Photo Courtesy of the Rapid City Rush
The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, have made another signing for the upcoming season.
The team announced Chaz Smedsrud is returning for the 2025-26 season. It will be his second full year with the Rush organization.
The 27-year-old Smedsrud joined the Rush in a trade from the Allen Americans on Oct. 28 and spent the bulk of last season with Rapid City.
In 68 games with the Rush, Smedsrud finished fourth on the team with 41 points (12 goals + 29 assists). He spent most of the year centering the second line, taking key draws at even-strength and on special teams.
Smedsrud has high praise for the Rush organization and its fans.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to such a first-class organization,” Smedsrud said in a statement. “There is a real pride in playing for the Rapid City Rush, and nothing compares to the energy our fans bring every night. I am excited to get back to work.”
Smedsrud began his professional career with the Americans in March of 2024 and made his debut on the road in Rapid City. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward turned pro after a four-year collegiate career at Union College in New York.
Smedsrud played against RPI—and new Rush Head Coach Dave Smith—in all four years, so they are quite familiar with each other. Now, they’re finally on the same side.
“Chaz Smedsrud is the type of player that you can win with, period,” Smith noted. “He brings a nice mix of size and skills. His ability to play hard and produce will be very valuable to our team.”
The native of Luverne, Minn. grew up just five hours east of Rapid City and has family in the Black Hills. At the high school level in Minnesota, Smedsrud averaged over three points per game for his career.