The Edmonton Rush have opened camp on a new season heading into 2014. One year after making it to the Champions Cup, the Rush lost in the playoffs last season and their roster has had a shakeup. Now a roster full of rookies and with the loss of Corey Small, this will be a tough season for the club.
“This is an important season for the franchise.” said general manager and head coach Derek Keenan. “We think we have the right foundation in place. Now it’s time to win consistently and compete for a championship.”
“I expect camp to be very tough as it’s going to be a four day camp.” rookie Riley Loewen says. “Also it is going to be very competitive as there are a lot of great players trying out”
The Rush this off season have added the rookies along with defenseman Nik Billic and their second year players are also looking to step up.
“Not easy [to replace Small] but when you start on the left side with Matthews and Greer I’m comfortable.” said Keenan. “Probably a bit more ball handing from Greer. I like Loewen’s off ball ability and the grinding ability of Alex Turner. I would not discount Dane Stevens either.”
Keenan also mentions how the rookies will be of big impact, saying he expects big things out of Loewen and Adrian Sorichetti.
“I think Church will be really good but that might not be a surprise. Look out for Nik Bilic on the back end too. He fits our model very well. ”
“The opportunity that I am going to try and create for myself is being a player in the NLL for a great club in Edmonton.” said Loewen. The Rush go into this season with Loewen, Sorichetti, Church and Ben Snider as rookies. Camp continues on until Sunday.
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