Edmonton, AB - A key piece to the future success of the Edmonton Rush is back in place.

The Rush are pleased to announce that goaltender Pat Campbell has signed a new one-year contract that will see the club's most popular player and 2006 Team MVP provide the last line of defence.

"Pat is the cornerstone of our team," said A.J. Jomha, the Rush's Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach.

"He really proved himself last year and we want him to be that same player again. Because we are going to be better on defence this year, we hopefully will not need him to be great every night. We're just asking him to be good and consistent."

Campbell's statistics from 2006 don't tell the whole story. While his record stood at 1-11 with a 12.89 goals-against average, on many nights Campbell was solely responsible for keeping the Rush close in games. And in the Rush's only win of their first season in the National Lacrosse League; Campbell was outstanding as he racked up 54 saves in the 12-11 victory over the Calgary Roughnecks. His performance that night earned him Sportsnet's Player of the Game honour.

The 29-year-old from Niagara Falls, Ont., was not only a stalwart in goal he was also one of the most sought out players during the team's post-game autograph sessions proving Edmonton's lacrosse fans looked beyond the record to his sensational play.

"Last year was a building year for us, so I am not entirely disappointed in the results. It only makes me more excited for this season," said Campbell.

"There is no ceiling in terms of expectations because we now have the talent and experience that can match any team in the league. With our fans making Rexall Place one of the toughest buildings for the opposition to visit, I almost feel sorry for our competition this season."

Three more return to the Rush

The Rush is also excited to announce the return of three more players from the 2006 squad. Forwards Trent Smalley and Jordan Cornfield have signed new one-year contracts and forward Randy Daly has inked a new two-year deal.

Smalley provided the Rush with some spark and toughness up front as he notched a team-high 64 penalty minutes playing in just 10 games. He also contributed five goals and one assist to the offence.

"Trent is a real energy guy and we'll be looking for more of that this season," said Jomha.

Despite missing four games due to injury, Daly finished seventh in Rush scoring with 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points. During this summer's Western Lacrosse Association season in B.C., Daly led Maple Ridge with 26 goals (including nine on the power play) and 39 assists for 65 points in 18 games.

"Randy wasn't able to play as much as we all wanted him to last year, but now that he's fully recovered, we're hoping for bigger things," added Jomha.

Cornfield, a product of the Edmonton lacrosse community, appeared in six games last season, scoring twice and adding one assist. In the WLA this summer, Cornfield finished fifth in scoring for Burnaby with 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points in 18 games.

Rush sign draft picks, local talent

With training camp for the 2007 season fast-approaching, the Rush has added to their depth chart with the signing of all three 2006 draft picks along with four products of the local minor lacrosse system.

Third-round pick Kurtis Wagar will challenge for the backup goaltender spot left vacant by the retirement of Dwight Maetche. Cory Melville and Kris Hartzell, the Rush's fourth- and fifth-round picks respectively, will also be in contention for spots.

Invited to attend camp are local products Ryan Polny, Andy Kent and Neil Tichkowsky of the Edmonton Miners along with Kevin Gilpin of the Sherwood Park Outlaws.

"We were very selective as to who we are bringing into camp and challenge for positions," said Jomha. "It wouldn't surprise me if one or two of them crack our lineup."