued into the postseason where in 17 games played, he lit the lamp 6 times and totaled 12 points.
“After the season that Blaine had, it was very easy to want him back as he was one of our top players all around,” said Ferras. “He’s one of our most sought after players, because he is a true example of giving it everything night in and night out. Blaine is one of those players who knows what it takes to win every night which makes him zero maintenance and a privilege to coach.”
Jarvis began his pro career with the Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 2009-10 where he totaled 2 goals in 9 games played before being released. He then joined the Rush for 51 games where he accumulated 6 goals and 23 points.
Erickson comes back after totaling 15 goals and 37 points in an injury-shortened season. The Roseau, Minnesota native enters his fifth pro season and second in the CHL. Prior to joining the Rush, Erickson played for the Gwinnett Gladiators, Pensacola Ice Pilots and Alaska Aces. In 2008-09 while with the Aces, Erickson posted career highs in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes.
“I am very excited to get back to Rapid City and have the chance to defend our title this upcoming season,” said Erickson. “Having last season shortened with an injury only makes me hungrier to come back stronger next season.”
“Obviously we’re real excited to get Luke back for the 2010-11season,” added Ferras. “Unfortunately we were unable to use him for the playoffs, but the contributions we got from him during the regular season speak for volumes. Despite playing in just 48 games, he finished third with 5 game-winning goals. He plays big in big games and we’re counting on him to have a 20-plus goal campaign this season.”
Weselowski will enter his third season as a pro and becomes the first defenseman signed by the Rush this offseason. The 6-foot, 192-pound defenseman was claimed off of waivers from the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) on January 29th and suited up for the final 25 games of the regular season. Despite playing in just 25 contests, the Pilot Mound, Manitoba native finished tied for 4th of the team with a +21 rating. He scored his first goal for Rapid City on April 16th against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in game one of the Northern Conference Finals.
"I am excited that I am going to be back in a Rush uniform for the upcoming season,” said Weselowski. “I have really enjoyed my time in Rapid City, and our run to the Presidents Cup Championship was the most fun I have had in a long time. I can't wait to defend our title in front of the reigning CHL Fans of the Year."
In 60 games with the Steelheads, Weselowski picked up 14 points and 69 penalty minutes. In four years at Bemidji State, Weselowski posted his best numbers during his sophomore season where he reached the 20-point plateau.
“Riley was a player that I tried to recruit for 2 years and when we got him, we were ecstatic,” stated Ferras. “He leads by example with his work ethic willingness to compete. He’s the type that other players will follow because he plays fearless on a nightly basis. He was sidelined by an injury, had surgery, and came right back a couple weeks later and it just goes to show the character he has as a person and player.”
The Rush roster for the upcoming season now includes forwards Brendon Hodge, Scott Wray, Blaine Jarvis, Luke Erickson and defenseman Riley Weselowski.
Other Rush News:
Now taking reservations for season tickets for the 2010 – 2011 Rush hockey season. For more information, contact the Rush office at 605.716.PUCK (7825) or email tickets@rapidcityrush.com
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