Ryan Menei looks to pass against the Colorado Eagles in a game last December in Rapid City. Menei won't be back for the Rush after agreeing to play for a club in Italy this week. (Photo Seth A. McConnell/IDS)

The most potent offensive player to ever skate for the Rapid City Rush has decided to take his talents elsewhere.

Forward Ryan Menei, who was Rapid City’s leading goal scorer and point earner in 2010-11, has reached a deal to join the Italian elite club SC Cortina, according to this Italian press release.

IDS attempted to contact Menei on his cell phone Friday, but his father, Jim, said Ryan would not be available for comment.

In June, Rush fans had breathed a sigh of relief when the forward had been resigned by Rapid City. That joy was short-lived however, because it appears he will be a one-and-done player for the Rush.

Menei will be a difficult player to replace because his one campaign with the Rush was a spectacular one. After bouncing around since 2003 in professional hockey Menei flourished in Rapid City.

He led the Rush with 39 goals and 48 assists for 87 total points, all franchise records. His +25 plus/minus was by far tops for the team, only challenged by Riley Weselowski’s +20. Menei was the only Rush player to top double figures in powerplay goals with 11, and his seven game-winning goals tied with Les Reaney as the best on the team.

However, shortly after committing to the Rush for the 2011-12 season, Menei returned to his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was considering retirement before ultimately deciding to make a return trip to Italy. It will be Menei’s second time skating in Italy. In 2008-09, he played for Asiago HC, and scored four goals and tallied five assists in nine games.

Menei was also a Central Hockey League MVP candidate in 2010-11. He is the third Rush player and forward this off-season to opt for a move to Europe. Derek LeBlanc joined the Belfast Giants and Colt King signed with the Sheffield Steelers, both teams play in the Elite Ice Hockey League in England.

The Rush still maintain Menei’s rights should he want to return to the Central Hockey League. The Italian League campaign ends in late April and the possibility still exists that Menei could return to Rapid City late in the 2011-12 regular season or in the playoffs.

But for now, his absence means the Rush will have to look elsewhere this winter for a majority of their offense.