Each organization is trending in the right direction, with positive momentum pushing the Coyotes, Roadrunners, and the Rush in a welcomed upward trend. It had to make sense for all parties involved. “To echo Jeff Dickerson’s sentiments, we didn’t just affiliate to affiliate. From the time we began this process, we were immediately welcomed into the Coyotes family, and felt a synergy between the organizations at all three levels of hockey,” Rush President Todd Mackin remarked on the affiliation. “We are thrilled to engage in this affiliation partnership with the Arizona Coyotes.
Forward Michael Bunting followed as the most recent former Rush player to make his NHL debut, and had one that he’d never forget: he also scored his first career NHL goal that same night. Defenseman Dakota Mermis became the first Rush skater to debut in an NHL game, and served last season as the Captain of the Coyotes AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. Goaltender Marek Langhamer was the first player in Rush history to not only receive an NHL call-up, but later play in an NHL game, followed by goaltender Adin Hill, who became the first Rush player ever to start and eventually win an NHL game in net. As the primary ECHL development team for the Coyotes, the Rush developed four players that played in Rapid City and advanced to the highest echelon in the NHL, with all playing for the Coyotes. The Rush and Coyotes will be affiliate partners for a second time starting with the 2019-20 ECHL season after previously entering an affiliation for two seasons from 2015-2017.
From the moment we met with Steve Sullivan, we knew this was the place for us, and we look forward to playing a part in the success of our partners in Tucson and Phoenix.” We wanted to work with an organization that we shared common goals with, could grow with, and that gave opportunities for advancement of our players and staff. “When we first set out in this process, we weren’t just looking for an affiliate for the sake of an affiliation.
“We are extremely excited to announce our affiliation today with the Arizona Coyotes organization,” said Rush Owner Jeff Dickerson of Spire Sports + Entertainment. Immediately following the press conference, there will be a reception held in the Club Level.
MST at ice level of Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena, with all public invited to attend. The affiliation is the third time in the team’s previous five ECHL seasons that it will serve as a developmental affiliate for an NHL franchise, as the second time in partnership with the Coyotes organization.Ī press conference to formalize this announcement will take place next Monday, July 29th, at 3:30 p.m. (RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush organization is proud to announce an agreement to serve as the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes for a two-year term.
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