Bittersweet reunion for former Rush fan favourite Sorichetti

There was a little bit more pomp and ceremony surrounding the Saskatchewan Rush’s first home game of the season.

And why wouldn’t there be?

The night was all about crowning the 2018 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Champions.

Rush players were given their championship rings, then wrapped their arms around each other as they watched their new championship banner rise to the SaskTel Centre rafters.

Lost in all this were five former Rush players now playing for the San Diego Seals, the opponents on Saturday.

Adrian Sorichetti was a Rush fan favourite taken by the Seals in the 2018 NLL Expansion Draft, which saw players selected to fill out rosters for the expansion Seals and Philadelphia Wings.

Sorichetti said it was it was a strange feeling to score a goal at SaskTel Centre and have it be met with silence from the crowd instead of deafening cheers.

“It was a little awkward, but that’s the nature of the sport,”  he said of returning to Saskatchewan for the first time since leaving the Rush.

“I’m just excited to be back here in Saskatchewan, seeing a lot of familiar faces in the crowd and obviously playing against a group of guys that I’ve been with the last few years.”

Rush fans tend to cheer the loudest for defensive efforts. On any given night a season ago, the loudest cheers went to Jeremy Thompson, Mike Messenger or Sorichetti, defenders not known for their goal-scoring ability.

Even though Sorichetti never lived in Saskatoon, he laid down roots during his time in the province and was itching to thank his loyal fans after the game.

“Being back here, it’s always exciting. I have my routines, I know my spots in the city and I made the most of it,” Sorichetti said before going back to the field and spending time with his supporters.

“I try to do my best and give back to the community, “he said. “I was in Regina earlier this week doing a lacrosse clinic.”

Adrian Sorichetti (centre) celebrates with teammates after winning the 2018 NLL Cup on June 9, 2018. (Soriche77i/Twitter)

As far as any chirping from old teammates, Sorichetti said he managed to survive the game unscathed.

“I didn’t hear any. I was surprised, but I tip my hat to them. They were easy on me,” Sorichetti said with a smile.

As for his future, Sorichetti said he’s trying to take everything he learned with the Rush to help build something in San Diego.

“Once I got that call from Patrick Merrill and the Seals organization it was a bit of a flick of the switch,” Sorichetti said. “It was a bittersweet moment, but I knew I had great experiences and great memories in Saskatchewan.”

“I had to turn the page and start something special in San Diego, so as soon as I got that call, I switched gears and was all in.”

Like he always did in Saskatchewan, the personable and always friendly Sorichetti will look to make a difference in his new home.

While none of the current Rush players live in Saskatchewan, Sorichetti said it was a point of emphasis for current Seals players to live in San Diego in order to grow the game of lacrosse at a grassroots level.

Sorichetti estimates 70 per cent of his team is making the move, a rarity in the NLL as players often opt to fly in for practices and games on weekends before returning home.

“We’re really trying to make the most of it. We’re trying to establish a great relationship in the community, I think that’s going to be the strongest piece to building a successful franchise like the Rush has and has been doing this last few years.”