Saskatchewan Rush goalie Aaron Bold named NLL Champion’s Cup series MVP

It appears a good defence can also be the best offence, according to the Saskatchewan Rush. Defender Jeff Cornwall scored the game-winning goal with 12 second left in regulation while their goalie was named MVP.

The Rush successfully defended their National Lacrosse League (NLL) Champion’s Cup title with a 11-10 victory over the Buffalo Bandits on June 4 in front of 15,182 fans at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

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

Among all the cheering at Game 2 of the best-of-three series was the naming of the series’ MVP. He’s known by his teammates as “Boldy,” but the fans know him as “stone cold, Aaron Bold!”

The Rush goaltender stopped 47 shots and had a .825 save percentage in Game 2. Bold also made 43 saves against Buffalo in Game 1 when the Rush downed the Bandits 11-9.

One player who also thought Bold was deserving of the MVP honour was the Rush’s leading scorer this season – Mark Matthews.

“‘Boldy’ was unbelievable as he always is, there’s nobody more worthy than that MVP trophy than him tonight.”

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READ MORE: Saskatoon rally to celebrate NLL champions Saskatchewan Rush

The 31-year-old goalie from Victoria, B.C. was humble after Game 2 and expressed his appreciate for being part of the organization.

“I love these guys, I would do anything for them and I know they would do the exact same thing if I asked them and we have a great coaching staff,” Bold said.

“Our coaching staff prep us … rock, chisel, hammer, and is definitely our motto. Just keep on wearing our opponents down.”

Bold has played 11 seasons in the NLL. He was traded to the Rush in 2012 from the Rochester Knighthawks.

Last year, he dominated goaltending stats during the NLL regular season and led all goalies in playoffs with a 9.39 GAA.

In June 2015, the Rush defeated the Toronto Rock at home to claim their very first Champion’s Cup title when they called Edmonton home.

“We going to be eager, we’re not satisfied, as soon as you get comfortable in any type of sport, that’s when you lose your competitive edge and drive.”

“I don’t think it changes from next year or year’s past, it’s a great feeling. It’s great to win … I hate losing more than I love winning.”

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Bold also expressed his appreciation for all Rush fans – new and old – after the franchise relocated from Edmonton this past off-season.

“He’s put a lot of money into this team and I’m very grateful that the organization is getting back what they put in and it’s great to have all these fans that love this sport even though maybe some don’t really realize what’s going on sometimes,” said Bold with a laugh.

“As long as they’re loud and they cheer for we’re good … I’m very fortunate to play in this city and I’m very grateful for the move and we just have to get new showers I think in the change room.”

Throughout 2016 playoffs, Bold let in 38 goals in four games. Buffalo’s goalie, Anthony Cosmo, had 47 goals against after playing the same amount of time and also making 164 saves.