RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, announced that defenseman Jake Ratzlaff is returning to the team for the 2026-27 season.
Ratzlaff, 24, turned pro with the Rush last season and went on to record 15 points (3g-12a) in 50 games while leading the team with a +13 rating.
Ratzlaff came to Rapid City having played two sports at the NCAA Division I level. The Rosemount, Minnesota native started out as a linebacker at the University of Wisconsin before changing directions and pursuing hockey. Ratzlaff skated in the United States Hockey League while still enrolled at Wisconsin, then transferred to the University of St. Thomas for two seasons.