Laker star back on NLL champion Rush roster

RUSH SET ROSTER FOR 2017 NLL SEASON

By Saskatchewan Rush , 12/19/16, 3:45 PM MST 

The Saskatchewan Rush have set the 20-man active roster that will take to the turf in 2017 and aim for a third straight National Lacrosse League championship.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="400"]church2 Robert Church is seven goals away from a career century as he enters his fourth NLL season with the Rush. Garrett James photo[/caption]

“We are pretty confident with our whole group,” said Rush GM/head coach Derek Keenan. “Our new players bring enthusiasm and a fresh look. They have a want and a need to be part of the success we’ve had. The returning group want to keep winning. They understand what it takes to be successful and that’s why we’ve been a good team.”

Forwards: Robert Church, Matthew Dinsdale, Curtis Knight, Ben McIntosh, Adam Jones, Ryan Keenan, Mark Matthews, Dan Taylor

Up front, the Rush forwards are cast loaded with offensive firepower. The Rush had a dynamic offence a year ago, and with an improved power play plus the arrival of two-time All-Pro Adam Jones, they should set off the goal horn even more this season.

Defencemen / Transition: Nik Bilic, Chris Corbeil, Jeff Cornwall, Mike Messenger, John Lafontaine, Adrian Sorichetti, Ryan Dilks, Brett Mydske, Kyle Rubisch, Jeremy Thompson

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200"]church4 Robert Church had eight goals and 20 points in four playoff games with the Rush en route to a second straight Champion's Cup last season. Garrett James photo[/caption]

A trademark of the Rush has been one of the stingiest defensive units in the NLL, and arguably the best group of defencemen ever assembled league history.

Captain Chris Corbeil and reigning NLL Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Dilks anchor this stellar crew.

The Rush also feature a terrific squad of transition players who are equally adapt in the own end as they are in creating scoring opportunities on the attack.

Goaltenders: Aaron Bold, Tyler Carlson

Champion’s Cup MVP Aaron Bold is back between the pipes coming off his exceptional performance throughout last season’s playoffs. The three-time All-Pro holds every Rush franchise records for goaltenders including goals-against average, save-percentage, and minutes played.

Practice Roster: Matt MacGrotty, Matt Hossack

A physical force, MacGrotty brings three years of experience while rookie Hossack was the steal of the ’17 draft as the Rush traded up to grab him in the second round.

The Rush begin the 2017 NLL season on Saturday, Jan. 7 on the road against the Georgia Swarm. After a game the following week in Toronto, the Rush will play their first home game of the season at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon on Saturday, Jan. 21 against the Rochester Knighthawks.

 

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