Rush bring pre-season to Saskatoon for Christmas showdown

Lacrosse fans across Saskatchewan will soon feel the Rush once again.

The two-time defending National Lacrosse League champion Saskatchewan Rush return to SaskTel Centre Friday night for an exhibition game against the Calgary Roughnecks. 

And from the drop of the ball, the home crowd will be expecting a three-peat. 

“Once you start winning you want to keep winning, hopefully, we can win a third,” Rush defenceman Ryan Dilks said on the Green Zone Thursday night.

One way to make that happen is to continue improving, which is what the Rush did in the off-season. Through some smart trades, the Rush were able to acquire the first overall pick in the NLL draft, selecting Ryan Keenan. 

Despite being the consensus number one choice, Keenan has the added pressure of being the son of Rush coach and GM Derek Keenan.

“It’s a unique scenario,” said Dilks. “He deserved to be the number one pick and I think he’s a great player and knows our offense.” 

Along with having the best rookie joining their ranks, the Rush acquired former 50-goal scorer Adam Jones in a trade with Colorado. 

“He’s a goal scorer,” said head coach Derek Keenan. “We play a very structured system and most of the guys have played it before but he is catching on fast.”

For Friday’s game the Rush will be wearing some Christmas-themed jerseys on “Ugly Sweater Night”. The jerseys are being auctioned off on the Rush facebook page until December 19. with the proceeds going to the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre. Fans are also encouraged to bring food for the food bank and learning centre. 

The Rush season opens on the road against the Georgia Swarm Jan. 7.