Photo Credit-Kelsey Lee-Violet Turtle Photography

Blake Bennett is a player that is as genuine a talent on the ice as he is a person. That talent was developed first by his coach with the Charlotte Rush, Ryan Cruthers.Blake then went to Corpus Christi with the NAHL and earned a scholarship with Eric Lang at AIC. After being a healthy scratch for AIC’s tournament tilt with North Dakota, he proceeded to become one of the best goal scorers in Atlantic Hockey. He finished this year tied for the single season goal scoring record in AIC history with 22.

Rapid City will get a player with a lot of room to get even better, but one that can help a team battling for a playoff spot get going with what he can do.

Hear from his coach at AIC, Eric Lang “We are extremely proud of Blake. He’s incredibly talented and is going to be a terrific pro. Blake’s best hockey is ahead of him. He’s a late developer and is going to score at any level. This is just the start to his pro career.”

Hear more from Ryan Cruthers on how the Rush helped one of their best alums get a pro deal, and more on how the Rush can help Blake get moving to become AIC’s first player in the NHL.

“Blake Bennett signing with the Rapid CIty Rush is a very proud moment for our organization and me personally. The hockey world is small and the opportunity in Rapid City is one we worked to coordinate for Blake. Rapid City head coach Scott Burt was my first roommate at the professional level and was a huge mentor in my life as an older captain. I learned a lot from Scott and he is someone I have always respected and looked up to. After playing with Scott, I had the opportunity to play for him with the Alaska Aces. He is a proven champion but more importantly a great person and hockey coach. Knowing Blake and what he needs to continue to develop, I knew playing for Burty was the perfect fit. I am excited to be able to attend his first pro game Thursday nightwhich I am sure will be a very emotional night for him and his family. He has worked so hard for this opportunity and I believe this is just the beginning for him.”

Cruthers also as he does so well, thanked more people for being involved with Blake’s development.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to coach Blake and to be able to continue to help him. I have to thank Matt Dibble for bringing him to the Rush and for his advisor Ben Osborne who worked tirelessly for him.”

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