Rush Welcome Back Hodge and Wray
(Rapid City, SD) – Today, the Rush announced both Brendon Hodge and Scott Wray will rejoin the team for the 2010-11 campaign. The duo marks the first players signed back from last season’s President’s Cup Championship roster. The veteran forwards combined for 135 points including 54 goals last season. Wray scored the double-overtime game-winner in game #6 of the CHL finals to secure the Ray Miron President’s Cup for the Rush.
“It’s a big key, after the tremendous season we had, to bring back character guys,” said Head Coach Joe Ferras. “Both Hodge and Wray are true leaders both on and off the ice. To bring back players that combined for over 50 goals is huge, but what they did during playoff run was even more instrumental. The veteran leadership that these two bring back will be very important going forward after this championship season.”
“Brendon Hodge is the type of player that thinks of the team first and foremost,” added Ferras. “He knows and does what it takes to win, and was a key component in anchoring our powerplay all year. He continually contributes in big games when needed and is the type of player that is a quiet leader in locker room, but leads by example.”
Hodge, 31, rejoins the Rush after collecting 57 points on 23 goals and 34 assists through 61 games last season. The Lynnfield, Massachusetts native was a force on the powerplay, leading the Rush in points (26) and finishing second in goals (9). The eight-year veteran earned Oakley CHL Player of the Week honors on December 14th after collecting nine points in three games including a pair of four-point nights.
“It took me a long time to find a spot that I really enjoyed being,” said Hodge. “The fans in Rapid City were great in accepting me last year and that really made my return an easy decision. Winning the championship last year was unbelievable, but I expect this season to be my best year of hockey because every team will be gunning for the champs. We’ll see everyone’s best game and have to work hard to defend title we worked so hard for last season.”
Prior to joining the Rush last season, Hodge played two seasons with the Tulsa Oilers where in 2008-09, he finished 2nd in goals, 3rd in points and named team MVP. He began his professional career with the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) where he skated for three years before joining the Stockton Thunder for one season. Hodge played his college hockey at SUNY-Plattsburgh, the same university as Head Coach Joe Ferras.
Wray enters his 12th season as a pro and is coming off of one of his most productive years, finishing with a career-high 78 points. The Ottawa, Ontario native competed in all 64 regular season games last season and led the Rush in goals (31), game-winning goals (8), and rating (+31). He also finished second in assists (47), points (78), powerplay points (25), and shots (249). Wray is just one of four Rush players to appear in all 81 regular season and playoff games last year.
The winger achieved a handful of milestones last year including his 600th career point (1/30 @ WIC), 300th career goal (2/14 @ COL) and he also became the first Rush player to score 30 goals in a season (3/16 vs. TEX).
“Scott Wray is a player who leads by example with his work ethic,” said Ferras. “He’s is essential in the locker room and has that unique ability to raise the level of those around him. He personifies the type of leadership we need continuing into next season.”
Wray, 29, joined the Rush after playing two seasons with the Rocky Mountain Rage. In 2006-07, he earned UHL All-Star recognition while playing for the Elmira Jackals and Port Huron Flags. He was named to the CHL All-Star team in 2005-06 with the Amarillo Gorillas, when he generated a career-high 76 points (38g-38a) in just 52 games. In that same year, Wray finished 14th in the CHL in scoring and tied for league-lead with 10 game-winning goals.
“I’m very excited to return for my second season here in Rapid City,” said Wray. “The way this town has taken to the hockey club is something rarely seen and it made my decision to come back a very easy one. Coming off of the great championship run that we had last season only makes me hungrier to defend it next year.”
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
Stay informed on Rush happenings through the official Rapid City Rush team website, www.RapidCityRush.com.