A C-H-L shakeup this past week may have changed the Rush's off-season plans. It was announced that both the New Mexico and Oklahoma City franchises would be shutting down operations for the 2009-2010 season. Add to that, the loss of Rocky Mountain earlier this year...and it leaves Rapid City with an opportunity to bring in some newly-available talent.Ferras says, 'The surprise for everybody was Oklahoma City. It looks since they've suspended operations that they will be in the AHL for the 2010-2011 season. Both teams have very good players so we're going after the players same as every other team in the league. If we can find players that can help the Rapid City Rush, we're going to make our stance to go after them and bring them to Rapid and show them what we have to offer.'The C-H-L will counter the loss of those three teams with two expansion franchises. The addition of the Allen Americans and the Missouri Mavericks will bring the total to 15 teams for next year.

Chris Leone