URBAN FAMILY SELLS RUSH TO PRIESTNER FAMILY, OWNERS OF THE SASKATOON BLADES
STATEMENT FROM THE URBAN FAMILY:
On July 21st, 2015, we had the honour and privilege of announcing the Rush organization was moving from Edmonton to Saskatchewan. This announcement was met with uncertainty from fans of the team, media, and even the players. However, we felt incredibly optimistic and confident that our new home would embrace us with open arms. Saskatchewan may not have been familiar with professional lacrosse, but we knew the sports fans in this province to be the most dedicated, loyal, and passionate in the entire world.
Our inaugural season in 2016 was one for the history books. The very first Rush game at SaskTel Centre took place on January 15th, 2016, in front of 9,147 fans, many who had never watched or attended a professional lacrosse or any lacrosse game. That special night, Rush Nation was born. Your support propelled the entire organization to heights we had never reached before. By April 2016, SaskTel Centre was sold out every remaining game that season. Our family, players, coaches, and team staff were all in awe of how fast and furiously Saskatchewan had fallen in love with the Rush. That season was capped off by an iconic game winning goal scored by Jeff Cornwall, with 12 seconds remaining in Game 2 of the NLL Championship series, to secure an unforgettable championship victory. Goosebumps!
The following season, our entire fanbase and season ticket holder base grew exponentially. We never looked back. The Rush organization had become a model franchise not only in the NLL, but in professional sports, all thanks to Rush Nation. With you behind us, the team brought home another NLL Championship in 2018. Once again, our family, players, coaches, and team staff all beamed with pride and gratitude for having such an amazing fanbase supporting us.
While success on the floor and in the stands has been wonderful, our involvement in the community has been equally enjoyable. Since 2015, growth of minor lacrosse in Saskatchewan has exploded. Rush fan favourites such as Jeremy Thompson, Mark Matthews, and Jeff Shattler have inspired children from all walks of life to pick up Canada’s national summer sport. Our organization has had the pleasure of working with and contributing to groups such as Make-a-Wish Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Interval House, and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
Today, it was announced that ownership of the Saskatchewan Rush organization has been transferred to the Priestner family. The Priestners value success on the playing field and in the community, just as we do. Our family moves on to the next chapter feeling very grateful for what was built and achieved here in Saskatchewan. Thank you to all Rush fans, season ticket holders, sponsors, media, and all other team stakeholders. We will miss Rush Nation and the entire community in more ways than words can express!
Yours in Lacrosse,
Bruce, Cindy, and Brandon Urban
