2008 Rush season cancelled
Published on October 16, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB-The National Lacrosse League has cancelled its 2008 schedule and therefore the Edmonton Rush's season has been cancelled.
The league and the Professional Lacrosse Players Association could not reach an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement by the set deadline of midnight October 15.
"This is tremendously disappointing for everyone involved with the Rush," said Team President Duane Vienneau. "To our fans and our corporate partners, we are sorry that we will not be able to entertain you in 2008. We believe we have a great product and the fans in Edmonton have shown that with the terrific support.
"Our General Manager/Head Coach Paul Day made some big moves in the off-season to improve our club and we were excited to showcase all of our players during what we consider to be a great schedule of games - a schedule that included the Rush hosting the 2008 NLL All-Star Game.
"Unfortunately all of that has been lost."
The loss of the '08 season is difficult on a number of fronts, according to Day.
"With the strides we've made the past three years and with having such a great summer making our team stronger, I was looking forward to this season and playing in front of the best fans in the NLL," said Day.
"My second concern is for the game itself. It's come a long way in the past 10 years so it's very disappointing that the game is going to suffer. For the kids who are playing and those kids who haven't started playing yet, to not see it live or on TV that's huge.
"And I'm concerned for the people in the Rush front office who work hard in the community. They do an often thankless job and they rely on their jobs."
The NLL's final proposal to the players was rejected despite the offer including raises and a share of expansion, television, sponsorship and marketing revenue.
"The league needs a strong partnership with its players and we hope to achieve that," added Vienneau.
"This is the fourth time in seven years that the league and the players union have had to create a new CBA. For a league to be stable a long-term deal CBA is vital. We hope to use this time to create a long-lasting agreement with the players and return in great form for the 2009 season."
All season-ticket holders will be given full refunds for any amount that they have pre-paid. The Rush staff ask for some patience as they get everything organized.
Call (780) 732-RUSH and check the Rush website www.edmontonrush.com for details on season-ticket refunds.
National Lacrosse League Stories from October 16, 2007
- National Lacrosse League Cancels 2008 Season - Arizona Sting
- 2008 Rush season cancelled - Edmonton Rush
- 2008 National Lacrosse League Season Cancelled; Players' Association Rejects League Proposal - Orlando Titans
- NLL cancels 2008 season - Colorado Mammoth
- 2008 National Lacrosse League Season Cancelled - Toronto Rock
- Players' Association rejects League proposal; 2008 National Lacrosse League season cancelled - NLL
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