Veteran and Rookie Unite!
Local Sports Local
by
Justin Wickersham
last edited on
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
After winning the President's Cup last season, the Rapid City Rush lost a few players to the American Hockey League and to teams in Europe.
But Rush fans will be happy to know that one of the league's top goaltenders will be staying here in Rapid City.
Tuesday afternoon, the Rush re-signed Danny Battochio for the upcoming campaign.
Last year, Battochio was instrumental in helping the Rapid City Rush win their first ever league title.
He posted a 28-5-3 record with a 2.57 goals against average.
Battochio also stopped nearly 92 percent of the shots he faced.
For his efforts, he was named rookie of the year.
Obviously, Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras is ecstatic about re-signing Battochio.
RC Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras says, "You know, last year bringing him in we knew he was a good goaltender. We knew with all the recruiting we did and all the people we talked to back home, we knew we were getting a real solid young man. The way he came in and adapted to the pro game was something that you don't see very often. The guys are ecstatic that they know he's going to be back in our lineup. And the big thing with Danny is you know he comes to play every night."
In addition the Rush signed Defenseman Vladimir Hartinger Tuesday who will serve as a player-assistant for the upcoming season.
The Czech Republic native joins the Rush after playing two seasons in Italy.
In 76 games, Hartinger collected 24 goals and 72 assists for a total of 96 points.
He also played seven seasons in the CHL and will fill one of the veteran spots on the Rush roster.
RC Rush Defenseman Vladimir Hartinger says, "It was one of my first options to go. I called Coach Ferras. I came for a visit. My family loved it here. It’s a great town to raise a family. Obviously after the success the Rush had last season, I was really excited to come to a team like this."