Geverd Inks Pro Contract With Rapid City Rush

May 27, 2008

BABSON PARK, Mass. - After finishing a standout career as a member of the Babson College ice hockey team, 2008 graduate John Geverd recently signed a professional contract with the Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League (CHL).

One of the team's co-captains, Geverd helped lead the Beavers to a spectacular 17-6-3 record this winter, including a 13-4-2 mark in the ECAC East. Babson also earned a national-ranking in all but one week during the regular season - marking the sixth straight year the program cracked U.S. College Hockey Online's top 15. Geverd played in all 26 games for Babson, ranking fourth on the team with 11 goals while also dishing out five assists for 16 points. Three of his goals were game-winners, and his five powerplay scores led the squad. As a result of his fine play, Geverd was named one of 16 semifinalists for the eighth annual Joe Concannon Award, presented each year to the best American-born Division II/III player in New England.

Geverd finished his career with 51 goals and 37 assists for 88 points in 109 games, helping the Beavers amass a stellar record of 72-31-7 during his four years. He was an instrumental part of the team's brilliant 2006-07 campaign in which Babson went 18-10-1, won its first conference championship since 1992, and earned its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1993. The Beavers advanced to the National Quaterfinals that year, where they finally fell to Manhattanville College, 5-3.

In addition to his tremendous playing ability, Geverd's conduct on and off the ice earned him the prestigious J. Thom Lawler Award in 2007. The award, which is bestowed by the Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association, is given annually to the New England Division III hockey player that best exihibits a commitment to sportsmanship, coachability, high character, a team-first attitude, and integrity and respect for opponents and officials.

"John is a great kid who has enjoyed tremendous success during his four years at Babson," says head coach Jamie Rice. "As a two time captain, his leadership qualities and character are among the highest of any Beaver player in the last four years. He had great success for us not only as our first line right wing, but also as a tremendous impact player on the power play [scoring 18 goals the last three seasons] and as one of our top penalty killers. John is a fundamentally sound two-way player who did it all for us."