After joining the Rush last February, Parker Bowman will begin his first full season with the club in 2024-25.
The Rapid City Rush added to their stable of forwards by signing Parker Bowman to a contract for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The Bracebridge, Ontario native spent his four-year collegiate career at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario before inking his deal with the Rush, making him the club's first college-to-pro signee of the 2023-24 season.
The 25-year-old Bowman was an integral part of the Rush's late-season push that saw them post a 7-3-1 record over the final 11 games of the regular season. The 6-foot, 186-pound forward scored four goals, including one on the power play, in 18 games.
"When we really started to turn thing around and give our push at the end of last season, it was when players like Parker came in," Rush head coach and general manager Scott Burt said following Bowman's announced signing. "He came highly recommended out of college."
Bowman is looking forward to getting back in action with the team for a full season.
"I am incredibly fortunate to be back with the Rush for another season," Bowman said following the club's announcement of his signing. "I am looking forward to building off the momentum we created last year and continuing to strengthen the culture around the Rush logo."
During his time at Nipissing, Bowman served as team captain for two consecutive seasons. Prior to college, he spent one season in the NOJHL, where he totaled 88 points and wore the C for Powassan. He also played two seasons of major junior hockey with the QMJHL's Rimouski Océanic, the same program that developed Sidney Crosby.
Burt calls Bowman a "bulldog", someone who isn't afraid to drop the gloves when necessary.
"He took a lot of key draws and killed penalties for us," Burt said. "My teams are based on hard work and effort, and Parker has that. We will look for him to bring that energy every single day."
The Rush currently have four forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender under contract for 2024-25. Rapid City kicks off its 17th season in the Black Hills the weekend of October 25 and 26.