In their first two years in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Rush have seen the National Lacrosse League (NLL) season end on their home floor.
In 2016 it ended in a championship but last season, the Rush watched the Georgia Swarm lift the cup.
The 2017-18 season starts for the Rush this weekend and the three-time West Division champions want to reclaim the Champion’s Cup.
After off-season moves that included trading franchise goalie Aaron Bold and signing free-agent Jeff Shattler, general manager and head coach Derek Keenan said he likes the team prospects heading into the season.
“I like what I’ve seen so far, the younger guys are a year older and a year better,” Keenan said at practice.
Shattler is a key signing who is expected to have an impact.
His new teammates said he is fitting right in with the Rush.
“He’s been one of the leaders of a strong Calgary team that’s been a thorn in our side for a number of years, and we’ve been in theirs for a little bit,” said Rush captain Chris Corbeil.
“It’s interesting having him on our side but he’s embraced it really well.”
Forward Ben McIntosh said he will make a difference for scoring opportunities.
“He’s great at getting loose balls in the offensive end, so maybe we get two, three, four extra possessions,” McIntosh said.
“He’s the exact kind of player that works with our offence.”
Keenan also made moves to shore up his defence after the Rush had their highest goals against since 2011.
Bold was traded to the New England Black Wolves along with Jonathan LaFontaine and a first-round draft pick for goaltender of the year Evan Kirk.
Keenan said he has seen a difference in the team’s focus since the start of training camp.
“I think we’ve been really dialed-in right from the start of camp,” Keenan said.
“Our defence is back to being really tenacious, and communication has been really good.”
The Rush are in action Saturday when they travel to Toronto to take on the Rush. Game time is 6 p.m. CT.
Rush Nation get their first chance to cheer on the team when the Rush play New England on Dec. 23 at SaskTel Centre.
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