Rush bring back Wagner

Action photo of Ryan Wagner of the Rapid City Rush

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, announced the club has re-signed Ryan Wagner for the 2025-26 season.

Wagner returns for his second season in Rapid City. The centerpiece of last season’s squad and one of the most significant free-agent signings in the organization’s history, Wagner took on the role of captain for the first time in his professional career and became an instant fan favorite through his energetic, talented, and lead-by-example play.

The 29-year-old set a Rush single-season ECHL-era record with 50 assists. His 79 points not only tied the Rush ECHL-era record, but were good for second-most across the entire league. Wagner also led the ECHL in power play points (30) and finished fifth in shots on goal (240).

The accolades did not stop there for Wagner, who is coming off one of the most memorable first seasons of any Rush player ever. Wagner finished the season on the All-ECHL Second Team after picking up Midseason All-Star honors along the way.

Prior to joining the Rush, Wagner accumulated 294 American Hockey League games across seven seasons between the Chicago Wolves and Colorado Eagles. He served as alternate captain for three years with Colorado while also serving in the same capacity during his senior season at the University of Wisconsin.