(RAPID CITY, S.D.)—The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, announced on Thursday the club has signed Jake Ratzlaff for the 2025-26 season.

Ratzlaff joins the Rush and turns pro after having lived a collegiate career not many athletes get to experience: competing at the Division I level in two different sports. A standout hockey, football, and baseball player at Rosemount High School in Minnesota, Ratzlaff chose the gridiron, having been named Minnesota Mr. Football as a senior and committed to the University of Wisconsin.

He saw some action late in games for the Badgers in his freshman season. However, he decided to change directions and pursue hockey after sustaining a hip injury. While still in Madison and enrolled at Wisconsin, he suited up for seven games with the United States Hockey League’s Madison Capitols before he transferred to the University of St. Thomas.

Ratzlaff played 23 games over two seasons in college recording one assist.