Edmonton Rush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Edmonton Rush

Founded	2005
Division	Western
Based in	Edmonton, Alberta
Arena	Rexall Place
Colors	Black and silver
Head coach	Derek Keenan
General manager	Derek Keenan
Championships	2015
Division titles	2014, 2015
Local media	Shaw TV Edmonton, Global Edmonton, CTV Edmonton, City Edmonton, CBC Edmonton, Edmonton Sun, Edmonton Journal
Later	Saskatchewan Rush

An Edmonton Rush game in Rexall Place

The Edmonton Rush was a professional lacrosse team. They played in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) from 2006 to 2015. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport played with a stick that has a net at the end.

On July 20, 2015, the team shared big news. They announced they would move to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Starting in the 2016 season, they became the Saskatchewan Rush. The new team plays its home games at the SaskTel Centre.

Team History: The Edmonton Rush Story

The NLL announced a new team for Edmonton, Alberta, on May 5, 2005. The team played its home games at Rexall Place. A businessman named Bruce Urban owned the Edmonton team. He bought a team that wasn't playing anymore, the Ottawa Rebel, to start the Rush.

At first, people thought the team might be called the "Edmonton Speed." But on June 9, 2005, they chose the name Rush.

First Wins and Coaching Changes

The Rush got their first win on February 17, 2006. They beat the Calgary Roughnecks 12–11 in a very exciting game. They scored the winning goal with less than a second left! Their first win at home happened in their second season. On January 6, 2007, they beat the Philadelphia Wings 13–12.

In the 2008 NLL season, the Rush started with five losses in a row. Because of this, they changed their head coach and general manager, Paul Day. Bob Hamley, a coach who had won awards before, took over. The Rush finished that season in last place in their division. After changing many players, they still had a tough time in 2009. Bob Hamley was then let go.

Derek Keenan became the head coach in 2010. Under his leadership, the team improved a lot. They made it to the playoffs in 2010. The Rush kept getting better and better.

Why the Team Moved to Saskatoon

During the 2015 playoffs, the team's owner, Bruce Urban, started talking about moving the team. He told the Edmonton Sun that it seemed like the team's time in Edmonton was ending.

The team officially announced their move to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 2016. They would become the Saskatchewan Rush. Urban explained that they couldn't get a long-term deal for Rogers Place. This new arena was going to replace Rexall Place in Edmonton. Also, the Edmonton Oilers (a hockey team) didn't let the Rush put up any signs at Rexall Place. Urban said this made it hard for the Rush to promote their team.

The "Battle Of Alberta" Rivalry

When the Rush came to Edmonton, it started a new "Battle Of Alberta" in lacrosse. This is a big rivalry between teams from Edmonton and Calgary.

The Rush tried to get under the skin of the Calgary Roughnecks. Before their first game, the Rush put ads in Calgary newspapers. The ads said the Rush would "Open a Can" on the Roughnecks. But this didn't work out well. The Roughnecks won that first game.

The Rush tried this trick again when they played the Toronto Rock. But again, it didn't work, and the Rock won easily.

Calgary then tried the same trick on Edmonton. Before a game on April 5, 2008, Calgary put an ad in the Edmonton Sun. It said Edmonton was a "City of Losers" instead of a "City of Champions." Just like for the Rush, this plan backfired. The Rush won the game 11–9!

The rivalry got even more intense on March 13, 2009. Calgary was leading 14-3 at halftime. In the third quarter, a big fight broke out between the two teams. Many players were penalized.

The Rush finally got the upper hand in their first playoff game against Calgary. On May 1, 2010, Edmonton won 11–7 in Calgary.

In the 2012 season, the Rush played Calgary four times. Calgary won all four regular season games. But in the playoffs, Edmonton won the "Battle Of Alberta" with a big 19–11 victory. Edmonton then went on to the Western division final. They beat the Minnesota Swarm 15–3 and made it to the NLL finals!

Team Roster

Retired Numbers and Team Leaders

Some players were so important that their jersey numbers were retired. This means no other player on the team can wear that number again.

The team also had great players who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. These are players who are recognized for being among the best in the sport.

Team captains are important leaders on the field. Here are the players who led the Rush as captains:

• Andrew Turner (2006–2007)
• Chris McElroy (2008–2010)
• Brodie Merrill (2011)
• Jimmy Quinlan (2012–2013)
• Chris Corbeil (2014–2015)

Edmonton Rush: Best Moments and Awards

The Edmonton Rush had some amazing players and coaches who won big awards.

Team Records

These are some of the best single-season records set by Rush players:

• Goals - Mark Matthews, 53 (2015)
• Assists - Mark Matthews, 62 (2015)
• Points - Mark Matthews, 114 (2015)
• Penalty Minutes (PIM) - Jamie Floris, 67 (2009)
• Loose Balls - Brodie Merrill, 190 (2010)
• Forced Turnovers - Kyle Rubisch, 61 (2014)

NLL Awards Won by Rush Players and Coaches

The Rush won the biggest prize in the NLL:

• Champion's Cup
  • 2015

Players and coaches also won individual awards:

• Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player in the Finals)
  • Mark Matthews: 2015

• Rookie of the Year Award (Best first-year player)
  • Mark Matthews: 2013
  • Ben McIntosh: 2015

• Defensive Player of the Year Award (Best defensive player)
  • Kyle Rubisch: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 (He won this award four times in a row!)

• Transition Player of the Year Award (Best player who plays both offense and defense)
  • Brodie Merrill: 2010

• Les Bartley Award (Coach of the Year)
  • Derek Keenan: 2010, 2014

• GM of the Year Award (Best General Manager)
  • Derek Keenan: 2010, 2014

Images for kids

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  Edmonton Rush team logo

See also

• Edmonton Rush seasons