Rush Defender Mydske a Big GSP Fan
January 4, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---Fans from all over Edmonton and even some from elsewhere in Alberta are excited to see MMA icon Georges St. Pierre at the Rush's home-opener on Jan. 11.
But one fan of GSP's is going to get a much more up-close and personal look, perhaps even a visit, with the former champ. Rush defender Brett Mydske is a longtime MMA and GSP fan, and he, just like many of other fans, is excited to meet the legendary fighter from Montreal who will be the special guest host when the Rush host the Colorado Mammoth on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place.
"I started watching the UFC when Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture had their big trilogy of fights," recalled Mydske. "That's around the same time that I became a huge GSP fan. I remember watching him take the belt from Matt Hughes and have followed him ever since."
It's easy to like what GSP does in the Octagon. Whether he returns from his current hiatus or not, St. Pierre will go down as one of the all-time greats in mixed martial arts. He's not as flashy as other fighters. Mydske is not as flashy as others in the National Lacrosse League, but both get the job done effectively.
"I admire GSP's work ethic most of all," said Mydske. "I watch the all-access pre-fight build-ups on TV prior to fights and GSP seems like he is never content and is always looking at ways to improve his art, while exposing other fighters weaknesses. He is a very smart and strategic fighter and I think that is why he has been a champion for so long."
"Because of the competitive nature of sports, it can often be difficult to remain level-headed and maintain good sportsmanship. We invest so much time and energy into the game that it can be easy to get caught up in the moment. I believe it is really important to maintain calamity and GSP has been a prime example of such class and sportsmanship within sport. Despite the trash talk and attempts to get under his skin, GSP is always humble and respectful."
Watching all of GSP's action over the past few years, Mydske singled out St. Pierre's comeback to the championship belt as his favorite moment.
"My favourite GSP moment has to be when he took the belt back from Matt Serra in Montreal with a stoppage due to a second-round TKO and has defended and upheld the belt ever since," noted Mydske.
Several members of the Rush have even taken part in mixed martial arts training. Former UFC champ Randy Couture was previously the team's fitness consultant, and former Maximum Fighting Championship title challenger and "The Ultimate Fighter" reality TV show standout Ryan McGillivray opened his Edmonton gym to fighters for intense conditioning camps.
"I think there are similarities between the two sports training-wise," said Mydske. "Both require you to be in tremendous shape with a fast cardiovascular recovery time. Interval and cross training are of great importance within both sports."
But even with the training, there's no way you'd find Mydske experimenting in the MMA game.
"I would never want to get trapped in the Octagon with a trained MMA fighter."
The Rush season home opener is set for Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7:00 pm on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place against Colorado Mammoth. (GSP and 2014 Season media accreditation available at www.edmontonrush.com).
Rush fans will see Georges St-Pierre, Georges "Rush" St-Pierre, also known as "GSP," a Canadian professional mixed martial artist and world champion as well as a three-time Canadian Athlete of the Year at the season home opener.
"Georges St-Pierre will stand alongside our team, behind the Rush bench, for what promises to be a powerful start to the Rush 2014 season." states Bruce Urban, Owner.
Rush fans will have the opportunity to meet GSP at half-time through contesting opportunities during the first half of the game.
Season tickets, mini-pack and single game tickets for the 2014 Rush Season are available by calling the Rush Office at 780 732-RUSH.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 4, 2014
- Rush Defender Mydske a Big GSP Fan - Edmonton Rush
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
