In one of the most remarkable free-agent signings in club history, veteran forward Ryan Wagner is suiting up for the Rush in 2024-25.
The Rapid City Rush made one of the biggest free-agent signings in franchise history, inking veteran forward Ryan Wagner to a contract for 2024-25.
Wagner is a seasoned veteran, having played 294 games in the AHL and over 300 at the professional level over six seasons.
The 28-year-old Wagner finished the 2023-24 season in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, appearing in 63 games for his hometown team and potting three goals and seven assists for 10 points.
A highly touted AAA prospect, Wagner spent a year at the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). He enrolled at Wisconsin at age 18 and didn't miss a game in four seasons. As a senior, he led the Badgers in scoring and was voted the team's MVP.
Wagner joined the Wolves on a tryout in the summer of 2018 after concluding his senior season with Wisconsin, which led to a contract.
The following season, Wagner joined the Colorado Eagles on a two-way contract and remained there through 2023 before re-signing with the Wolves.
The 5-foot-8, 185-pound left-shooting winger has 34 goals and 48 assists for 82 points over his AHL career. In his only prior experience in the ECHL, he appeared in 23 games for the Utah Grizzlies in 2019-20 and recorded 20 points.
A self-described "gritty" player, Wagner's leadership speaks for itself. At Wisconsin, he was an alternate captain his senior year and wore the 'A' for three seasons with the Eagles.
"The coaching staff could not say enough good things about the people who live in Rapid City and support the Rush," Wagner said following the signing. "The fanbase gets behind the team as the season gets going, especially gearing up for playoffs. I am looking forward to being a part of a community that is kind of small, but also big at the same time. I have heard there is a lot of heart and a lot of passion, and that is what I am most excited about."
After last season, Rush head coach and general manager Scott Burt reached out to Rush, and the two quickly formed a relationship. After a series of phone calls, Rush and his wife Cailee flew in for a visit. It didn't take long for him to make up his mind.
"It was almost instantaneous," Wagner said. "When (Burt) called me, he laid out what he was looking for and what his expectations are, and we meshed right away. There was no second-guessing in my mind. Everything aligned seamlessly. After our first phone call, I went straight to my wife and said, 'this is going to be the spot.' Everything seems kind of like home already."
The significance of Wagner's signing is not lost on Burt.
"You look at his background, he has played nearly 300 games in the AHL," Burt said. "We did our research on him. We talked with Calgary, and they really like him as a player. Ryan and his wife wanted to find a spot where they could settle down and call a place home, and they see that here in Rapid City."
The Rush are not only getting a solid leader on the ice, but off it as well. In May 2023, Wagner was named the Eagles' AHL Man of the Year for his commitment to the community. He worked closely with charitable organizations and took part in team fundraisers and looks forward to doing the same in the Black Hills.
As for putting down roots, Wagner felt Rapid City was the perfect place for him, Cailee and their four dogs
"We like to spend a lot of our time outdoors," Wagner explained. "We spend our summers in Minocqua, Wisconsin, which is pretty remote and quiet. It is so small and niche that it feels like home, and we felt that same vibe when we vacationed to Deadwood, Sturgis, and the Black Hills. We fell in love with Rapid City before we had ever considered joining the Rush."
Wagner's signing makes him the most experienced player on the Rush's roster and should give the club a major boost after a 30-win season left them out of the 2024 post-season.
"Hopefully, we can make something special," Wagner said. "Not only with my family but also with the team."