Matt Araujo and Joe Widmar join the Rush for the 2024-25 season.
The Rapid City Rush added depth at both defense and forward, signing defenseman Matt Araujo and forward Joe Widmar for the 2024-25 season.
The 27-year-old Araujo played his first pro season in the SPHL with the Fayetteville Marksmen in 2023-24. He collected 36 points in 56 games and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He led all Fayetteville defensemen in scoring, while fellow Rush signee Simon Boyko led the club offensively.
“I am eager and excited to head out to Rapid City and to get things started with the Rush,” Araujo said after signing. “I am ready to contribute to the team’s success and am looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of such passionate fans every night.”
A native of Brookhaven, N.Y. on Long Island, Araujo attended Division III SUNY-Plattsburgh in Upstate New York. He captained the Cardinals twice, as a senior and as a graduate student. Araujo picked up all-conference honors in each of his four collegiate seasons.
Araujo is a big, reliable two-way blueliner, according to Rush assistant coach Peter Drikos.
“He is coming off a great season as one of the top defensemen in the SPHL along with being named to the All-Rookie Team,” Drikos said. “We are excited to have him come in and contribute to our D-core.”
The 29-year-old Widmar has played six of his seven professional seasons in the United States. He has skated with nine ECHL teams, spanning all four divisions.
Widmar spent the majority of 2023-24 in the SPHL with the Peoria Rivermen and the Pensacola Ice Flyers, along with a short stint with the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators. He recorded 45 points across 52 combined games last season.
“I am looking forward to getting back to competing every day with my teammates,” Widmar said. “Excited to work with coach (Scott) Burt to help the Rush win.”
In total, Widmar has played 157 ECHL games and nearly 300 professional contests. The native of Northbrook, Ill. is over a point-per-game at the SPHL level for his career. After playing in over 100 USHL games, Widmar attended the University of Massachusetts for two years. He has faced the Rush ten times as a member of the Allen Americans, Iowa Heartlanders, Wichita Thunder, and Atlanta Gladiators.
Burt hopes Widmar can give the Rush depth while putting himself in a better position to move forward as a pro.
“(Joe) wants to get to a spot where he can prove himself and stay there,” Burt said. “He has been up and down between the ECHL and SPHL and has had some good seasons. With us having the ability to roll four lines this year, we are looking for some depth guys who can produce. I like to give people opportunities, and I want to give Joe the opportunity to come here and compete.”
As of September 18, the Rush has eight forwards, six defensemen and one goalie on their roster. Check back often with The Hockey News ECHL page for the latest transactions, news and analysis.