The Rapid City Rush have picked up their second Central Hockey League award in only the first month of the expansion team's existence. The league's leading scorer, Rich Hansen, has been named Sher-Wood Player of the Month by the CHL for his performance in the month of October.

"It's obviously an honor to be named Sher-Wood Player of the Month,"said Hansen. "Of course, I wouldn't be able to accomplish this without my teammates along with (head) coach (Joe) Ferras and the entire Rush club. It's a first class professional organization here in Rapid City and they put us in the best possible scenario to win every game. We with out a doubt have a great team and will be contenders to win it all."

In the first seven games of the season, Hansen has recorded seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. That includes a six-point opening weekend against the Colorado Eagles, currently the CHL's top team. On Sunday night against the Wichita Thunder, Hansen scored the first shorthanded goal in Rapid City Rush history.

"It's obviously a huge accomplishment for Rich Hansen and a great honor, not only for him, but for the Rush organization," said Ferras." Richie has been a stand-out player for us since opening night and has continued to be a dominant player with every performance. As an organization,we are very proud of Richie's accomplishments, and to be named first player of the month in the 2008-09 season is very well deserved, especially when playing seven games on the road. To be scoring at that pace with this road trip is phenomenal."

During Hansen's first stint in the CHL, he skated for the Amarillo Gorillas where Ferras was the bench boss. The fourth-year professional is looking to top his previous high of 68 points scored in 2006-2007, his second season in Amarillo.