There were plenty of dignitaries from around the state and the city in attendance on Saturday to witness the first-ever professional hockey game played in South Dakota at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

South Dakota Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard made the trip to watch the Rush and even pose for a ceremonial dropping of the puck.

Rapid City mayor Alan Hanks was also in attendance and participated in the dropping of the puck with Daugaard.

Rushmore Plaza Civic Center general manager Brian Maliske said eight of 10 city councilmen also attended the game on Saturday.

Central Hockey League commissioner Duane Lewis, along with several CHL owners, also attended the first home game in Rush history.

Coaches, team get right back to work

It was a quick turnaround for the Rapid City Rush, following Friday night's 7-1 loss to Colorado in Loveland, Colo.

The expansion CHL team arrived back in Rapid City around 4 a.m. Saturday morning.

Rush head coach Joe Ferras said he did not get any sleep once the team arrived, deciding instead to watch film of Friday's game.

The trip to Loveland brought the curtain down on the Rush's CHL-record tying 14-game road trip to open the season. The extended road trip covered 13,000 miles and 37 days.

The road trip accommodated construction of the new ice arena addition at the Rushmore Plaza Civic.

Rapid City fans get their Rush gear

One of the most popular spots in the new arena before the game and at intermissions was the Rush merchandise store.

Lines stretched around the corner from the entrance as fans looked to buy shirts, sweatshirts and pucks to support the new team. The most popular buys of opening day were hats and jerseys.

Rush T-shirts were also a big attraction during the game as they were thrown to fans who showed their support of the team with the loudest cheers.

Eagles grounded on power-play chances

One night after giving up four power play goals and a pair of shorthanded tallies, the Rush defense stepped up and did not allow any. Colorado had several good chances to get the extra-man goal, but Rush goalie Miguel Beaudry was a wall in net coming up with several impressive glove saves.

While the Rush defense grounded the Eagles' attack, Rapid City's own play with a man advantage is still lacking. The Rush are 0-for-14 with the power play in the last two games, but was the aggressor at even strength Saturday to make up for that.

Hansen back among CHL scoring leaders

Rich Hansen's two goals gave him 29 points on the season to put him back on top of the league's leaders before Saturday evening's games were played.

Hansen was held without a point on Friday night against the Eagles, which snapped a string of three straight games with at least one point.

Hansen scored the first two goals for the Rush on Saturday, which is something he will not soon forget.

"It was exciting," he said. "It sent chills up my spine."

Rush get new guys on ice for first time

The Rush had a pair of players seeing their first action of the season on Saturday as forward Jon Pelle and defenseman Eric Nelson laced up the skates.

Both Pelle and Nelson made their presence felt with an assist each.

Title: Rapid City Rush Date: November 28th, 2008 Follow the Rush at www.rapidcityjournal.com. VIEW PRESENTATION »