The affiliation between the Rapid City Rush (ECHL) and Minnesota Wild has concluded, as the two clubs will not renew their agreement for the 2018-19 season. The decision to end the affiliation, which began with the 2017-18 season, was a mutual one, according to an announcement from the Rush.
“After weeks of negotiations, we collectively decided to mutually part ways in our affiliation with the Minnesota Wild,” said Rush President Joe Macdonell. “I would like, on behalf of our organization, to thank the Wild for their partnership this last year, and for allowing us to aid in the development of some of their top prospects. At this time, we are continuing to evaluate our options regarding NHL affiliation for next season.”
“I’d like to thank the Wild for last season’s partnership. As a first-year head coach last season, it was a pleasure to work with some of their top prospects,” said Rush Head Coach Daniel Tetrault. “I hope to see some of them play in the NHL one day. They are immensely gifted players and I wish them the very best moving forward.”
Both teams served as affiliates for the first time this last season, which saw a number of Minnesota Wild prospects wear a Rush uniform, including 2018 ECHL All-Star Dante Salituro, Gustav Bouramman, who earned an end-of-season AHL call-up to the Iowa Wild, and Matt Caito, who played for both the Wild and Rush on a consistent basis throughout the season.