Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Rush have celebrated a few milestones to date but have yet to celebrate a win in its inaugural season. The Rush currently sits at 0-4 heading into this Friday's battle with the Minnesota Swarm. The ball drops at 7:30 p.m. at Rexall Place.

The 2-3 Swarm have been very effective on the road and will be a challenge for the winless Rush. The two teams are very similar with skill shooters and quick runners on each side.

Rush Assistant Coach Daren Fridge refers to the opposition this week as a box of chocolates, "You never know what you are going to get, we just need to be prepared with our game plan."

Last week following the disappointing lost to the NLL Champions, Toronto Rock, GM/Head Coach Paul Day indicated a few line-up changes were to come for the Rush. "Our power play needs to improve, we will try different personal in that situation and throw a different system into the power play." states Day "Otherwise the game plan will continue to be the same with speed, strong transition and solid defense."

Local offensive left-hander, Colin Sherbanuk has been given the duty of creating offense for Friday's battle with the Swarm. Sherbanuk's appearance has been long awaited from local fans that are aware of his offensive strength. It will be Sherbanuk's first appearance in a NLL league game. Sherbanuk signed with the Rush as a free agent after going through the Open Try-Out process in September of 2005.

At the President's Cup Senior B national tournament, Colin scored six goals and five assists for 11 points in five games for the bronze-medallist Sherwood Park Outlaws. In 2003, Colin was the top scorer for the Edmonton Outlaws and a first team all-star at the President's Cup Senior B national tournament, scoring 8-7-15 in five games. Colin played Junior A in Port Coquitlam, B.C., and Orangeville, Ont., prior to joining the Rush. Colin played his minor lacrosse in Port Coquitlam and with the Edmonton Wizards.

Also, for Rush offensive player Tyler Heavenor the game on Friday brings a family challenge with younger brother Nolan on the Swarm roster. With only two years in age difference, the two brothers have always played with each other or on other divisional teams but have never been on the opposite side of the floor. A constant roar of excitement is sure to come from the seats in Rexall Place with over 30 Heavenor family members scheduled to experience the first meeting of the brothers.

Both Tyler and Nolan played with the Mann Cup champions Victoria Shamrocks this summer during the summer season. Tyler scored 16 goals and 29 assists for 45 points in 16 games for the WLA club.

Game Week Itinerary

Wednesday, February 1, 2006
8:30 p.m.
Dry land training
Vimy Ridge Academy
Colin Sherbanuk will be available for interviews

Thursday, January 26, 2006
10:45 p.m.- 12:45 a.m.
Practice
Southside Indoor Soccer Centre (Roper Road)

Friday, January 27, 2006
10:00 a.m.
Minnesota Swarm shoot around
11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.
Heavenor brothers Tyler and Nolan available for interviews

Noon-1 p.m.
Edmonton Rush shoot around

7:30 p.m.
Minnesota Swarm vs. Edmonton Rush
Game Time – Ball Drops
Rexall Place

Approx. 8:30 p.m.
Swollen Members perform
Half-time

As the Edmonton Rush get set to battle The Minnesota Swarm at the team's fourth home game, they will also continue to offer an unsurpassed entertainment environment with Canada's premiere hip-hop group Swollen Members performing at half-time.

Swollen Members have played an important role in evolving the face of the Canadian music scene with their rare and rugged brand of hip-hop. They have captured the imagination of the global hip-hop underground and captivated crowds around the globe with their energetic live shows.

 

Don't miss a beat, as the Edmonton Rush take on the Minnesota Swarm at Rexall Place Friday, February 3rd. Professional indoor lacrosse combines the physical play of hockey with the high scoring, fast pace and play-making style of basketball. Purchase tickets at (780) 732-RUSH or Ticketmaster (780) 451-8000.