After putting up 12 points in 24 games for the Rush last season, Billy Constantinou returns to the club for 2024-25.
When the Rapid City Rush claimed Billy Constantinou off waivers last January, he quickly proved he can put the puck in the net as well as prevent opponents from doing the same.
The 23-year-old defenseman potted two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 24 games with the Rush. He appeared in four contests with the Cincinnati Cyclones prior to that before getting into 29 games with Maine. Constantinou also appeared in the 2023 ECHL All-Star Classic in Norfolk.
Last February, Constantinou scored his first goal as a Rush defender in the third period of a game against the Mariners, helping Rapid City to a win over his former club.
Now, the Scarborough, Ontario native hopes to build upon his success with the Rush, agreeing to terms for the 2024-25 season.
Following the club's announcement of his signing, Constantinou stated he's excited and grateful to be back in Rapid City.
"Looking forward to playing in front of the best fan base in the entire league and continuing to learn from coach (Scott) Burt and coach (Peter) Drikos," Constantinou said.
Constantinou is a seasoned veteran of the ECHL, having played for seven teams over his first three seasons, including Rapid City. He also has the distinction of playing in all four divisions.
In 167 ECHL games, Constantinou has tallied 85 points (16-69-85). He also made a brief appearance in the AHL, playing in four games split between the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks organizations.
This year's Rush schedule features meetings with three of Constantinou's former clubs: Iowa, Wichita and Maine.
Constantinou played his junior hockey in the OHL for three seasons. He shares the same hometown as Drikos.
Burt is confident that Constantinou's commitment to working hard during the offseason will pay off.
"He possesses offensive ability, which is hard to come by," Burt said. "After a good summer of training and skating back home, he is excited to get going and really prove himself. He wants to stay in one spot and continue to grow. Peter (Drikos) is going to continue to work with him on the defensive side of the game, and if we can get that from him, he will be a very solid defender."
In 2019, Constantinou received a camp invite from the Los Angeles Kings, and competed in the Rookie Tournament at just 18 years of age. His addition to the 2024-25 roster gives the Rush 10 players as of August 23, including three blueliners, six forwards and a goaltender.