Years of practice leads to game-winning goal for Saskatchewan Rush hero

It’s every lacrosse player’s dream to score the winning goal in a championship game. On Saturday night in Saskatoon, that dream came true for Saskatchewan Rush transition/defender Jeff Cornwall.

In the final minute of Game 2 of the Champion’s Cup Final between the Rush and Buffalo Bandits, Cornwall scooped up a loose ball and broke in alone on Buffalo goaltender Anthony Cosmo, burying a shot in the back of the net with just 12 seconds left on the clock.

READ MORE: Last minute heroics propel Saskatchewan Rush to 2nd straight Champion’s Cup

The goal gave Saskatchewan an 11-10 victory and a sweep of the best-of-three championship series.

“The opportunity came up to run on a ball, and once I picked up the ball the focus was, ‘Don’t let the guy behind catch me.’ Once I felt like I had space it was, ‘Put the ball in the net,'” Cornwall said.

In a game that appeared destined for an overtime finish, Cornwall found himself in a situation he’s been preparing for ever since he picked up a lacrosse stick.

“People used to make fun of me for taking a lot of shots. I go to the lacrosse box on my own and shoot the ball a lot even though I’m a defender because I know that in the case a situation like that comes up, I might get one or two of those a game if I’m lucky,” he said.

WATCH BELOW: NLL Champion’s Cup visits Global Saskatoon

4:32 NLL Champion’s Cup visits Global Saskatoon

Cornwall’s goal capped an incredible season for the Rush, who arrived in Saskatoon in January and quickly transformed SaskTel Centre into one of the loudest buildings in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

“When we won last year (in Edmonton) there was only ten thousand people in there and by the time we left the floor everybody was gone,” forward Mark Matthews said. “For this, right to the bitter end. There’s probably still people out there. They’re unbelievable fans and we love them to death.”

READ MORE: Inaugural Saskatchewan Rush season successful so far

The victory makes the Rush the first team in NLL history to repeat as champions after relocation. With most of their relatively young roster expected back next year there’s already talk of a dynasty in the making.

“As long as our guys continue to buy in to the process and work at it and not think they’re special, which they never do … I don’t see why we can’t continue this,” said head coach and general manager Derek Keenan.

For now however the Rush are going to enjoy every last bit of championship number two.