Jarvis the Rush's quiet playmaker

by Jim Holland
(courtesy of www.rapidcityjournal.com)

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Call Blaine Jarvis the quiet playmaker for the Rapid City Rush.

Jarvis’ role has been well-documented as part of the Rush’s penalty-kill unit, ranked at or near the top in the Central Hockey League for most of the season.

But while the big guns of the roster — Les Reaney, Scott Wray, Brendan Cook, Brendon Hodge, Colt King and Jon Pelle — have all exceeded the 20-goal plateau and piled up the assists, the unassuming Jarvis has been building his best offensive season.

Last year, he appeared in nine games with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads before coming to Rapid City. In 51 games with the Rush, he tallied six goals and 17 assists for 23 points.

 In 62 games this regular season, he more than doubled his goal production with 16 and added 27 assists for 43 points. His plus-21 rating attests to the high number of goals the Rush have scored when Jarvis is on the ice.

 “We know what he does for us, but maybe not everyone watching knows how important he is to our hockey club,” Rush head coach Joe Ferras said.

“He’s had a breakout season as a pro hockey player,” Ferras said. “He could have scored 20 or 25 goals with all the chances he’s had.”

Jarvis was one of eight returnees for the 2009-2010 season, but he had no guarantee of making the roster. 

“He knew coming in he was going to have to earn his spot and compete every night, and from Day 1, he’s been that guy,” Ferras said.

Jarvis credits a strict workout and skating schedule in the off-season for allowing him to get off to a good start. He said returning to a familiar city and team also made a difference.

 “You know your coaches and the systems, and what kind of roles you’re going to play,” he said. “We have a lot better team this year, so you’re playing with better players and that’s going to help your personal numbers.”

Jarvis wasn’t on the scoresheet in Rapid City’s 5-1 win over the Missouri Mavericks in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Northern Conference semifinal series Saturday night in Independence.

“We had home ice advantage, but it really didn’t feel like it being on the road,” Jarvis said. “I think we came out the way we wanted to. You want to get that first win.”