Rush Add Assistant Coach
Published on November 4, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---- Edmonton Rush GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan announced two significant moves today for his team, beginning with the acquisition of two draft picks for the talent-rich 2012 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, and then adding a new member to his coaching staff.
The Rush traded defender Bill Greer to the Toronto Rock in exchange for a pair of second-round selections in the '12 draft. Greer joined the Rush from the 2010 Dispersal Draft, and played one season in Edmonton collecting four goals and eight assists for 12 points plus 82 loose balls and 14 forced turnovers.
Keenan was pleased to announce that Edmonton native and eight-year NLL veteran Devan Wray has joined the Rush coaching staff as the Defensive Assistant Coach.
Although briefly on the Rush roster as a player last season, Wray spent his entire career with the Calgary Roughnecks, appearing in 89 regular-season games and collecting 59 points. Wray helped lead the Roughnecks to the Champion's Cup title in both 2004 and 2009.
Wray, who replaces Jeremy Tallevi, will be behind the Rush bench alongside Keenan and Offensive Assistant Coach Todd Lorenz.
"First and foremost, Devan is a quality person," noted Keenan. "He's a very knowledgeable lacrosse guy and I believe he is an excellent fit for the coaching staff. I always like Devan's game as a player and I think he'll bring all those same attributes as a top-notch coach."
"Devan comes from a successful program in Calgary and was a major part of 2 NLL championships. I like his winning pedigree."
Wray added coaching to his decorated lacrosse resume last season when he took over as technical advisor with the Calgary Shamrocks Junior `B' club.
Prior to his professional playing days, Wray gained a wealth of experience in both the indoor and outdoor game, winning a pair of Minto Cup Canadian Junior `A' championships with the Burnaby Lakers and playing for the Canadian national under-19 field team. Like his brother Taylor, Devan Wray became one of Edmonton's most prominent lacrosse players when he joined the Duke University Blue Devils.
Wray was not only a standout player at Duke but also represented the school on the Atlantic Coast Conference Honor Roll.
The Rush opens the 2012 National Lacrosse League season on January 20 at Rexall Place against divisional rival Colorado Mammoth.
National Lacrosse League Stories from November 4, 2011
- Minnesota Swarm Named 2011 Deubener Award Winner - Minnesota Swarm
- Philadelphia Wings Sign Four to Contracts for 2012 - Philadelphia Wings
- Rush Add Assistant Coach - Edmonton Rush
- Minnesota Swarm Signs Two Rookie Forwards - Minnesota Swarm
- Bill Greer Acquired from Edmonton for Picks - Toronto Rock
- Powless Making Believers out of Lacrosse Community - Rochester Knighthawks
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