"I am happy to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Rush organization in its inaugural season," Lipsett said. "A big part of my decision to go to Rapid City was how committed GM Jason Rent and Coach Joe Ferras are to putting together a Championship-caliber team."

Lipsett, a 6', 187-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario, is entering his 13th season as a pro, his third in the CHL. Lipsett joined the Amarillo Gorillas in 2006, and he has played in 113 games throughout his CHL career scoring 58 goals, and 71 assists for 129 career points.

"We are fortunate that Chris has chosen to come to Rapid City; he is a character guy who will bring leadership into the dressing room and on the ice as well," said Rush Head Coach Joe Ferras. "Chris has put up numbers where ever he has played and has been over a point-per-game player in each of his last 2 seasons in the CHL and we look for him to build on that here in Rapid City."

Lipsett's resume includes play in all major US leagues including the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), American Hockey League (AHL), International Hockey League (IHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL). Lipsett also spent four years of his pro hockey career abroad playing in England and Germany.

"With our team being an expansion franchise to have veteran leadership like Chris is vital for our new players in getting adjusted to the pro game," said Coach Ferras. "With special teams being so important Chris will be a big piece to our power-play and penalty kill."

Lipsett has dressed in over 680 professional hockey games, scored 277 goals and earned 304 assists for a total of 580 career points.