EDMONTON SUN- With Andrew Turner on the club's protected list due to work commitments this season, the Edmonton Rush had to name a new captain.

Chris McElroy is their man.

"We have several good leaders on our team, and it started last year when we acquired goaltender Curtis Palidwor," Rush head coach and GM Paul Day said yesterday.

"We obviously aren't going to name a goaltender a captain, but Chris is a guy that has been through the ups and downs with this team and he'll make a fantastic captain."

When Day was looking to name his new leader, he was constantly reminded about a road trip two years ago when McElroy showed the type of heart he possesses.

"Chris was in a bad car accident when he was in high school and he had some lingering back problems because of it. After playing the night before, we were on our way to Portland and Chris's back was so painful that he could barely walk," explained Day.

"But over the course of the trip one of our players got really sick and Chris was the first one that came to me and told me he wanted to play -- and he played one heck of a game."

Forward Chris Gill will remain with the team as an assistant captain and Mike Accursi, who was acquired in the off-season from the Rochester Knighthawks will also wear an A.

"It's an honour because there are so many veteran guys on this team that I look up to," said McElroy.

"I am not going to be a rah-rah guy ... I'm the type that likes to stay composed on the floor and let my play do the talking."

Being named captain came as somewhat of a surprise for McElroy, who spent several months travelling the globe, spending time in many different countries last year.

One of his most memorable experiences was his time in Kenya, where he was exposed to what impact poverty can have on the lives of many people and children.

During his time there he helped build schools for those in need. That type of life experience will no doubt help him be a captain.

"Going away really gave me the chance to realize how passionate and how lucky I am to being able to play lacrosse and do something I love," said McElroy.

"The captain should be the most passionate player. I had that passion before I was named captain and now that's just icing on the cake," he added.

2008 season tickets are now on sale call (780) 732-RUSH.