The Saskatchewan Rush defeated the Colorado Mammoth 11-8 in National Lacrosse League (NLL) action Saturday on an emotional night at SaskTel Centre.
Rush players sported Broncos stickers on their helmets and a moment of silence was held prior to the opening faceoff as the entire province reels in the aftermath of a horrific bus crash that killed 15 members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team and staff on Friday.
WATCH: Fans’ impromptu cheer for Humboldt Broncos at Saskatchewan Rush game
Rush forward Robert Church had a hat trick and four assists while Ryan Keenan and Ben McIntosh each scored two goals. Chris Corbeil sealed the win for Saskatchewan with an empty netter.
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Ryan Benesch led Mammoth’s offence with a hat trick and an assist.
Colorado was one-for-four on the power play but had a short-handed goal. The Rush capitalized three times on four power-play attempts.
Rush goaltender Evan Kirk stopped 34 shots in front of a home crowd of 14,971 fans. Dillon Ward made 35 saves for the Mammoth.
Saskatchewan beat Colorado (10-6) in all three of their regular season meetings.
With Saturday’s win, the Rush secured first overall in the NLL standings and a first-round bye in the Champion’s Cup playoffs. Saskatchewan will host the NLL West Division Final on May 10.
The Rush (12-3) face a doubleheader next weekend as they travel to Vancouver to take on the Stealth (2-13) on April 13 before returning home the next day to take on the Georgia Swarm (7-7).
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