RAPID CITY - Rome wasn't built in a day, but the Rush will have to come together in less than a week.

The Central Hockey League expansion Rapid City Rush opened training camp on Monday with the 28-player camp roster split into two groups for morning drills and workouts and an afternoon scrimmage at the Roosevelt Park Ice Arena.

After more than a year helping to put Rapid City's newest pro sports franchise together, Rush head coach Joe Ferras was happy to get on the ice.

"After 14 months of putting a hockey team together, it's good to see that we have some quality kids here. It's going to be exciting," he said.

"Having small numbers in two groups, it was definitely a tough skate for them, but that was what we had planned," he said.

The Rush's first exhibition games are Friday against the Rocky Mountain Rage in Windsor, Colo., and Saturday against the Colorado Eagles in Loveland, Colo.

"It's such a short window in training camp, we want these guys to get into shape as quick as we can, and try to get that tempo up to where it needs to be," he said.

The pace is important to establishing that all-important, but hard-to-find aspect of a team: chemistry.

"The guys are getting into the flow and trying to get back up to speed on everything," said player-assistant Chris Lipsett, a forward.

"Everyone should be in shape, so it's all about getting the timing back and getting used to the guys that we're going to be playing with."

Ferras hoped for an increase in physicality in the afternoon scrimmage and he got his wish - and then some.

A minor scuffle broke out between a couple of players, resulting in stints in the penalty box for both.

"We told the guys we don't want any fights. Things might happen, but we want to see guys competing. These guys are going after jobs, so it's going to be intense out there." Ferras said.

"You just need to keep talking and don't get too much down on yourself. You make mistakes, but everyone's here and makes mistakes. Just do what you do best," said forward Rich Hanson.

Camp continues today at the Roosevelt Arena, with all drills open to the public.

Ferras expects the intensity level to build.

"You got here a week early and you've been out there skating and forming a bond. Now you're going for one of 19 jobs. You have to put your friendships aside and try to earn your spot on the hockey club," he said.