SASKATOON – As the Saskatchewan Rush prepare for the National Lacrosse League playoffs, the team handed out some awards. The Rush recognized four players with 2016 team awards.
Mark Matthews, who led the Rush in scoring with 109 points, was named the team’s most valuable player. It was the second straight year Matthews has reached 40 goals and 100 points, and he broke his own club record for assists with 69.
“He had a very strong regular season and he is bound to raise his game to an even higher level for the playoffs just as he did last year,” said Rush general manager and head coach Derek Keenan.
Matthews was the 2015 Champion’s Cup most valuable player and was also named a First Team All-Pro.
READ MORE: From Edmonton to Saskatoon, Grandma Rush supports her team
Team captain Chris Corbeil was named the team’s top defenceman. Corbeil, who was a finalist last season for the NLL Defensive Player of the Year award, finished second in the league for scoring by a defencemen with 20 points.
The transition player of the year is Jeremy Thompson, who fans also voted as the team’s unsung hero. Thompson also received the community service award, the third time he has been given that honour.
Rounding out the awards was rookie of the year, which went to Dan Taylor. He played in eight games, notching 23 points, including nine assists in the Rush’s home-and-home weekend sweep of the Colorado Mammoth.
The Rush are back in action on May 13 when the team is on the road to face either the Calgary Roughnecks or the Colorado Mammoth in Game 1 of the West Division Finals.
The Rush are back home at SaskTel Centre on May 21 for Game 2 looking to defend the NLL championship. Over 12,000 tickets have been sold so far for the game.
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