Rush Feature Bold Last Line of Defense
February 14, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---Like any recipient at the Oscars or Emmys, Aaron Bold has a lot of people to thank.
He has a chiropractor (Danielle), a fitness coach (Dana), and a sports psychologist (Nic). And more than likely there's the run-of-the-mill "little people" who do their thing too. But first and foremost, the Edmonton Rush goaltender with the spectacular statistics has to thank those that put up the wall in front of him.
"Everyone knows we have one of the best defenses in the league and they keep on getting better game by game," said Bold, whose Rush look to stay undefeated on Saturday night when they travel to Minnesota to battle the struggling Swarm.
"Having a young, athletic, and big defense in front of you gives you confidence. They limit opposing teams to outside shots and allow myself to step out and challenge them. They also have been getting timely transition goals which help increase our momentum. Everyone knows the momentum is one of keys to success in game situations."
Bold isn't a big follower of stats, but others are certainly eyeing the gaudy numbers he and the Rush have put up so far this season. The Rush are 6-0 and within two wins of the NLL's best-ever unbeaten regular-season campaign (8-0 by the 1993 Buffalo Bandits). As the last line of defense, Bold leads the NLL with an outstanding 7.77 goals-against average, and is tied for the league-lead victories with five (back-up Brodie MacDonald earned Edmonton's other win). And amongst the NLL's starting netminders, Bold is currently second with an .814 save-percentage.
Bold had a strong 2013 season, hitting a career-high with eight wins and the second-highest save total of his career, but he had higher expectations for himself heading into this campaign.
"I'm very competitive in general and don't like to make excuses," said the nine-year pro. "I'm the first one to admit my mistakes and learn by them which in turn makes me a better goalie.
"I want to be the best goalie in the NLL and I'm driven by past and present goalies in this league. They help motivate myself to be the greatest goalie possible."
While Bold's numbers are impressive, so too are those of the crew that help him protect the Rush net. Through six games this season, Edmonton's defense has racked up 75 more loose balls and 15 more forced turnovers than its opponents. It has resulted in the Rush boasting the league's best defense with just 45 goals-against so far this season.
As the Rush look to keep their unbeaten run intact, Bold will reach a few milestones in Minnesota as he'll appear in the 115th career regular-season game and go over the 3,000-minute mark as well go beyond 1,700 saves.
Still the Rush have their focus set far beyond streaks and records. The players, especially the Rush's leadership group, set the championship goal during training camp and the team is well on its way to locking up a playoff spot just one-third of the way through the season.
They want to go deep into the playoffs and take another run at grabbing their first Champion's Cup title.
"It's been a great start and of course we have a target on our backs," said the Victoria, B.C., product. "We need to continue to stay level headed and continue to play one game at a time regardless of who we play. Any team can win on any given night especially if you underestimate them. The main focus is making it to playoff and going from there.
"We have had a great season, and Derek (GM/Head Coach Keenan) has always kept us in check by insuring us this league is very talented and change in a heartbeat. I'm very impressed with the young, talented rookies, and sophomores on this team. Much credit goes to our great coaching staff implementing pre-game preparation and game strategies."
The Rush return home Friday, February 28, 7:30 pm on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place against Toronto Rock, tickets are available by calling 780 732-RUSH.
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 14, 2014
- First Quarter Dooms Mammoth - Colorado Mammoth
- Rush Feature Bold Last Line of Defense - Edmonton Rush
- Patrick Merrill Moved to Active Roster from IR - Toronto Rock
- Rochester Begins Three-Game Road Trip in Toronto - Rochester Knighthawks
- 10,000 Feet, 250 Stairs, Six Fitness Challenges, Five Floors and One Cause - Philadelphia Wings
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