Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Rush lose 13-11 to Vancouver, fans welcome 'great atmosphere'

Despite losing their first home game in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Rush made it a tight one on Friday night.

Next game at home on Jan. 29 against Colorado

The Saskatchewan Rush takes a time out in mid-game action against the Vancouver Stealth in Saskatoon on Jan. 15, 2015. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)

Despite losing their first home game in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Rush made it a tight one, losing 13-11 to the Vancouver Stealth on Friday night at the SaskTel Centre. 

More than 9,000 fans filled the arena for the home opener, after the defending National Lacrosse League champions opened their season two weeks ago in Calgary with a win.

The Rush ended the first 15-minute quarter trailing Vancouver 5-2.

A player with the Saskatchewan Rush lines up a shot against the Vancouver Stealth in game action in Saskatoon on Jan. 15, 2015. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)

But they seemed to find the momentum they needed over the second and third quarters. By the end of the third, the Rush were up 11-9.

The fourth quarter proved to be the team's downfall: they had nothing for Vancouver's four unanswered goals, and ended up losing 13-11.

Both teams now have 1-1 records. The Rush's next game is at home against the Colorado Mammoth on Jan. 29.

Despite the night's loss, fans at the game were excited to get out and see the province's newest professional team in action.

Dallas Siemens, from Saskatoon, said the entire game had "a great atmposhere."

"It's honestly, one of the best environments I've ever been in," Siemens said. "Everyone's into it, and they're welcoming lacrosse to Saskatoon."

The Rush moved from Edmonton to Saskatoon over the summer.

Saskatchewan Rush player Kyle Rubisch shoots on Vancouver Stealth goalie Eric Penney in a game in Saskatoon on Jan. 15, 2015. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)
Saskatchewan Rush players defend against Garrett Billings of the Vancouver Stealth in game aation in Saskatoon on Jan. 15, 2015. (Trevor Bothorel/CBC)