By Scott Zerr
EdmontonRush.com

The Edmonton Rush have acquired goaltender Curtis Palidwor and a conditional fifth-round draft pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft from the New York Titans.

In exchange for the seven-year veteran netminder, the Rush sent a 2007 first-round pick in the NLL Entry Draft (previously acquired from Arizona). Palidwor will be in uniform when the Rush meet the Arizona Sting on Saturday, 7 p.m. at Rexall Place.

Palidwor had spent the past four seasons playing for the Calgary Roughnecks and helped that club win the 2004 NLL Champions Cup. Last season with the Roughnecks, Palidwor sported a .791 save-percentage and 10.69 goals-against average - both career bests - but he was placed on the Unprotected List by Calgary for the 2006 NLL Expansion Draft. He was then the Titans' second choice in the Expansion Draft.

"When I first was picked up by New York I asked to be traded back out west and one of the teams that I talked about was Edmonton," said Palidwor. "The trade is still a bit of a surprise, though, because after I initially asked for a trade I didn't make a big deal about wanting to leave. But I am very happy that is has happened."

An electrician in Vancouver, the 34-year-old wanted to play closer to home as he was feeling the effects of the five-hour flight to New York during the early part of this season. With the Rush, he'll join former teammates Jason Wulder and Pat Campbell.

"Every team should have two good goaltenders and I consider Pat to be a friend," noted Palidwor of the new Rush tandem between the pipes.

"Being a leader is a big part of my game and I've noticed a lot of things over seven years in the league so I hope I can help Paddy out whenever he needs it."

Prior to joining Calgary, Palidwor played one season each for the Columbus Landsharks and Montreal Express. He entered this season with a career .755 save-percentage and a 12.75 goals-against average.

Palidwor spent the summer with the Burnaby Lakers of the Western Lacrosse Association and compiled an 8-5 record, a 10.39 GAA and a .778 SVP.

To make room for Palidwor on the active roster, the Rush have placed goaltender Kurtis Wagar on the practice roster.