‘It's our time': Saskatchewan Rush look to extend playoff magic in 2025 NLL Finals
They'll sprint onto the floor in New York State on Friday night to kick off the 2025 National Lacrosse League Cup Finals against the Buffalo Bandits.
'(Buffalo's) been there, this is their fifth year in a row,' said Rush defenceman Jerrett Smith. 'But I think we 100 per cent have the group to do what it takes here and I think it's our time.'
The Rush have made the NLL Finals for the fourth time since the franchise relocated from Edmonton to Saskatoon in 2015, but will be making their first appearance in the series since winning it all back in 2018.
Four members of the Rush were on that team including Robert Church, Ryan Keenan, Mike Messenger and Matt Hossack, but now this new iteration of the Rush will get the chance to write a new championship chapter in the franchise's history.
Story continues below advertisement
'We have guys on our team that have been there before and I think we all just really want it,' said Smith. 'We've been building this team for a couple years now and like I said, it's our time. We all play for each other and our time is right now.'
Saskatchewan is coming off a win for the ages last Saturday at home over the Halifax Thunderbirds, capturing Game 2 of NLL semifinals in one of the most remarkable comebacks in league history.
Trailing by two goals with less than a minute remaining, the Rush would get a key goal from Zach Manns to cut the deficit to one before a diving defensive play by Messenger would cause a turnover with around 10 seconds left.
Ryan Barnable was able to feed Hossack for the tying goal with under six seconds left in regulation, before former Thunderbirds sniper Austin Shanks would bury his former team with the overtime winner on the power play — sweeping the series for the Rush and setting up this weekend's NLL Finals against Buffalo.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'It's the lacrosse gods looking down on us,' said Rush rookie forward Brock Haley. 'It's probably one of the greatest playoff games ever seen in the history of the NLL. I mean the last minute and 30 (seconds), we come back and end up winning in OT.'
The league has taken notice of Saskatchewan's breakthrough season, with the Rush sweeping the five year-end award categories they were nominated for.
Story continues below advertisement
Earlier in the week it was Rush defender Keegan Bell being named NLL teammate of the year after suiting up as an emergency back-up goaltender in a January victory over the Albany FireWolves, among other stories of support for his teammates.
Rush co-head coaches Jimmy Quinlan and Derek Keenan were recognized as NLL coach of the year and general manager of the year, respectively.
2:06
Saskatchewan Rush complete improbable comeback to advance to NLL Finals
Making his return to Saskatchewan this season after being selected in the Panther City Lacrosse Club dispersal draft in September, Hossack earned NLL defensive player of the year on Thursday for the first time his his career after leading the NLL in caused turnovers.
'It's definitely a really cool feeling to be put in that category with all of those other guys,' said Hossack last Friday following his award nomination.
Story continues below advertisement
'Having played with a lot of the guys who have won that award in the past, guys I've looked up to for a long time and for most of my career is a really cool feeling. I've worked towards getting better every year and it's a really good feeling being in that conversation.'
Also hearing his name called Thursday was Rush goaltender Frank Scigliano, taking home NLL goaltender of the year honours for the first time in his career after posting a league-leading 9.40 goals against average and a .795 save percentage.
'It's nice, obviously, but I don't think too much about it though,' said Scigliano last Friday about his nomination. 'The main focus is trying to take the next step here, but it's obviously nice.
'I thank a lot of my teammates. You look at (our quarter-final over Georgia), I think I counted about 20 blocked shots. So it's by committee right now.'
Saskatchewan will not have home floor advantage to begin the best-of-three series for the first time these playoffs, with Buffalo earning the NLL's top seed following a 13-5 regular season which included a 9-7 victory over the Rush on March 1.
Reaching the finals for a fifth consecutive season and playing for a third-straight title, the Bandits will be Saskatchewan's biggest test of the season yet according to Quinlan as they begin the series on the road for Game 1 on Friday.
Story continues below advertisement
'It will be loud and noisy,' said Quinlan. 'Our first five minutes will be crucial; for us to kind of take the crowd out of it will be big. We feel like we've played real well on the road this season and what a better place to get started than in Buffalo?'
The Bandits will be the more rested team entering the series, dispatching the Vancouver Warriors on May 4 to sweep their second round series.
That isn't fazing the Rush according to forward Zach Manns, who said they're ready to chase a title they've devoted their entire lacrosse careers towards.
'We have quite a short turnaround to get into this championship series, but it's what we've prepared for all year,' said Manns.
'I don't think the scheduling or anything is going to mess with anyone's (mental performance). I think everyone is going to be dialed in and ready to go.'
Game 1 for the NLL Cup will be played on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Buffalo, before the series shifts to SaskTel Centre for Game 2 on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.
If necessary, a winner-take-all Game 3 would be played back in Buffalo on May 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Surge soar past Saskatchewan Rattlers, secure home playoff tilt with Edmonton Stingers
Article content Calgary's defence-to-offence formula was on full display in a 105-76 win over the Saskatchewan Rattlers on Friday night, clinching second place in the Canadian Elite Basketball League's Western Conference. Article content Twenty Rattlers' turnovers led to 28 points for the host Surge (16-7), including high-flying finishes to wow the crowd at the WinSport Events Centre in another signature performance. Article content Article content After trailing by two after the first quarter, the Calgary defence locked in and held Saskatchewan (6-17) to 18 points or fewer in each of the final three quarters. Article content Article content 'We played our brand of basketball — defence-to-offence. (It's been) our identity all year, our style of play, so we're excited to get the win,' Canales said. Article content Surge forward Greg Brown III notched another double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Gilyard Jr. chipped in 17 points and seven assists. Article content Article content For Saskatchewan, Jaden Bediako and Jordan Bowden led the way in the loss with 15 points each, with Bediako snagging 13 rebounds as well. Article content Article content The Surge are now locked into a Battle of Alberta play-in showdown at home against the rival and third-place Edmonton Stingers (14-9) on Thursday (7:30 p.m.). Article content '(I'm looking forward to) being in a home environment with our fans and putting on a show. And then hopefully taking it possession by possession to get a win,' Miller-Moore said. Article content Saskatchewan started Friday's game on a 7-0 run, powered by the interior presence of Bediako. Calgary quickly battled back to within one possession and Brown III sparked the home crowd's interest by climbing the ladder for a massive left-handed alley-oop in transition.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
‘One inch can make or break a play': Stevens bringing Roughriders experience to Saskatoon Hilltops
When the Saskatoon Hilltops take the field for their season opener against Winnipeg on Sunday, they will be bringing a little experience from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. 'It was amazing. It was a great experience,' said defensive lineman Johnathon Stevens, who spent time with the Roughriders in training camp, as well as logging minutes in a preseason game. 'They are very technical there. From the pros to here, it's never more apparent that one inch can make or break a play.' And Coach Tom Sargeant says time with the Green and White will elevate his presence on the field with the Hilltops. 'John is awesome. You know, as I said, such a great kid. He's had a great career, an all-Canadian. And for him to get that feather in his cap to go to Rider camp and perform as well as he did and then come back here,' Sargeant said. The 6′2″, 292-pound lineman says he is passing on what he learned with the Riders to his current teammates, embracing a leadership role on the field. Something Sargeant says will be important for the defensive unit this year. 'He is our leader, he's the defensive playmaker that we're going to rally around. That we are going to need to set the tone for this year.' Stevens anchors a defense that will see returning veterans Isaac Michayluk and Jayce Mowels, described by Sargeant as a shutdown corner. But fans will notice some changes on offense, including at quarterback. With the departure of Trey Reider, the job will now fall to one of three former backup quarterbacks: Brexton Elias, Charlie Molder, or Hayden McMahon, all of whom saw limited playing time last season. Typically, it's pretty well decided by Week One who will be the starter. But on Thursday, Sargeant wasn't confirming who would take the reins. 'They've all done the right things. They've had great off-seasons, and you know, we're sort of letting it all develop. Ultimately, we're looking for someone to kick the door down and say, 'Hey, this is my team.'' 'The Hilltops will see a changing of the guard on offense. With the departure of Trey Reider, that means backup quarterbacks Brexton Elias, Charlie Molder, and Hayden McMahon will have to step into the starting role. But head coach Tom Sargeant is keeping his cards close to the vest.' Regardless of who starts, motivation is higher than ever to try and get back to the conference title game after losing to the Regina Thunder last season. That game saw the Thunder put on an excellent defensive performance, shutting down the Hilltops' high-powered running and aerial attack. 'Coaches have talked about it. Players have talked about it. And we want a championship. And we're going to do anything we can to win that,' said quarterback Charlie Molder. The Hilltops will travel to Winnipeg to face the Rifles on Sunday, before returning for their home opener against the Edmonton Huskies on August 17.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Sask. CFL fan gives video game lovers a chance to play as favourite teams and players in new video game
WATCH: A Saskatchewan CFL fan is giving video game lovers a chance to play as their favourite teams and players in a new video game. Donovan Maess has more.
