One of the most polarizing stories in lacrosse over the past two weeks have been the story of the Edmonton Rush. This comes at a time where we’ve seen a Tewaaraton winner, the MLL all star game, Canadian season opening, and the Minnesota Swarm moving south.
Still, the Rush have captured our attention. They announced they might move from the city while playing in the western conference finals, then they went and won the NLL’s Champions Cup.
So what’s next for the Rush? We spoke with their rather outspoken owner, Bruce Urban, about the future of the team and he’s not holding anything back.
“There is substantial uncertainly surrounding our current home at Rexall Place and we have not been offered space to play at the new arena.” Urban told us. “Every sports team needs an arena to play in so we remain committed to locating a long term solution for the Rush.”
There have been talks of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers trying to buy the Rush, but those discussions have fizzled. What exactly do the Rush have for options?
“Obviously our focus has been on our playoff run, but the uncertainly of our arena situation certainly is disheartening, especially considering how well the players have performed this year and the fact we have spent the last ten years marketing and growing the game of lacrosse in Northern Alberta.”
Like the after mentioned Georgia Swarm, the Rush have discussed relocation. After the Philadelphia Wings relocated to New England last off season, Urban still isn’t concerned about the stability of the league.
“The league has nine strong owners and I believe we will see a few new teams coming into the league in the near to soon future.”
Despite the tough times, the Rush took home their ultimate goal, and that was the championship. Urban says that their uncertainty made the title all the more rewarding.
“This year’s team was an especially talented, quality group of men who overcame tremendous adversity on and off the field so to see them lift the cup in such a triumphant way, was special.
“Rush Nation has fully embraced this team since the very beginning so to win it at home, on our own turf, was very special. I know the players were excited to play in front of a big crowd, they fed off of their energy, especially late in the 4th quarter. The building was electric that night. ”
The Rush might have an uncertain future ahead of them still, and it sounds like they aren’t secure to stay in Edmonton next season, either. This story isn’t going to end anytime soon, and Urban will be front and center the entire time.
