RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The only head coach in the history of the Rapid City Rush has stepped down to concentrate on his general manager duties.

Joe Ferras resigned as coach of the ECHL team on Wednesday, after leading the Rush since their inaugural season in 2008-09. Associate head coach Mark DeSantis has been named the team's new head coach.

Ferras said the original plan was for DeSantis to take over at the end of the season. But the team has struggled, at one point losing 10 games in a row. Ferras says he decided it was time for a new voice in the locker room.

The Rush are in last place in the West Division of the ECHL's Western Conference.

The team compiled a 272-192-48 record under Ferras.

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