The Rapid City Rush announced this week that forward Ryan Wagner will return for the 2026‑27 campaign, securing the services of the team’s captain and one of the franchise’s most consistent offensive producers.
A season of milestones
In his second year as captain, Wagner posted 40 assists and 64 total points, placing him second on the club in scoring while earning the Warrior Hockey ECHL Player of the Month honor for November 2025. He also recorded a goal in ten of eleven games, a feat that stands as a Rush ECHL history record.
Wagner’s impact extended beyond the scoresheet. He led the league in power‑play points and finished second in the entire ECHL in overall points, earning All‑ECHL Second Team and Midseason All‑Star recognitions. His 50 assists in the 2024‑25 season set a new Rush single‑season record.
A place in franchise history
The forward sits tenth in career points in Rush history, ranking seventh in assists and eleventh in goals. Across 142 games with Rapid City, he has accumulated 143 points (53 goals, 90 assists), a testament to his durability and consistency.
Wagner’s professional journey began in the American Hockey League, where he appeared in 294 games over seven seasons with the Chicago Wolves and Colorado Eagles. The stint included 32 playoff appearances, experiences that have prepared him for the heightened intensity of the ECHL.
Looking ahead
With Wagner locked in for another season, the Rush hope to build on the momentum generated by his leadership and offensive production. General manager comments suggest the organization views his return as a cornerstone for maintaining competitiveness and pursuing another deep playoff run.