(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Fast Metropolis Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, introduced on Thursday the membership has signed Jake Ratzlaff for the 2025-26 season.
Ratzlaff, 23, joins the Rush and turns professional after having lived a collegiate profession not many athletes get to expertise: competing on the Division I stage in two completely different sports activities.
“I’m tremendous excited and blessed for the chance to be part of the Fast Metropolis Rush group,” mentioned Ratzlaff. “I’m wanting ahead to competing daily and successful quite a lot of hockey video games. Let’s go!”
A standout hockey, soccer, and baseball participant at Rosemount Excessive College in Minnesota, Jake selected the gridiron, having been named Minnesota Mr. Soccer as a senior and dedicated to the College of Wisconsin.
Ratzlaff noticed some motion late in video games for the Badgers in his freshman season. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-2 linebacker determined to vary instructions and pursue hockey after sustaining a hip harm. Whereas nonetheless in Madison and enrolled at Wisconsin, he suited up for seven video games with the USHL’s Madison Capitols within the prime beginner junior league within the nation. The College of St. Thomas got here calling and provided him a spot on their Division I roster.
A giant-bodied, bodily right-shot defenseman, Ratzlaff match proper in with the Tommies and performed 23 video games over two seasons in school. Regardless that he had taken two full seasons off the ice, his perseverance pays off with the signing of an expert contract.
“Jake is a gradual, stay-at-home, robust defender who’s an elite athlete,” mentioned Dave Smith, Rush Head Coach and Basic Supervisor. “He might be anticipated to contribute to our group toughness. Jake’s historical past of being a multi-sport athlete, taking part in Huge Ten soccer and Division I hockey, speaks to his mindset and understanding of easy methods to compete at a excessive stage.”
The Rush have introduced the next participant signings:
Forwards (8): Ryan Wagner, Parker Bowman, Jonathan Yantsis, Chaz Smedsrud, Cameron Buhl, Rasmus Ekström, Maurizio Colella, Jared Westcott
Defensemen (7): Billy Constantinou, Mitchell Smith, Aaron Hyman, Mike Van Unen, Alexander Stensson, Aaron Chiarot, Jake Ratzlaff
Goaltenders (2): Christian Propp, Nathan Torchia
2025-26 Fast Metropolis Rush single-game tickets, mini plans, and season tickets are on sale now! The Rush kick off 12 months 18 within the Black Hills on Friday, October 24th. Take a look at the 2025-26 promotional schedule for an inventory of all themed nights. Name the Rush workplace at 605-716-7825 or go to www.rapidcityrush.com to study extra and safe your seats at the moment.
