The Saskatchewan Rush look to add a third NLL Cup to their trophy cabinet as they face the Buffalo Bandits in the final. After some frustrating years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saskatchewan Rush are having a season to remember. Finishing second in the NLL regular season standings while turning heads around the league in the process, the only thing standing between the Rush and their final goal is the back-to-back champion Bandits. “They’ve just been here before honestly,” said Jerrett Smith, defense, Saskatchewan Rush. “And they know what it takes. One thing is they block a ton of shots. I think if we can get good looks in transition and just shots period on net, I think we’ll have success.” While the team has been laser focused on the NLL Cup, the league has taken notice of some extraordinary performances this season. Defender Keegan Bell is the 2025 NLL Teammate of the Year thanks to his versatility. Having started his pro career at forward, he has since evolved to play defense, and even goalie when asked. “[Bell] is just one of those guys that’s always positive,” said Saskatchewan Rush forward Brock Haley. “Even if he’s not in the lineup, he’s always ready to go, and it shows. He hopped in net, backup goalie for us one game. So if that doesn’t scream teammate of the year, then I don’t know what does.” Co-head coach and general manager Derek Keenan is the 2025 NLL GM of the Year. The winningest coach in NLL history with nine championship wins now has his fourth award as GM. It’s great to be around a winner like that every day,” said askatchewan Rush forward Zach Manns. “And he just instills a winning attitude and habits into guys week in and week out. And it’s just the little things that he says. When he speaks, everyone listens. He commands the room, and that’s just how much respect everyone has for him.” While it comes as no surprise to his players who admire his energy and enthusiasm, Jimmy Quinlan wins the 2025 Les Bartley Award for NLL Coach of the Year. “We could show up to Friday practise, guys are tired from flights, and he’s rolling in like he’s about to teach a third grade class with so much enthusiasm, so much excitement, and we just feed off that.” Matt Hossack and Frank Scigliano are up for 2025 Defender of the Year and 2025 Goaltender of the Year. Those awards will be handed out before the end of the week. Meanwhile, the Rush know they’ll need to be disciplined as they go up against the Bandits in hostile territory for game one. “Disciplined in not taking penalties, and disciplined with our choices on the floor,” said Saskatchewan Rush defense Jake Boudreau. “Because they’re not going to give us any opportunities so we don’t want to give them any freebies as well.” While the Rush turned heads for being a high energy, hard working team this season, the Bandits pose a similar challenge. “They’re experienced and they work extremely hard,” said Boudreau. “They know what it takes and the hard work aspect, they were the hardest working team we played this year when we played them at home. And I’m sure it’s only going to be worse for us this time, so we’ve got to match that.” Game one is in Buffalo Friday night, the game will be broadcast on TSN.
