Return of Veteran Captain Scott Wray Announced at Exclusive Season Ticket Holder & Corporate Sponsor Event

(Rapid City, SD) – Today, the Rapid City Rush held an outdoor barbecue in an event held exclusively for season ticket holders and corporate sponsors.  As part of the event, the team announced the latest signing of the 2012 CHL offseason.  Returning for his fourth season in the Black Hills is veteran team captain Scott Wray who will once again don the ‘C’ for the 2012-13 campaign.

Wray, 32, has been a model of consistency throughout his career, collecting eleven 20-plus goal seasons throughout his thirteen-year tenure.  Last season was no different as the veteran potted 25 goals, ranking third on the team by season’s end.

“I’m very excited to return for my fourth season in Rapid City,” said Wray.  “We have a lot of youth and veteran leadership, and I feel that this team’s makeup is very similar to our championship season.  I’m thrilled to wear the ‘C’ again and continue to be a part of this great community that I call home.”

Wray began his 2011-12 campaign struggling to find the net, earning four goals in the first 32 contests.  However, the Ottawa, Ontario native then caught fire, pouring in 21 goals in the final 34 tilts, leading the team down the stretch.  That run included the most prolific scoring stretch in Rush history with Wray scoring eleven goals in an eight-game span beginning in mid-January, including the 10th hat trick in franchise history (2/3 @ EVA).  Wray also tied a franchise record with goals in six-straight games (1/21 vs. DAY - 2/3 @ EVA) and was named Oakley CHL Player of the Week (2/6).

“It’s always important that your captain is your hardest worker and leads by example, and no one does this better than Scott Wray,” said Rush head coach Joe Ferras.  “Wrayzer’s commitment to our hockey team sets a great example for all the new players that come into Rapid City.  He was the only player to play in all 72 games last season, including playoffs, which is a testament to his dedication to conditioning and his compete level.”

During the 2010-11 season, Wray finished 4th on the team in goals (20) and points (48) while totaling 28 assists, good enough for second on the squad.  The veteran reached numerous milestones throughout the season, including his 300th regular season goal (11/20 vs. COL), 800th career game (4/24 vs. FTW) and 700th career point (5/3 @ COL).

“Scott got off to a slow start last season putting the puck in the net,” continued Ferras.  “However, he remained positive leader for our team and played outstanding defensively and was a key member to our penalty kill that ended up tops in the CHL.  As the year continued, Wrayzer was rewarded with all of his hard work as the puck started hitting the back of the net, and as a result, he ended up with 25 goals.  This is a great number for any player, but when you have scored no less than 24 goals each of the last seven years, that’s a testament to the type of player Scott has been throughout his career.”

During the 2009-10 championship season, Wray posted remarkable numbers, finishing with a career-high 78 points and becoming the first Rush player to score 30 goals in a single campaign.  The Ottawa, Ontario native competed in all 64 regular season games 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).

The veteran leader will always be remembered by Rush fans for scoring the game-winning goal in double-overtime to secure the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup Championship on May 5th in Game 6 versus the Allen Americans.