A press release last week announced the new Rapid City, SD entry in the Central Hockey League will be known as the Rush.
Yes, the Rush. And yes, like you, I was a little perplexed at first. But not because of the name.
First things first. I had to figure out SD is actually South Dakota.
For a minute, I thought San Diego was getting a hockey team.
Anyway, back to our Midwest friends. South Dakota is in the Midwest right?
I'm still trying to come to grips with Rush.
Well duh.
Get with the program here, Sparky. Brush up on your geography.
As anyone outside, er, inside the great state of South Dakota knows, Rapid City is pretty darn close to historic Mount Rushmore. They even said so in their official press release. Really.
The name was nothing close to a slam dunk. The Rush beat out the Bison, the Choppers and the Road Hogs.
A final four to be proud of, San Di....er, South Dakota.
Apparently, creativity is not scarce in the American heartland.
Hey, the CHL seems to be on to something. Another recent press release from the Bossier-Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs unveiled a new broadcaster.
The Mudbugs.
You can't make this stuff up.
Come to think of it, the NHL could take a page out of the CHL's book when it comes to christening franchises with nicknames.
Seriously, how often are you going to see a Penguin in Pittsburgh? The only way you'll come across a Predator in Nashville is if that's the name of a hillbilly band down at the honky tonk.
Flames, Avalanche, Hurricanes and Lightning...what is this, Armageddon on Ice?
Think about it. Familiarity breeds success.
I mean, who wouldn't take in a game between, say, the Los Angeles Riot and Buffalo Blaze? The Ottawa Bandits - a government reference, for those not living in Canada - squaring off with their American counterparts, the Washington Scandal? The Montreal Lapdance hosting the Detroit .22s?
Promote your city. After all, SD and LA aren't large California cities.
They are home to the Rush and Mudbugs.