Looking for a three peat.
That’s what the Saskatchewan Rush are trying to do as they start their National Lacrosse League (NLL) regular season on the road Saturday night against the Georgia Swarm.
“We got to contain their offense,” said Rush head coach and general manager Derek Keenan. “They had the second highest goals in the league last season (238) and they’re a fast team.”
The Rush will have to do it without star goalie Aaron Bold and forward Ben McIntosh due to a one-game suspension from that pre-season Christmas brawl against the Calgary Roughnecks.
“It’s tough starting without one of the top goalies in the world, but we have faith in our backup (Tyler Carlson),” Keenan said. “We have so much depth in our team, I believe we can get through these suspensions.”
Keenan also gets to watch his son Ryan, who was the Rush’s first overall pick in the NLL draft, touch the court for his first regular-season game.
“It’s exciting,” he said. “He’s worked hard his whole life for this opportunity, so it will be nice to see him out there.”
Saturday’s game is a 6:05 p.m. start.
The Swarm and Rush only met one last season with the Rush winning 14-8.
The home opener for the Rush is Jan. 21 against Rochester.