Rush Forward Church Now the Sophomore with Solid Things Happening

February 12, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release


Edmonton, AB---Robert Church knew that coming off a strong rookie campaign he'd have to follow it up with a solid sophomore season in the pro ranks.

Until the Edmonton Rush win a Champion's Cup title, nothing else they do in the National Lacrosse League will matter a whole lot and that includes all of last season's accolades like a 16-2 regular-season mark and a record-setting 14-game undefeated streak. Like the team itself, Church's totals of a year ago were good, but not so good that there's not room for improvement.

"My goal coming into my second season was definitely to improve on a successful rookie season and contribute more to the offense," said Church. "I knew after my first year that I could definitely improve my game in the NLL whether it be putting up more goals and assists or just doing a better job at creating room for those around me."

Selected fifth overall in the 2013 NLL Entry Draft, Church was expected to help be a part of the Rush's push to produce more offense alongside other notable top-end draft picks like Mark Matthews and Curtis Knight. When Knight was sidelined prior to the start of this season due to a knee injury, Church's expected duty suddenly became much more substantial, and he's stepped up with 17 points through the first four games.

Church will be front-and-center this weekend when the Rush go head-to-head in a home-and-home weekend series against the division rival Colorado Mammoth beginning Friday night Denver and concluding Sunday afternoon on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

"When Curtis got injured it was a big loss to our offense so I wanted to try my best to help fill some of the production we would lose from him," noted the five-foot-10 forward.

"I think that these upcoming games against Colorado are definitely important because they are a big Western rival of ours and they are currently where we want to be and that is in first place. Every game in the NLL is important and we definitely want to try and win every game from here on out and bring a Champion's Cup to Edmonton."

Church was able to jump into an Edmonton lineup a year ago and almost immediately fit right in alongside other solidly producing rookies like Riley Loewen and Adrian Sorichetti. The Coquitlam, B.C., native ended the season with 52 points, third overall amongst the league's first-year players and good enough to earn a spot on the NLL All-Rookie Team.

This season, Church is watching longtime friend Ben McIntosh enjoy similar type success with the Rush in his own rookie season. Just a few months removed from starring in college, McIntosh is second on the Rush with 21 points including 11 goals.

"I am not overly surprised that Ben and I both had success as rookies just because the level of coaching we always had growing up and all through junior was top notch," recalled Church. "Everything we learned prepared us for the highest level of lacrosse and now that we've made it we can really tell.

"Playing a high level of lacrosse throughout the summer helped me prepare for my second season in the NLL and kept me motivated to continue my success from Year 1 into Year 2 with the same mindset of winning a Champion's Cup. I know Ben has the same mindset ever since he was drafted and it has really showed through his play so far this season."

It's no surprise Church and McIntosh are of the same mindset. They've been nearly inseparable since taking up lacrosse. Their history includes minor box and field, which led to a Minto Cup national junior championship, and then three years together in the NCAA at Drexel University.

"Both being Coquitlam kids growing up, it was nice to get to experience college with such a good friend," reflected Church. "Aside from the WLA (B.C. summer league), we have played together ever since minor so when the Rush drafted Ben it was a great feeling knowing I would have the opportunity to play with him at the highest level there is.

"Ben has always been an amazing talent in lacrosse ever since minor so it was no surprise to me that he has transitioned to the NLL with such ease. Every level of lacrosse Ben has played at he has excelled."



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 12, 2015


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