Edmonton Rush Aquire Two Players
Published on September 9, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Rush made significant changes to bolster their defensive ranks today through the National Lacrosse League Dispersal Draft as well as a trade with the Buffalo Bandits.
The Rush used the second overall selection in the Dispersal Draft of the Boston Blazers franchise to choose All-Rookie Team defender Kyle Rubisch. The Rush also picked up defender Ryan Dilks in the second round (11th overall) in the Dispersal Draft.
Just prior to the Draft, Rush GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan acquired standout defender Chris Corbeil from the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for Edmonton's second-round pick (ninth overall) in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft plus a conditional first-round pick in the 2012 NLL Entry Draft.
"As coaches we talk a lot about being difficult to play against in all areas of the game. Today, with the additions of Kyle Rubisch and Chris Corbeil the Edmonton Rush became a lot more difficult to play against in the defensive zone and in transition." stated GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan.
"They are both big, young and extremely athletic Defensive-Transition players who will complement the players we already have on the backend and in transition. I liked what we had before today but we became a much better team today."
Rubisch was Boston's first pick (second overall) in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft and instantly bolstered the Blazers' defense. The six-foot-one, 215-pound rearguard was one of the NLL's best first-year players during the 2011 season, finishing fourth in the league with 143 loose balls along with 20 forced turnovers. He also chipped in one goal and four assists, playing in all 16 regular-season games, and then added 12 loose balls plus three forced turnovers in the Blazers' lone playoff game.
Rubisch rounded out his incredible 2011 campaign by earning a spot on the Canadian national team roster for the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Prague, Czech Republic. Rubisch was not only rewarded with a gold medal as part of Team Canada's run to the title, but he was also named to the Tournament All-Star Team.
Prior to turning pro, the Brampton, Ontario, native played in the NCAA for Dowling College, and in 2010 he claimed First Team All-American status along with being named to the ECAC Conference All-Star Team. Rubisch continued his field lacrosse play by being selected first overall in the Major Lacrosse League Supplemental Draft by the Hamilton Nationals, playing in 11 games and helping the Nationals reach the MLL championship game.
This summer Rubisch played in 13 regular-season games and earned four assists with the Brampton Excelsiors of Major Series Lacrosse. Rubisch added three goals and three assists as the Excelsiors claimed the league title, and has since added one assist in the first two games of the Mann Cup national senior ¬ËA' championship against Langley, B.C.
Dilks scored five goals and added two assists for seven points along with 28 loose balls in 12 regular-season games for Boston this past season.
Corbeil is regarded as one of the NLL's top young defenders and will be entering his third season of pro play this winter. The 23-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, was added to Team Canada's roster for the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, where he played under Keenan who was an assistant coach with the national team that won the gold medal.
In 16 regular-season games with Buffalo last season, Corbeil notched five goals and six assists for 11 points along with 121 loose balls - the fifth-best total in the NLL. The six-foot-two, 188-pounder also chipped in 16 forced turnovers which put him among the league-leaders in that category. In mid-March, Corbeil was named the NLL's Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Boston which included one goal, five loose balls, and one forced turnover.
A second-round pick by the Bandits in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft, Corbeil immediately garnered a prominent role with Buffalo and was rewarded for his play with a spot on the NLL's 2010 All-Rookie Team. In 28 career NLL regular-season games, Corbeil has totaled eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points plus 202 loose balls.
Corbeil entered the NLL while also being a standout defenceman with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs hockey team and completing his business studies.
This summer, Corbeil suited up for the Brampton Excelsiors of Major Series Lacrosse, and another four assists in the Excelsiors' run to the league championship title.
The trade for Corbeil leaves Edmonton with just one selection in the 2011 Entry Draft - its third-round pick (20th overall).
National Lacrosse League Stories from September 9, 2011
- Minnesota Swarm Select Anthony Cosmo with Third Pick, Makes Trade - Minnesota Swarm
- Edmonton Rush Aquire Two Players - Edmonton Rush
- Bandits Select Buchanan, Edwards in Dispersal Draft - Buffalo Bandits
- Mammoth Trades for Defenseman John Orsen - Colorado Mammoth
- Philadelphia Wings Select Forward Dan Dawson in Blazers Dispersal Draft - Philadelphia Wings
- Washington Stealth Adds Three Players in Dispersal Draft - Washington Stealth
- Rock Acquire Josh Sanderson - Toronto Rock
- Colorado Selects Four in Boston Dispersal Draft - Colorado Mammoth
- Knighthawks Take Kirk in First Round, Welcome Back Powell and Reid - Rochester Knighthawks
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