ECHL: Rapid City Rush Sign Mike Van Unen

The Rapid City Rush have announced that they have signed 6’1″ defenseman Mike Van Unen for the 2025-26 season.

Junior and Collegiate Career

Mike Van Unen started his junior career with the Chase Heat in the KIJHL, where he registered three assists and two penalty minutes in six games played. Van Unen then went to the BCHL, where he spent three seasons with the Merritt Centennials. In 145 games with the Centennials, Van Unen had seven goals and 39 assists for 46 points with 186 penalty minutes.

Van Unen then started his collegiate career, where he spent five seasons playing Division I hockey at Northern Michigan University, serving as an alternate captain in his fifth year. In 150 games with the Wildcats, Van Unen registered nine goals and 28 assists for 37 points with 181 penalty minutes and a -27.

Professional Career

After completing his collegiate career, Van Unen signed in the ECHL with the Adirondack Thunder to complete his 2023-24 season before signing with the Allen Americans for the 2024-25 season. In 53 ECHL games, Van Unen has registered three assists with 48 penalty minutes and a -12.

Mike Van Unen is a defensive defenseman who does not find himself on the score sheet as much, but can really help a team gain energy and momentum. Van Unen is able to use his size and speed to lay hits on opposing players, forcing turnovers and firing up his team. When Van Unen is playing offense, he is able to use his size and physical play to keep possession of the puck and help set his teammates up to score. He is also able to be a presence in front of the net and is able to crash the net to help him and his teammates score.