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Saskatchewan Rush’s journey: From heartbreak to hope for the future
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Saskatchewan Rush found themselves on the brink of glory, only to face a heartbreaking defeat in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) finals.
Captain Ryan Keenan’s expression of dejection at the podium spoke volumes after the Rush fell to the Buffalo Bandits in a decisive Game 3, ending their championship aspirations. Despite the disappointment, the team is looking ahead with renewed hope and determination.
Resilience in the face of adversity
The Rush’s journey to the finals was anything but easy. After struggling through three consecutive 8-10 seasons, the team made a remarkable comeback this year, finishing with a 13-5 record. Their playoff run included a thrilling quarter-final victory over the Georgia Swarm and a sweep of the Halifax Thunderbirds, showcasing their resilience and tenacity.
Rookie forward Brock Haley emphasized the importance of camaraderie, stating, “Everyone was just really excited to continue to have another week with the fellas.” This spirit of unity propelled them through the playoffs, even as they faced the formidable Bandits.
Lessons learned from defeat
The crushing loss in the finals served as a harsh lesson for the Rush. Co-head coach Derek Keenan reflected on the game, noting, “It really came down to 30 minutes of them playing really, really well and us not playing very well.” The team struggled to contain the Bandits’ offensive onslaught, allowing eight unanswered goals in the second half.
However, the experience gained from this defeat is invaluable. Defenseman Jerrett Smith remarked, “Now we know what it takes seeing Buffalo. Obviously they’ve done it three times in a row, but I think we somewhat have the blueprint now and ideally we get back there.” This newfound knowledge could be the key to their future success.
A bright future ahead
Despite the disappointment, the Rush’s season was a breakthrough, and the team is optimistic about what lies ahead. With a young core of players and several key members receiving NLL year-end awards, the foundation for future success is solid. Haley expressed pride in proving doubters wrong, stating, “We were written off at the start of the year. Just to kind of prove everybody wrong and show what we can do, and show that we’re going to be here for the next five or 10 years.” This determination to build a championship dynasty echoes the team’s past successes, and the parallels drawn by general manager Derek Keenan highlight the potential for greatness.
As the Rush look to the future, they are not just focused on individual accolades but on building a cohesive team that can compete at the highest level. The lessons learned from this season, both in victory and defeat, will serve as a guiding light as they strive for a championship. The journey may have ended in heartbreak this time, but the hope for a brighter future remains strong.
