RUSH BEGIN CAMPAIGN

NLL season kicks off with team on road in Toronto

Saturday night is opening night for the Saskatchewan Rush.

The Rush — who haven’t played a game that counts since losing 15-14 in overtime to the Georgia Swarm in the National Lacrosse League clincher on June 10 — are in Toronto for their 2017-18 season opener.

Here’s some things to know as the Rush prepare to clash with the Toronto Rock.

EARLY HAPPENINGS

The Rush, who compiled a 12-6 regular-season record in 2017, had a bye last weekend when the NLL season formally commenced. They held one final training camp session in Saskatoon.

Toronto, which went 9-9 last season, opened with a 13-9 road loss to the Buffalo Bandits.

The Rush split two pre-season games, losing 13-11 to the Rock before rebounding with a 24-9 victory over the Georgia Swarm in a rematch of their NLL championship series.

NEW FACES

The Rush added a couple of veterans to their roster during the off-season, signing 2011 NLL MVP Jeff Shattler as a free agent. Shattler was previously in Calgary, and replacing goaltender Aaron Bold with Evan Kirk.

SCORING ACES

Saskatchewan’s top two scorers from last season are back in the fold, but No. 3 is playing in Toronto.

Mark Matthews was second in NLL scoring last season with 40 goals, 73 assists and 113 points in 18 games. Robert Church was tied for 15th, with 35 goals, 42 assists and 77 points.

Adam Jones, third in team scoring, was dealt to the Rock during the off-season for first-round draft picks in 2018 and 2019. Jones collected five points in Toronto’s Week 1 loss.

HOME OPENER

The Rush will follow their Saturday night game in Toronto with a Dec. 23 home-opener against the New England Black Wolves at SaskTel Centre.

That game marks the return of Bold and John Lafontaine, who were dealt from Saskatoon to New England during the offseason.

Saskatchewan will then get a bye, and play two more road games, before hosting the Buffalo Bandits on Jan. 19.

AROUND THE NLL

Four teams are 1-0 heading into this weekend’s games: New England (13-11 over Georgia), Buffalo (13-9 over Toronto), Colorado (158 over Vancouver) and Rochester (17-6 over Calgary).

Just two NLL games will be played this weekend, including a Friday-night clash between Vancouver and host Calgary.

KAYLE NEIS Rush forward Ben Mcintosh protects the ball from Georgia’s Frank Brown during pre-season action. The Rush split a pair of pre-season contests, losing 13-11 to the Toronto Rock before beating the Swarm 24-9.