Edmonton, AB-- Ian Crashley is determined to get back on the carpet at Rexall Place. By the time the Edmonton Rush returns for the 2010 National Lacrosse League season in January, it'll have been almost two years since the 23-year-old right-handed defender/transition player last took a shift for the Rush after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries ending his promising start in Rushland.And if anyone mirrors the club's slogan 'Whatever it takes' - it's Crashley - who'll be part of the 36-player group attending the Rush training camp starting Dec 5th at the Leduc Recreation Centre in preparation for the new season.
The six-foot-five, near-200-pounder, was the cornerstone of a Rush transaction with Portland at the trade deadline back in 2008 and his robust style of play in two games in a Rush uniform before his injury had many fans wondering since, 'whatever happened to him.'
Crashley turned many heads with Edmonton in 2008, scoring a goal and partaking in a scrap in his debut against San Jose. His second game, against Calgary Apr. 5th at Rexall, however, didn't go as well. After sliding over from the left crease to get a body on Roughneck sharpshooter Tracey Kelusky, the two collided as Kelusky dove in on a scoring attempt, sending Crashley crashing to the carpet.
Now, after spending the entire 2009 campaign on the shelf recovering from the setback, Crashley has a new contract with the club and is looking for a fresh start.
"I can't wait to step back onto the floor and get a stick back in my hands," he said. "I'm kind of itching to get back into the lacrosse swing of things."
It's not as if he's coming in totally unprepared though. The Whitby, Ont. product played summer lacrosse with the Brooklin Redmen of Major Series Lacrosse, alongside fellow Rush defender Derek Suddons, and was one of five Rush players invited to the Team Canada Lacrosse selection camp in preparation for the 2010 FIL World field Championships.
"I feel very healthy and confident coming into the Rush lineup," said Crashley, who recently graduated with a Political Science Degree from the University Of Windsor. "I have very high expectations for myself and the club. I think that the Rush have a lot of great new players coming to the team and I think we should have a very good season."
"He's healthy and strong and I know he's been working hard in the weight room to get stronger," said Rush GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan, who's reunited with Crashley after having him for two seasons in Portland. "We're excited to have him and back healthy and I think he's really going to be an impact player for us.
"I think he'll have a very good season. He had a good summer season and a tremendous tryout with Team Canada in October," added Keenan. "The way he's bounced back from his injury doesn't surprise me because he's really a determined kid. He's a kid who just keeps persevering and here's a guy that's earned everything he's achieved."
While spending the 2009 NLL season on Edmonton's injured reserve list, Crashley had time to rehab his knee and reflect on the game he loves.
"It went really well. I really took my time with it," he said of the rehab process. "Sitting out was probably the most positive thing I've done. I actually wanted to come back at the end of the season, but the Rush wanted me to recover fully before I got back into a Rush jersey which is probably the best thing.
"It made me appreciate what you have and how many years you've put into it already. And that gives you a little bit more drive to bring yourself to another level and become a top athlete when you return to the game," added Crashley, who followed the Rush games via online broadcasts, to assist in his motivation to get back into shape.
While he'll likely have a carpet-side view this time around, the lanky player can step into a role as either a transition guy or defender in the new-look Rush. One thing is for sure - he'll bring an edge to the lineup.
"I'm a physical player. I like to get my hands dirty a little bit," he said. "I bring a bit of ruggedness to the back end and a no back down philosophy and I think that goes alongside the Rush's defensive core, so I think I'll fit in quite well."
"He's not afraid to mix it up," chipped in Keenan. "He can really disrupt things for an offense because of his long arms, longs legs and reach. He can get his stick into places other players can't and he can really take up a lot of space with his wing span.
"He's a good team guy and he's going to have some good people around him. He's still got a lot to learn, but he's got a lot of upside and potential," added Keenan. "He seems pretty driven to be a big-time player in the league."
Crashley and the Rush start the 2010 season on the road Jan. 15, 2010 at the Washington Stealth, while the first home game is set for Jan. 23 at Rexall Place against the Buffalo Bandits.
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