BROOMFIELD, Col – The Rocky Mountain Rage narrowly missed their first ever playoff appearance last season by a single point. They showed throughout the season that they possessed the offensive firepower that made them one of the highest scoring teams in the CHL. That firepower allowed them to put the puck in the net 241 times last season. They needed help on defense. After allowing 220 goals last season, the need for the off season was to bolster the defense. During the summer, the Rage have addressed the need for defensive improvement by signing three new defensemen, and obtaining the rights to a fourth via a trade of Rage standout and fan favorite Trevor Weisgerber. The Rage acquired a tough stay at home defenseman from Odessa via trade in early August. Chris Brannen, a five year pro, will be a solid addition to the Rage defense. They also received the rights to Bernie Chmiel in the Weisgerber trade with the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Chmiel has not yet signed with the Rage, but if they can get it done, he will also be a solid addition to the defense. Another defenseman new to the Rage is Jarred Mohr. Entering his 3rd season as a pro, Mohr comes to the Rage from the Kalamazoo Wings in the IHL. Mohr is a talented defenseman who can contribute this season. These additions, and the re-signing of veteran defensemen Nick Harloff, Rob Chappell, Tyler Butler, and Pat Sutton, should give the defensive boost that the Rage needed to address. The Rage will also remain solid in goal. The re-signing of four time CHL all star Scott Reid, who racked up a new team record 25 wins last season, gives the Rage the experience and the confidence they need to remain competeive all season long. Reid will be teamed with Rage new comer, goaltender Marty Magers. Magers, a third year pro, comes to the Rage from the Port Huron Icehawks of the IHL, where he compiled a record of 14 – 11 – 3 last season, while posting a 2.89gaa and .904 save percentage. The Reid and Magers tandem, should be exciting and, with an improved defense, they should be able to post some good numbers. The Rage have addressed the defensive issues that concerned them last season. New additions, combined with a solid core of returning defensemen, and a new tandem in net, could carry this team into the playoff for the first time in their short history
Contact the author at buck.pettry@prohockeynews.com.
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