On Monday September 28th, the Rapid City Rush announced the signing of American defensemen Griffin Luce. The two sides agreed on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Luce will join teammate Hayden Lavigne as Michigan products signed this week by Rapid City.
Luce spent four seasons playing for the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA. During his collegiate hockey career, he appeared in a total of 131 games. Luce, a defensive stalwart who stands at 6’3 and 215 pounds, finished his senior year with four assists and 60 blocked shots in 35 games.
He did so while serving as an alternate captain for the team. In all, Luce recorded eleven points and had a plus/minus of +9 through his time with the program. Luce’s sturdy play helped the 2017-18 Wolverines team advance to the Frozen Four.
Prior to starting hockey at the college level, Luce played in 25 games for the US National Team Development Program in 2014-15. He then saw 64 games for the U18 National Team in 2015-16. While there, he contributed 15 points while also serving as an alternate captain.
He also skated in seven games at the World Junior Championships in 2015-16. In doing so, he recorded two points, helping the team earn bronze in Helsinki, Finland.
The native of Williamsville, New York has been a consistent player for the teams he’s been a part of. As such, Luce is thought of highly around the hockey community. He has attended three different NHL camps, most recently with the Sabres in 2018. The Rush will look to benefit from his durability, consistency and poise this season.
Luce is the grandson of Don Luce, an all-time great of the Buffalo Sabres. Luce played 13 seasons in the NHL before being appointed as Head of Player Development for the team. He’d remain in this position with the Sabres for 20 years.
Back in 2016, Luce retired from his scout role with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luce’s father, Scott, is the current Head of Amateur Scouting for the Vegas Golden Knights.
As recent signings, Luce joins Kyle Froese, Hayden Lavigne, Gary Haden, Jake Wahlin and Shawn Boutin for Rapid City. This also includes Bo Brauer. The 2020-21 season is slated to begin on the fourth of December.