Soper returns to Rush

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, announced the return of forward Jimmy Soper for the 2023-24 season.

Soper began last season with the Tulsa Oilers, logging 28 points (16g-12a) in 36 games. He was then traded to the Norfolk Admirals, but didn’t see any action. Shortly after, Soper was acquired by the Rush in a trade for future considerations and finished the season in Rapid City with 19 points (7g-12a) in 28 games.

Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Soper, 28, enters his third full season in the ECHL, and his sixth pro season overall. Soper has skated in the ECHL with the Rush, Tulsa Oilers, Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Newfoundland Growlers, totaling 96 points (39g-57a) with 183 penalty minutes in 164 games. Additionally, he has seen action in 115 games in the Southern Professional Hockey League, all with the Macon Mayhem, adding 59 points (24g-35a) and 119 penalty minutes to his ledger.

Before turning pro, Soper played a year in USports with Wilfred Laurier University, two campaigns with the Maritime Junior Hockey League's Truro Bearcats, one year in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kitchener Rangers, and one season in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Waterloo Siskins.