Rush bring back Bennett

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, announced the re-signing of rookie forward Blake Bennett for the 2023-24 season.

Bennett joined the Rush at the end of the 2022-23 season, following the conclusion of his college career at American International College. He made his professional debut with the Rush on March 9 against Wichita, registering his first career point with an assist. He followed this up with his first career goal, notching the game-winning tally in a 3-1 win over Tulsa on March 18. Bennett finished his brief stay in Rapid City with five points (1g-4a) in 15 contests.

Originally from Grand Island, New York, Bennett, 24, posted career bests in virtually every category as a senior in 2022-23, scoring 35 points (22g-13a) in 38 games, earning AHA First All-Star Team honors. In the year prior as a junior, Bennett notched 34 points (20g-14a) in 37 games, leading the Yellow Jackets to the AHA regular season and tournament championships, an All-Tournament Team selection, Tournament MVP honors, and a berth into the 2022 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament. He finished his NCAA career with 72 points (44g-28a) in 80 career games.