Sarcona returns to Rush while team adds Elmes

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, announced that rookie forward T.J. Sarcona has re-signed with the team, while rookie defenseman Josh Elmes has also been signed for the 2017-18 season.

Sarcona returns to the Rush after finishing last season with the team following the completion of his college career. The 25-year-old played in 12 games with the Rush and notched fourassists. Prior to turning pro, the West Islip, N.Y. native skated with Niagara University, where he notched 62 points (25g-37a) in 137 games. Before attending Niagara, Sarcona played junior hockey with the Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League, racking up 140 points (55g-85a) in 163 games, and capturing the 2013 NAHL Robertson Cup championship.

Elmes joins the Rush after finishing his first season as a professional in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The 24-year-old started the season with the Fayetteville FireAntz, notching three points (1g-2a) in eight games. He was then traded to the Evansville Thunderbolts and added 16 points (5g-11a) and 30 penalty minutes in 35 games.