In many cases, number one overall picks are slated into rebuilding situations. For Ben McIntosh and the Edmonton Rush, it’s not the case.
“It’s really a dream come true and an honour,” said the Drexel University grad. “They’re a team that doesn’t need a ton of help right now, but I’m hoping that I can go in there and help them out as much as I can.”
The Coquitlam, BC native is not far off but may be selling himself short. Although the Rush finished with the league’s best regular season record last season, McIntosh should fit into the talented line up comfortably. The Maple Ridge Burrard has played along side Robert Church, Jarrett Davis, Riley Loewen and Mark Matthews. McIntosh’s solid frame will enable him to help create space for the Edmonton skilled players but NLL defenders can’t give the 6’2″, 200 pounder too much space, as he is a proven scorer at every level he has played thus far.
This past summer, the forward netted 20 goals, 12 assists for 32 points in 11 games with the Burrards of the WLA. In the playoffs, McIntosh was clutch for Maple Ridge, finding the back of the cage 27 times to help his team reach the league finals. In his senior season with Drexel, his 65 point (48 G, 17 A) performance was good enough for a Second Team All American nod.
“It isn’t very often that a team that’s picking first overall is possibly one of the best teams in the league and definitely a contender for the cup,” said McIntosh. “So it’s awesome, it’s great.”
