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3:01

Hello all,
We're pleased to welcome Rapid City Rush player-assistant Brendan Cook to today's chat. Brendan comes to Rapid City for his sixth professional season after stints in the East Coast Hockey League and the CHL. Last year, he skated for the Nottingham Pilots of the Elite Ice Hockey League in England, scoring 34 goals and 41 assists for 75 points. So far for the Rush, Cook has 10 points on 4 goals and six assists. Welcome to the chat, Brandon.

Could you start out by telling us briefly how the season has gone for you?

3:02	[Comment From Rush Fan!] What has surprised you the most about Rapid City since you've been here?

3:03	Its going ok so far. As a team we are 3-3 and would like to get that win column up a little and get above .500 and for myself I'm starting to find some chemistry with my linemates and get going as well

3:03	Oops, I meant Brendan. My bad.

3:04	I really love it here! I love that there is so much to do, it is very easy and fun place to entertain family. I also love the small town friendly feel of Rapid City

3:05	[Comment From Rushfan9] whats the biggest difference playing in rapid city compared to england

3:06	I think obviously playing here my wife and I are a little more comfortable living, as I touched no earlier we really enjoy the small town feel, it seems like home for us. On the ice the ice sheet is smaller here, so there is a little less time and space, things happen a little quicker

3:07	[Comment From Rush Fan!] What pre-game routine do you have?

3:09	I dont know if we have enough time to cover all of them ha! i have a pretty regimented routine- everything from eating pregame at 1pm, to the time that I tape my stick and stretch. One thing you may notice in warmup is that I wont leave the ice until after I've tucked one under the bar

3:10	[Comment From Beth] Do you have a nickname the team gave you?

3:11	Ive had the nickname cookie since I was about 5 years old

3:12	[Comment From Rush Fan!] What do you think about while the intro video is playing and you all are standing in the hall? How do feel when you hear the crowd erupt at the end of the video?

3:12	At that time I'm just going over in my head what I need to do to be successful and help my team win. Things like moving my feet, shooting the puck and going to the net

3:13	The crowd here is amazing it gives us a huge boost!

3:13	[Comment From Rushfan9] As a Rush fan I had to move away from the black hills but still come to the games when I'm there but havent made it this year but what is one big thing that can happen on the ice to really motivate you such as a fight or big hit?

3:15	Well you just said it- a fight at the right time or a big hit can definitely motivate us and give the team a boost. Obviously the biggest one is a goal but there are also small things like a really good shift where we have a lot of puck possesion or even a big blocked shot on a penalty kill

3:15	[Comment From Beth] Has the team been working on some new technics to try and bring home some wins? I noticed the team defense have some issues working together is that resolved?

3:17	We are working hard every day to get better. And every day we try to improve as a team. Obviously our goal is to win every night and we are working towards just that. Defense is a huge part of any team and I think every team would tell you that it is a constant work in progress

3:18	[Comment From Rush Fan!] When you had to make the decision to come to RC, were there other teams that were trying to get you as well? If so, what made you decide to play for the Rush?

3:20

I had a few other offers both in Europe and back here but to be honest it was a very easy decision to come here. I had been talking with Joe regularly for a couple years and this summer my wife and I just felt it was a perfect fit for us. We love it here, it feels like home and is relatively close for our families. We hope to be here for a long time.

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