Rush nation takes over Saskatoon as lacrosse popularity climbs

A few years ago, many people across the province had barely heard of professional lacrosse.

However, in the team's first year in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Rush has managed to make a lot of noise across the city and province.

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The team's average attendance numbers are very impressive. Right now, the Rush sits at third in the league for attendance, only bested by much larger, established cities like Buffalo and Colorado. On average, nearly 11,000 people attended each rush game this season. 

So, what's going on?

It's UFC meets rock concert meets Super Bowl. It has a little bit for everyone.- Lee Genier, team president 

"It's a complete entertainment package," said team president Lee Genier.

"It's UFC meets rock concert meets Super Bowl. It has a little bit for everyone, from your five-year-old to your 85-year-old."

The Rush moved its championship-winning team to Saskatoon from Edmonton during the off-season. This will be the team's first full season in the city.

And if attendance numbers are any indication, it doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon.

"If I look ahead to our next two games, and then into playoffs, we're projecting a sellout," said Genier. "I don't expect anything less than this team to keep growing."

Humble beginnings

Saskatoon hasn't been a lacrosse town for very long.

In the early days of the Saskatoon Swat, the city's Junior B Tier 1 box lacrosse team, the Swat wasn't even allowed home games.

"It was difficult," said team owner Randy Trobak. "We had to do all the travelling. So, those kids that were the founders of the organization definitely did their time."

These days, all that has changed. Trobak is expecting 400 kids to attend a lacrosse camp this weekend. While a lot of that can be attributed to Trobak's hard work, the popularity of the Rush certainly doesn't hurt.

Trobak said he's very pleased the Rush has decided to call Saskatoon home.

"It's been so great for us," he said. "Especially for the people who have been with us since 1999."

While Trobak is happy with the energy around the sport right now, the heavy workload and time commitment continues.

"Every one of us has a regular job," he said. "We're in the rink until 11 o'clock, 11:30 every night and every weekend until the end of season."

The Rush takes the field against the Calgary Roughnecks Saturday night at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.The game starts at 7:30 p.m. CST.