Saskatchewan Rush optimistic after turnaround season comes up short

WATCH: The pain of defeat for the Saskatchewan Rush is lessening as the team reflects how far they’ve come in a year.

The Saskatchewan Rush came up one game short of a National Lacrosse League (NLL) championship against the Buffalo Bandits Saturday night, losing 15-6 to the Buffalo Bandits in game three.

The win makes the Bandits the second team in league history to complete the three-peat, winning three consecutive league championships.

Being a part of history doesn’t take out the sting for the Rush.

“They’re a good team, and we kind of played with them for ten quarters,” said Jake Boudreau, Saskatchewan Rush defense. “And then just kind of lost it in the second half there. So that sucks, but I think we have a lot to be happy about. Obviously not satisfied, but happy.”

For a team that posted losing records since the pandemic, pushing an eventual dynasty opponent to game three of the NLL finals leaves room for perspective.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted,” said Jerrett Smith, Saskatchewan Rush defense. “But making it to game three of the NLL finals against the Bandits, I think at some point you’ve got to chalk it up as somewhat of a win.”

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The Rush finished the regular season with a 13-5 record, tied for the second best in franchise history, despite being dismissed as young and inexperienced all year. But that all changed after this year’s team got six playoff games under their belts.

“I saw a stat, it was like over half the guys on our team, their first playoff run,” said Zach Manns, Saskatchewan Rush forward. “And that’s valuable experience. It’s an experience that not everyone gets. And you’ve got to take it for what it’s worth. Those are high pressure games and those are the type of games that can really make or break a season.”

Now that the season has ended, it gives players time to appreciate how far the team has come in just a year, and it gives them time to start looking ahead.

“We really just had a special group this year,” said Brock Haley, Saskatchewan Rush forward. “To make it this far and compete with one of the best teams, kind of ever, it goes to show what we can do and what we’re going to be capable of next year.”

The Rush got five individual awards, Frank Scigliano for best goalie, Matt Hossack for best defender, Jimmy Quinlan for top coach, and Derek Keenan won best general manager. Keegan Bell won the best teammate award as voted by the NLL Players’ Association.

Despite the individual success, it was the enjoyment of coming to the rink every week that made the season especially fun.

“It was just a fantastic group of guys from the top down,” said Manns. “I can’t say anything better. It was probably the most fun year I’ve every had playing lacrosse, so couldn’t be more excited for the future.”

The 2012-2014 Rochester Knighthawks are the only other team to win three consecutive NLL championships.