Former Wolverine defenseman Griffin Luce, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, has signed a contract with the Rapid City Rush for the 2020-21 season, the team announced Monday (Sept. 28). The Rush are the ECHL affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes.
“I chose Rapid City to start my professional career because I feel it’s a spot where I have the best opportunity to grow my game,” Luce said. “It’s nice having a familiar face and my friend Hayden Lavigne there as well. He’s a great teammate and solid in net and I look forward to continuing to play in front of him. I’d like to thank Michigan Hockey for four incredible years. The program is one of a kind. Yost is by far the best rink in college hockey and I was fortunate enough to play in front of the Children of Yost.”
An alternate captain as a senior, Luce played in 35 games and collected four assists and 60 blocked shots. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Luce appeared in 131 career games as Wolverine, netting three goals and 11 assists. In 2018-19, he led the team in blocked shots with 74 and helped his team to an NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 2017-18.
Luce is the second Wolverine to sign with the Rush this year, joining goaltender Lavigne.
The anticipated start date for the ECHL season is Dec. 4.
“I’m looking forward to starting my professional career with the Rush,” Luce said. “Forever Go Blue!”
