You ever been the person who really should throw a party? You know you are, you feel like you should, or want to, but when it comes to the planning… all creativity drops through the floor. “Well, we could just go to another restaurant…”

I’ve had this conversation with myself many a time and when I am NOT the one throwing the party – and I don’t know anyone that IS throwing a party, and I can’t think of a good REASON to throw a party… ideas are just building up. I am inspired by the slightest thing. But of course, when my turn comes, a wide swath of “blank” fills my mind. Nothing.

All of that has changed, though. For a limited time, during the end of the Rapid City RUSH hockey season, the public has the chance to rent one of the reserved suites at an incredible rate. (I can’t publish it here, sorry, you’ll have to call for those details.) Imagine taking all your friends to the RUSH Championship games and hanging out in a SUITE all night. Some gourmet appetizers – which can be provided by the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, some drinks – which can also be provided by the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center… and you have a swank party for you and your friends. It is easy – all you have to do is call.

The Suites are available in the off-season as well; complete with giant televisions, food, drinks, a fridge, a couch… all kinds of luxurious amenities.

Just in case you like to party.

Give us a call. 605.394.4115

It’s an awkward, game, really.

The uniforms are mostly plastic – or some other particularly rigid, protective material.

The sticks are large, and long.

It’s violent too.

Never before have I watched a sports match where the strategy is to slam another player into the wall in order to gain an advantage. And the referee doesn’t seem to care. And the crowd goes wild.

And when the ref decides that last one was a little rough and throws the player in the penalty box, the player acts surprise. Irritated even.

“Well, Mr. Exceptional Hockey Player, you did just slam your opponent into the wall so hard his helmet came off.”

And what really just blows my mind is that all of this happens on ice.

Usually the kind of stage that begs grace.

Not that the players aren’t graceful. I have never seen men so cumbersomely dressed, move so fluidly.

And they handle the puck so deftly…

It boggles my mind, really. All of it. Last night the Rapid City RUSH boggled my mind. Hockey, really, boggled my mind.

Everything moves at lightening speed. No huddle, no count down to the play, they don’t even break to change players.

Just a raw, aggressive fight for the goal.

(They made three last night, by the way, to beat out the Eagles.)

The whole sport is a study in contradiction, a balance of aggression and grace…

And, I think I love it.

Sticks in the AIR!!!

Tickets went on sale this morning at 10am for the Rapid City Rush Pre-season games scheduled for October 9th & 10th.

Rapid City Rush head coach Joe Ferras believes this will be a good start to their season and against a worthy opponent. And he should know. He was the Amarillo Rattlers’ coach for years.

Now, as they face the re-named Amarillo Gorillas, the Rapid City Rush have one full season behind them, a few new members, and a strong training camp. But most importantly, they have Rapid City behind them.

The Rapid City Rush came to the Black Hills not really knowing what to expect. And the citizens of this area blew their minds.

Rapid City and the Black Hills have thrown their sticks in the air, rallying around their team showing incredible pride and support – and having a real good time doing it. For Rapid City, and the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Rapid City Rush is about so much more than hockey.

Give YOUR hockey team the right start for a great second season! This is where it starts. Buy your tickets online at gotmine.com or by calling 1-800-gotmine.