2017-18 Captains Announced for Rush Premier Team

Charlotte, NC:  The Charlotte Rush are proud to announce Tyler Dill has been named team Captain while veterans Joe Palermo, Connor Tuttle and newcomer Antonio Demacopoulos will serve as assistants.  "Its a huge honor to be the captain of one of the top organizations in junior hockey.  Having the entire locker room looking up to you is something very special.  After watching what it took to be the captain of a championship team last season I feel I am ready to take on the responsibility of being the captain this year" said Tyler Dill.  General Manager Ryan Cruthers on his newly appointed captain and Utica College commit "Tyler is a true professional in the way he approaches each day.  He was very close with last years captain Nick Yzaguirre and I believe we will get the same strong leadership qualities with Tyler.  I am honored to have someone of his character leading our team and know he will keep the tradition of great captains going."

The assistant captain role will be filled with two returning USPHL Champions in Connor Tuttle and Joe Palermo.  Tuttle commeneted on his new role "Its an honor to be chosen to be a captain by my teammates.  I'm excited to be given this opportunity to wear a letter after winning a championship last year under a phenomenal leadership group."  Palermo added "I am honored to be given the opportunity to wear a letter on my jersey for this upcoming season.  I was able to learn a lot from an amazing leadership group last year.  I have a lot of experience leading by example on and off the ice am happy to be able to show the new players the ropes of how everybody leads and plays as a single unit here in Charlotte."  Three of the four captains this season all won a championship last season in Charlotte, Cruthers on his returning leadership group "It is great when you see veteran players return as leaders in your locker room.  Connor has been with me since day one and has helped build this program into what it is now and its great to see his teammates recognize his leadership abilities.  Joe was a part of our leadership group last season and knows what I expect from my captains.  The experiences they went through last season make them a great choice for captains this season, throughout training camp they really emerged as the leaders of this group."

The returning leadership group will be joined by newcomer Antonio Demacopoulos who will also wear an "A" this season.  "Dema came into camp and led by example on and off the ice each day.  He is an experienced player that won over the hearts of his teammates by his tireless work ethic and attention to detail.  I have been very impressed by his professional approach and understand why his teammates want him to lead them.  We are very proud of what Antonio has done since arriving in Charlotte."  Demacopoulos on his new role as assistant captain "Its an honor to come to a winning organization and not only be given the opportunity to lead such a great group of guys that always have the right mindset, but to also have a staff that will support us on and off the ice with whatever we need.  The Rush is truly a first class program and I'm very excited to get this year started and help lead this team to achieve all our goals."