RAPID CITY - The expansion Rapid City Rush signed their second-round selection from last month's Central Hockey League expansion draft.

Derek LeBlanc is the newest member of the Rush, signing with the club on Tuesday.

"After being picked up in the expansion draft, I spoke with several colleagues all of whom had nothing but good things to say about (Rush head) coach (Joe) Ferras and GM Jason Rent," said LeBlanc. "Once I had the opportunity to visit the area and see first-hand the type of organization the Rush had to offer, my decision was easy."

On a recent recruiting trip, LeBlanc and his father Marv received a personal tour of the new arena and its state-of-the art facilities. They also had an opportunity to take in some of the tourist attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Deadwood.

"Rapid City and the Black Hills are unbelievable and I love the area and all it has to offer. I've never been to South Dakota and was most impressed with the scenery," LeBlanc said. "My dad and I had an opportunity to see Mount Rushmore, and it was a great experience. I look forward to taking advantage of all the opportunities in and around Rapid City."

LeBlanc, 22, joined the Rocky Mountain Rage late in the season last year posting an assist in five games, his first as a professional. His junior career (2003-2007) was spent with Brandon and Calgary, where he scored 49 goals with 52 assists in 246 games.

"I am very happy that Derek has decided to come to Rapid City this season," said Rush head coach Joe Ferras. " He has great size and skates well and is a young player that wants to be very successful at the pro level, and these are the type of players we want wearing the Rush jersey."

Last September, LeBlanc took part in the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp. In 2005, he participated in the Toronto Maple Leafs main training camp.

"Both camps were great experiences that allowed me the opportunity to play with NHL-caliber players," stated LeBlanc.

Ferras said the NHL experience should help LeBlanc adjust to professional hockey.

"He knows how to compete and we expect him to be a player that will thrive in our program," Ferras said.

In other Rush news, general manager Jason Rent said he anticipates the inaugural Rush schedule before the month's end.

"We will begin the season on the road which will allow the team some time to bond early in the year," said Rent.

According to Rent, season ticket sales are so strong thus far he anticipates opening night being sold out.