MAKE ‘EM WORK

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Rush have solidified their goaltending for the next two National Lacrosse League seasons as General Manager/Head Coach Derek Keenan announced today the re-signing of Evan Kirk to a new deal.

“We are really happy to have Kirky on board for another two seasons,” said Keenan. “He’s a proven winner.

“This is another off-season step to getting back to being a championship caliber team.”

Kirk will be heading into his ninth NLL season and third with the Rush.

“Excited is an understatement to be able to re-sign as a member of the Rush,” said Kirk. “The best teammates, staff and fans in the league made it an easy decision, and I can’t wait to start next season.”
Kirk was acquired by the Rush prior to the start of the 2018 season from the New England Black Wolves in exchange for a multi-player package. The Orangeville, Ontario, product immediately paid high dividends for the Rush as he posted a league-leading 12 wins and placed second amongst netminders with a 10.82 goals-against average. That spring, Kirk sparkled in the NLL Cup playoffs, registering three wins and helped push the Rush to their third league title.

This past season, Kirk missed five games due to a lower-body injury, but still managed six wins, including a 44-save effort in the regular-season finale against Colorado.

In 2016, Kirk was named the NLL’s Goaltender of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pro First Team as he led the league with 620 saves and finished second in both wins (9) and save-percentage (.789).
Kirk was originally selected sixth overall in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Swarm and went on to earn a spot on the 2012 NLL All-Rookie Team. He played one more season with the Swarm before being traded to Philadelphia and then moving with the franchise to New England the following year.

The eight-year veteran has compiled a 51-46 record and .767 save-percentage in regular-season play and has a 5-4 all-time mark in the playoffs.