Mason McCarty, who broke into pro hockey with the Rush in 2018-19 and came back via trade last season, has signed on for 2024-25.
Mason McCarty has had quite a journey to get back to where it all started.
The 27-year-old Blackie, Alberta native made his professional debut with the Rapid City Rush in 2018-19, totaling 10 points in 15 games.
After playing three years at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, McCarty returned to the ECHL, spending a season with the Kalamazoo Wings and half a season in Reading.
Last December, the Royals traded McCarty to the Rush, where he scored three goals in 11 games. His season came to an abrupt end after sustaining an injury that caused him to miss March and April.
Now, McCarty hopes to bounce back and play a full season with Rapid City, signing with the club for the 2024-25 season.
"I am so happy to be back in Rapid City," the 5-foot-10, 185-pound forward said after the signing was announced. "I started there before I went to school, and when I got the chance to come back and play again, it restored my love for the game. Excited for a healthy, winning season."
At Acadia, McCarty was teammates with Rush forward Maurizio Colella. In junior hockey, McCarty played in the WHL, recording 157 points in 225 appearances.
McCarty reminds Rush head coach and general manager Scott Burt of the Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman, the way he works around the net and plays down low.
"Mason is a workhorse," Burt said. "He is a great teammate on and off the ice, and you see it in his work ethic. He has taken it upon himself to get bigger and stronger this summer."
As of August 14, the Rush have five forwards, two defensemen and one goalie as they prepare to open the 2024-25 season on the road at TulsaOctober 19. Home-opening weekend is set for October 25 and 26 at The Monument Ice Arena.