Rush eager to battle old rivals
Extra motivation as former Roughnecks face old teammates for bragging rights
Jeff Shattler knows all about the Rush-Roughnecks rivalry.
For years, he saw it from the others ideas a member of the much hated Calgary Roughnecks. Now, he lines up for the Saskatchewan Rush in search of a National Lacrosse League championship title and Champions Cup.
“There’s definitely a strong rivalry between the two teams,” said Shattler, a transition/forward player of Ojibway ancestry who was born in Edmonton.
“Being on Calgary, it was always tough to beat the Rush. Great team. I’m proud to be a part of them. It’s going to be a battle. You can’t take anything for granted because any team can be beat on any given night.
“We’re not going in there too confident, but we have to be confident in ourselves to get the job done. I’m looking forward to it.”
Shattler is joined by former Roughnecks Matthew Dinsdale and Tor Reinholdt on the Rush roster this season.
“Yes, it’s one of the better ones (rivalries) in the league,” said Dinsdale. “With us coming over from Edmonton (to Saskatoon), we were close (to Calgary), so it was the Battle of the Prairies, Battle of Alberta.
“We play each other a lot, so we see each other a lot. Just because of that, you’re going to build a big rivalry. It’s definitely one we look forward to whenever we get to play Calgary.”
Shattler, for one, said he’s extra pumped to play his former Calgary team. After all, there are bragging rights on the line among friends and former teammates. Shattler was a key acquisition by the Rush over the off-season along with goalie Evan Kirk following a Champions Cup loss to the Georgia Swarm a year ago.
“For sure, I’m real excited to play them. I’m just excited to play in the playoffs, no matter what team we play,” said Shattler.
“To play my old team just gives a little more (motivation). I’ve got a lot of good buddies on that team. I wish them all the best, but going into that game, that night, may the best team win — and I believe our team has what it takes to pull it off. But we’ll have to bring everything we’ve got. They’re a good team. We can’t underestimate them.”
Dinsdale, who calls Coquitlam, B.C., home, is eager to get going in the playoffs during what’s an abbreviated NLL playoff schedule.
“In playoffs, either way, we were looking forward to getting started this game,” said Dinsdale, a forward.
“We knew that whoever we faced is going to be a good challenge for us and we need to bring our Agame, for sure.”
Dinsdale said the key to success is playing a full 60-minute game.
“We matched up well against them this season, but we’ve got to play a full 60,” he said. “Our defence has got to put pressure on those guys.
“(Calgary sniper Dane) Dobie went off for a pretty good game last game, and they’ve got a lot of good players. If you give them time and space, they’re going to put the ball in the back of the net.
“So it’s about taking away time and space in the defensive end and in the (offensive) end. We’ve got to give the defence some help, as well.”
Shattler isn’t surprised that Calgary (8-10) knocked off Colorado (11-7) in the NLL Western semifinal.
“I know, from years in the past, Colorado is a good team, but when it comes to the first round of playoffs, we’ve knocked them out many a time,” said Shattler.
“I sort of knew it was going to happen this way, and I’m looking forward to it. They’re a good team. They just played a great game. Dobbie played unbelievably. He carried the team on his back, and that’s the kind of player he is. They’ve got some good players, so we can’t underestimate those guys. They’ve got a great goaltender. Christian del Bianco has been hot. We’ve got to give everything we’ve got.”
The key to victory? “Stopping the transition and getting up and down the floor,” said Shattler. “Five-on-five, I believe we have what it takes to pick them apart. You can’t go into the (penalty) box, especially in the playoffs. If you take too many penalties, they’re bound to score on the power play. If we keep it five on five, and stay out of all the crap, I think our team is going to do well on Sunday night.”
Rush head coach Derek Keenan said he’s glad to have Shattler on Dinsdale on his side.
Game time is 5 p.m. on Sunday at SaskTel Centre.