Captain Turner back to lead Rush
Published on November 24, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB--The Edmonton Rush are pleased to announce the re-signing of Andrew Turner to a new one-year deal (pending approval by the National Lacrosse League) and the Rush captain is eager for the start of the fast-approaching 2007 NLL season.
"I think we're going to be a very much improved team from last year," said Turner, who will be entering his seventh season in the NLL.
"Last season, a lot of guys were put in situations that were new to them and they grew as individuals. Then they went back to their summer teams and had bigger roles with them so with the experience from last winter and this past summer, they're going to be more confident and that's going to translate into better seasons for them."
Turner, who will join his teammates on the floor at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert for this weekend's training camp sessions, will anchor the defence as the Rush try to turn things around in Year 2.
"Andrew did everything for us last year - in the community, on the floor and in the dressing room," said Rush General Manager and Head Coach Paul Day.
Turner's leadership style is quiet intensity, which is expected to rub off on the rest of the Rush crew this season.
"He played hurt the whole year, but that's just the kind of guy he is," added Day.
"And there was a lot of pressure on him, but he handled it very well. He plays against the other teams' best guys every night and he always did a great job. With him being healthy this year and with the additions we've made, that's going to take some of the pressure off him."
Last season with the Rush, Turner notched one goal and five assists while collecting a career-high 95 loose balls.
Turner had a particularly fruitful off-season from the Rush. Once again, he led the Victoria Shamrocks to a championship in B.C.'s Western Lacrosse Association and the Shamrocks advanced to the Mann Cup final. Turner was also named the WLA's Defensive Player of the Year.
The 28-year-old Beamsville, Ont., native was also part of Team Canada which claimed the World Field Lacrosse Championship with a stunning victory over the highly favoured Team U.S.A. in the gold-medal contest.
"That was a great experience," Turner said of the Worlds. "I got to play with a lot of the best players out there and it was so great to be a part of something that Canada hasn't done in 28 years."
National Lacrosse League Stories from November 24, 2006
- Knighthawks sign Luke Forget and Greg Gurenlian - Rochester Knighthawks
- Keenan Believes Camp is a Success - Portland Lumberjax
- Captain Turner back to lead Rush - Edmonton Rush
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