Rush Player Melnyk Activated to 20 Player Roster
January 23, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB--Tyler Melnyk is another in the impressive list of Edmonton Rush high-end draft picks with the ability to make a big impact in the team's lineup.
The current Rush roster boasts former NLL Rookie of the Year Mark Matthews, past top picks Robert Church and Riley Loewen, plus the most-recent first overall draft pick Ben McIntosh, not to mention injured young gun Curtis Knight.
Melnyk was grabbed by the Rush in the second round of the 2014 Entry Draft, and this past week, the former Marquette University star came off the club's practice roster to take the spot on the active roster vacated due to the trade of Corey Small to Vancouver. Melnyk may make his pro debut Saturday night, fittingly enough in Calgary - his home town and a stone's throw from Okotoks where he was the Alberta Junior League's rookie of the year in 2008.
Should the 195-pound forward crack the lineup, he'll certainly be a proud member of the small but burgeoning Alberta community within in the NLL.
"The Alberta guys get overlooked or are not given the same exposure as players in other provinces," said Melnyk. "There are still some good players in Alberta so if it helps the growth of the game in Alberta or gives lacrosse in Alberta added exposure by me playing then that's great."
Still as the 19th overall pick in 2014 and joining a team stacked with young, athletic talent, Melnyk won't have the luxury of long feeling out process. If he suits up, it's go time.
"I don't feel any added pressure being a high draft pick but still I want to step in and contribute quickly and as much as I possibly can," he said.
"It is very important for me to make an impact immediately. I would like to step into the lineup and contribute immediately doing whatever I can to help the team get wins. I don't have any particular goals for my rookie year. I just want to show people I can play and contribute as much as possible."
Though not as highly touted as some in the draft, Melnyk came to the Rush with a resume on the rise. He was the first-ever player selected out of Marquette after setting school records for goals and assists in his senior season which earned him a spot on the All-American team (another first for a Golden Eagle). Melnyk set himself up well for the move to the indoor game by heading to the WLA for the summer season and notching 34 points in 15 games for the Langley Thunder.
That preparation paid off when the Rush started to ready themselves for the 2015 campaign.
"I feel I played decent in training camp and playing with and against the guys on the team really helped prepare me and get a sense of what it takes to be a player in this league," said Melnyk. "As a result of that, I feel I'm ready to step into the lineup. All of the guys are excellent players and easy to play with so I feel I can play with anyone at any time."
Though a sight unseen to this point, Melnyk could create an interesting dynamic in the Rush lineup.
"I'm not a flashy player or anything. I'm just looking to contribute by creating space and opening up guys for scoring chances while finishing my scoring chances when the opportunities arise."
The Rush return home to Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place Friday, January 30 against the New England Black Wolves at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available by calling the Rush office at 780 732-RUSH.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 23, 2015
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- Rush GM/Head Coach Keenan Returns Behind the Bench for Saturday's Game - Edmonton Rush
- Dan Dawson to Join Elite Company - Rochester Knighthawks
- Rush Player Melnyk Activated to 20 Player Roster - Edmonton Rush
- Stealth Look to Topple Undefeated Mammoth - Vancouver Stealth
- Minnesota Swarm Face New England in East Division Battle - Minnesota Swarm
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