On Friday, October 2nd, the Reading Royals announced the signing of rookie defenseman Joe Rutkowski to a standard ECHL contract. Rutkowski was originally acquired by Reading back in June of this year from the Rapid City Rush – completing a prior future considerations trade.
The 23 year old Crystal Lake, IL native stands at five-foot-ten and weighs in at 163 pounds. Last season, the defenseman played in just two games for the Rapid City Rush before the ECHL season was abruptly cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rutkowski looks to play his first full season as a pro in 2020-21 with the Reading Royals.
Before signing his first professional contract with Rapid City this past March, the rookie blue liner played collegiate hockey for Ferris State University. Skating in 142 NCAA games, Rutkowski boasted 6 goals, 49 assists, and 55 penalty minutes between 2016 and 2020. With his newly signed ECHL contract, Rudkowski becomes the record breaking 13th Ferris State alumni to play with the Reading Royals.
“Picking up Joe was an important move as we continue to find pieces that will round out our blue line. He was a good puck-moving defenseman at the NCAA level and expect him to add depth to our back end in his rookie season.” said Kirk MacDonald, Head Coach of the Reading Royals. The Reading blue line has been notably fortified thus far with players acknowledged for their “two-way play style”.
The Royals have signed eight defenseman for the upcoming season at this time including returning players Rob Michel, Aaron Titcomb, Garrett Cecere, David Drake, Garret Cockerill, and Mike Crocock. The defensive roster also includes newcomers Dominic Cormier and now Joe Rutkowski.