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After coming painfully close to their third National Lacrosse League (NLL) championship in May, the Saskatchewan Rush began their season with a win in Saskatoon on Saturday.
The first test for last season’s runner up was the Calgary Roughnecks.
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While it ended a little closer than the Rush would’ve liked, a 16-13 opening night victory is something they won’t complain about.
Rush transition player Jake Boudreau got things started quickly, scoring the first goal just 20 seconds into the game.
“I was thinking ‘thank God’,” said Boudreau. “I’ve gone on a couple of scoring slumps in the past. It felt really good to see it go in.”
Rush dominated in the first half, with both Austin Shanks and Robert Church recording their first hat tricks of the year. Captain Ryan Keenan and forward Zach Manns netted their first goals of the year, while Shanks got his fourth bringing the score at half to 10-5.
Roughnecks forward Tyler Pace led the way on the scoresheet for Calgary with two goals in the first half. Forwards Noah Manning and Haiden Dickson along with defenceman Kyle Pepper also filled out the Roughnecks scoresheet.
In the second half, Calgary came out with vengeance on their minds.
“They picked up their intensity,” said Manns. “They came at us in that third and fourth quarter, and we weathered the storm.”
Dickson got two and Brayden Mayea scored to bring the Roughnecks within three goals, as Keenan notched his second goal of the game, making it 11-8 Rush heading into the fourth quarter.
The teams traded goals to make the core 13-10 Rush. Then, in the blink of an eye, the Roughnecks tied it up at 13, before Manns put the Rush up 14-13.
Manns SNIPES from distance to break the tie. 14-13 Rush! pic.twitter.com/snCDgemeRV
— Saskatchewan Rush (@SaskRushLAX) December 7, 2025
“(We) probably didn’t want to have it this close, but you want to win close games,” said Manns.
“I also thought I didn’t shoot the ball very well tonight, so it was nice to see that one go in.”
Another goal from Manns, and Rush transitional player Mike Messenger made the 16-13 final score.
Saturday night also marked the 184th time Church suited up in a Rush jersey between the franchise’s time in Edmonton and Saskatoon.
“It’s special to be here for so long and be able to stay healthy and stay in one spot,” said Church. “I’ve been lucky and hopefully can continue to play here and win another championship.”
Church’s teammates praised the new all-time record holder.
“One thing about Robert off the floor he’s the best guy, best dad, best husband,” said Boudreau.
“He’s such an amazing guy and him and (goaltender) Frank (Scigliano) are at the top of the list of who I really want to win a championship for.”
“I learned a ton, he’s just a fantastic teammate,” said Manns.
“Before I got traded here a few years ago I hated him, hated his guts, because he just killed me in the (Western Lacrosse Association) every summer. He’s an unbelievable scorer and he’s a great human being and that’s the type of guy that you want in your locker room.”
The 1-0 Rush head to Ottawa to play the Black Bears on Dec. 12.
— with files by CKOM News
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