SASKATCHEWAN RUSH READY TO OPEN TRAINING CAMP
By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern
The Saskatchewan Rush are gearing up for the 2022-23 season with training camp underway.
Rush General Manager Derek Keenan joined the Rod Pedersen Show on Wednesday to give a little insight on his squad in Saskatoon and the state of the NLL (National Lacrosse League).
“They’re really fired up,” said Keenan. “I think the guys have really done a good job. From the conversations I’ve had with them preparing their bodies and getting prepared mentally.”
The Rush never found their groove after the Covid-19 layoff, which took the 2020 and 2021 season from the league. Last year, they started a measly 4-10 before firing Head Coach Jeff McComb.
New Head Coach Jimmy Quinlan filled in as interim Head Coach and the team rebounded with four consecutive wins to close the season.
It was too little too late, and the Rush missed the playoffs.
Prior to the break, the Rush were a dynasty team, winning three championships in four straight Finals appearances between 2015 and 2018.
“It’s a bit of a redemption year for us,” said Keenan. “We under-achieved last year.”
“Last year, we were favoured to win the championship in the preseason and we didn’t make playoffs … It’s the kind of league where you can turn things around very quickly.”
The Rush hope to be the team that bounces back in a big way. The team’s roster is filled with young potential and veteran leadership.
Veterans Mark Matthews, Ryan Keenan, Ryan Dilks, Kyle Rubisch and Matt Beers look to push the younger players, such as Bobby Kidd, Holden Garlent and Marshall Powless, over the hump.
“On paper, we’re going to be a strong contender in our division and for a championship,” said Keenan. “But we won’t really know until we get into it.”
The Rush will be getting into it when they open their season Saturday, December 3rd against the Colorado Mammoth at home at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio. Call your cable provider to subscribe. You can also watch on YouTube Live or listen 24/7 at RodPedersen.com/ListenLive)
