On Thursday, the Rapid City Rush announced that the club has re-signed defenseman Mitchell Smith for the 2025-26 season.
The 22-year-old joined the Rush in a trade from the Bloomington Bison on Feb. 10 and finished out his rookie season in Rapid City.
In 27 games with the Rush, Smith recorded one goal and six points and registered a +1 rating.
“I cannot wait to be a part of the Rush family for another year,” Smith said in a statement. “The family culture in Rapid City is very special and I am excited to get back to it.”
The 5-foot-11 left-shot defenseman has played a total of 43 games between Rapid City and Bloomington. He was the third-youngest member of last year’s Rush team.
A native of Saginaw, Mich., Smith captained the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit before turning pro. Smith took a year off from hockey in 2023-24 to pursue collegiate baseball in Michigan.
Rush head coach and general manager Dave Smith says Mitchell Smith is an all-around defenseman who can do everything well.
“His skating and passing ability make him valuable in all situations,” Dave Smith noted. “Having him back in Rapid City provides us with a top-level defenseman who is ready to contribute immediately.”