Is Saskatoon primed for pro lacrosse?
Rumours of Saskatoon being the new home of the National Lacrosse League’s Edmonton Rush have resurfaced, sparking renewed optimism in one of Saskatoon’s most ardent backers of the sport.
“Saskatchewan as a whole has been waiting for a second professional franchise that we can support,” said Randy Trobak, co-coach and owner of the Rocky Mountain Junior B league’s Saskatchewan Swat. “We all love the green and white, but what would be better than for us to show how big a sports fan we actually are?
“The NLL is a proven league. I believe this is a perfect fit for them.”
Rush owner Bruce Urban told the Edmonton Journal earlier this week that he visited SaskTel Centre last month.
Citing poor attendance and uncertainties of a future arena deal in Edmonton, Urban said pro lacrosse in the Alberta capital “appears to be coming to an end.”
Multiple messages left with Urban were not returned. Will Lofdahl, SaskTel Centre CEO, and Scott Ford, SaskTel Centre executive director, did not immediately return calls.
The Rush released a statement Wednesday leaving the door open for a return to Edmonton.
“Similar to any business under these same circumstances, we need to keep all of our options open,” they said. “We remain committed to finding a long-term solution that would keep the Rush in Edmonton for the foreseeable future, however that future remains in Mayor (Don) Iveson’s hands.”
Trobak hadn’t directly heard about Urban’s reported visit to Saskatoon and the city-owned and operated arena.
Trobak knows the Reginaborn Urban. He is a Rush season-ticket holder and has met Urban twice.
“He’s a fantastic guy,” Trobak said. “He’d be a great asset for the city of Saskatoon, that’s for sure.”
“I’m sure hoping that he does come here,” he added. “With his ownership of the team and his great enthusiasm I believe it will take off.”
This isn’t the first time the Rush and SaskTel Centre have been linked.
Urban made inquiries about moving the team there in May 2013.
Rush president Dave Jamieson described the talks between the two parties as “due diligence” conversations at the time, while Lofdahl said it was nothing more than an “information exchange.”
However, a source with knowledge of last month’s visit by Urban said there may be more to it this time around.
Trobak thinks the same way.
“I do believe there is more juice to it,” he said. “I believe he’s got a winning franchise there and he needs a place for them to be and to play. I’m definitely hoping that it’s Saskatoon.”
The Rush play the second game of their West Division final against the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday.
They won the series opener and would move on to the league final with a victory this weekend.
Now in their 10th season in Edmonton, the Rush have averaged 6,690 fans through nine regular season games and one playoff contest in 2015.
Trobak is confident more people would attend games in Saskatoon.
He mentions the sport’s popularity estimating there are 3,500 players provincially — and the NLL’s weekendonly, 18-game total schedule — making it easier to commute from around Saskatchewan — as his reasons.
“It wouldn’t be Saskatoon. It would be Saskatchewan as a whole,” Trobak said. “We have tons of people already in this province leaving for games in Edmonton.
“It’s a small season with a small amount of home games, very similar to what football is. I think it would do fantastic here in the city.”