Assistant Coaches Announced
July 29, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton,AB--Edmonton Rush General Manager/Head Coach Derek Keenan announced the remainder of his coaching staff today for the 2010 National Lacrosse League season.
Keenan will be supported behind the bench by offensive coach Todd Lorenz and defensive coach Jeremy Tallevi, both of whom bring a wealth of knowledge to the Rush.
"It was very important for the team to bring in top-notch assistant coaches and we have found the right fit with both Todd and Jeremy," noted Keenan. "The qualities I wanted in assistant coaches - good communication, diligent work ethic, and a desire to do whatever it takes - are the qualities that these guys have.
"Jeremy has worked with me for four years and his innovation is key to our team having a much more dependable defence. Todd is a Lacrosse Hall of Fame member and the plans he has laid out for a more creative offence will go a long way to the Rush turning over a new leaf when it comes to an exciting attack."
Lorenz is a history-making lacrosse icon in Canada with a long and impressive list of accomplishments including 14 years as a player with the New Westminster Salmonbellies club that captured four national championships. During his lengthy playing career, Lorenz earned countless game and league MVP awards along with 10 all-star game appearances - all of which garnered him a spot in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
As a coach, Lorenz guided several top clubs including the Salmonbellies at the Senior 'A' and Junior 'A' levels, the Edmonton Miners, and Edmonton Outlaws. Lorenz spent the last five seasons as the top referee in the NLL.
Tallevi spent last season as a scout with the NLL's New York Titans following three seasons as an assistant coach under Keenan with both Portland and Anaheim. Tallevi has head coaching experience with Kitchener-Waterloo, Burlington, and Brampton of the Ontario Junior 'A' League as well as with the Ontario Junior 'B' League's Wallaceburg Red Devils which he led to the 2001 Founders Cup national championship.
Keenan made the announcement of his coaching staff during a brief stop in Edmonton today. While in the city, Keenan had a chance to connect with star transition player Brodie Merrill, whom the Rush selected with the first overall pick in the recent NLL Dispersal Draft. Merrill, a former NLL Defensive and Rookie of the Year, is in Edmonton instructing at a lacrosse camp for young players.
"It's great to see Brodie again and I'm glad to have him on my team again after we enjoyed so much success in Portland," added Keenan. "Brodie will raise the bar for every player on the team and he is the kind of player the Rush fans will love to watch. Good players make up a good team but great players make every player around them better and Brodie is a great player."
Keenan also noted that he will be keeping a close watch on the impending free agency period which begins on Sunday, August 1.
National Lacrosse League Stories from July 29, 2009
- Assistant Coaches Announced - Edmonton Rush
- Mammoth Announces Colin Cassidy Memeorial Tournament - Colorado Mammoth
- Wings Acquire Edmonton Rush Top Scorer Dan Teat - Philadelphia Wings
- Ontario Lacrosse Festival Kicks Off July 31st - Toronto Rock
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