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SEASON PREVIEW: EDMONTON RUSH

Veteran acquisitions to lead much improved Rush

01/04/2007

After a tough inaugural season in which they finished with just a 1-15 record, the Edmonton Rush enter 2007 poised for improvement, and armed with the weapons to do so.

The Rush struggled offensively during the 2006 campaign, finishing dead last in goals scored and power play goals. However, all that should change this year after GM Paul Day's strong off-season dealings landed three veteran goal scoring threats in Edmonton. Forwards Jason Wulder (formerly of the Roughnecks), Dan Stroup and Chris Gill (both from Colorado) were all signed to boost an offensive unit that found the net only 150 times last season. Jimmy Quinlan, Jamey Bowen, and Randy Daly return on offense for the Rush. Additional newcomer Ryan O'Connor should also figure into the scoring mix.

Edmonton's defense finished second-to-last in their initial term, despite boasting two All-Stars in Andrew Turner and Cam Bergman. Turner, a former NLL Defensive Player of the Year and gold medal winner with Team Canada this summer, will use his experience to lead a young, speedy D-unit. Off-season acquisition Darryl Welsh will bring a physical presence to the floor in front of a constantly improving Pat Campbell in goal.

The power play in Edmonton never clicked in 2006, converting on only 31 goals (27.43% efficiency) with the advantage. The penalty kill didn't perform any better, posting a 50.47% efficiency score. Both units found themselves at the bottom of the league, but will this year be supported by the veteran acquisitions.

With all of the new faces in this year's lineup, the players, coaches and team officials in Edmonton hope to become serious competitors for a spot in the West Division playoffs. This hope will be tested early, as the Rush open their season at home on Saturday, January 6th against the East Division's Philadelphia Wings.

Edmonton Rush - 2006 Recap
Finish: Missed the playoffs
Regular Season Record: 1-15
Post Season Record: 0-0
Home Record: 0-8
Road Record: 1-7
Goals For: 150
Goals Against: 202

2007 Roster (As of January 3rd)
3 - Rob Williams, Defenseman
6 - Cam Bergman, Defenseman
7 - Mac Allen, Defenseman
8 - Dan Stroup, Forward
9 - Randy Daly, Forward
11 - Jamie Roy, Defenseman
14 - Ryan O'Connor, Forward
15 - Jamey Bowen, Forward
18 - Kevin Howard, Forward
21 - Daren Hillier, Forward
22 - Jason Wulder, Forward
23 - Teddy Jenner, Forward
25 - Chris Gill, Forward
26 - Andrew Turner, Defenseman
29 - Buck Stobart, Defenseman
37 - Pat Campbell, Goaltender
41 - Darryl Welsh, Defenseman
43 - Rory Glaves, Defenseman
43 - Cory Melville, Defenseman
44 - Chris McElroy, Defenseman
50 - Kurtis Wagar, Goaltender
66 - D'Arcy Berthiame, Forward
81 - Jimmy Quinlan, Forward