Rush Rookies Mydske And Small Impressive In Weekend Action
Published on January 20, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB--Brett Mydske wasn't thrown at the wolves last weekend, but rather, he was thrown in against the Colorado Mammoth and their 15,000 rabid supporters.
As the Edmonton Rush kicked off the 2010 campaign, the rookie defender saw his first National Lacrosse League regular season action at the Pepsi Center Jan. 16 as the Rush edged Colorado 14-13.
For Mydske, a six-foot-four, 205-pounder from New Westminster, BC, made his quick transition from junior ball to professional lacrosse for the Rush against the divisional-rival Mammoth.
"It was a big step for me," he said. "I didn't know I was getting into the game until after the first warmup, but it didn't take much to get pumped up for a game like that.
"It was quite a game to get into, especially in Colorado, with a crowd of 15,000 people there."
It was a hostile environment the 21-year-old defender stepped into as the Mammoth are well supported in Colorado. However, he and his Rush mates were able to contain a late Mammoth charge to preserve the road victory and even the club's record at 1-1.
"It was great coming out with a win," added the Rush freshman, who was named the B.C. Junior A league's best defensive player in 2009 with New Westminster Jr. Salmonbellies. "I've heard it's very hard coming out of that barn with a win and I'd never imagined playing in front of a crowd that big before."
Mydske -- the Rush third round selection (25th overall) at the 2009 NLL entry draft -- didn't disappoint the Edmonton brass with his play either, as he recorded two assists, collected four loose balls and earned two penalty minutes in the contest.
"He made tremendous decisions and big plays for us Saturday. He's going to be a big player for us," said Rush head coach and general manager Derek Keenan. "It may sound premature, but I believe this kid can be a star defender in this league.
"From the moment he stepped on the floor in our exhibition game against Calgary, he showed he could play. He's got all the makeup. He's big, strong, aggressive and he's fast. He's got long arms, body and reach."
For Mydske, getting acclimated to the style of play in the NLL and the more mature players, is something he gained from the Jan. 16 contest in Denver.
"The biggest difference I'd say is the pick and rolls," said the first-team all-star in the summer junior loop with New West. "These guys here are full-sized grown men, where in junior the players are younger and smaller.
"It was difficult to get used to the pick and roll and the speed of play is quite a bit faster here. There was quite a bit more transition, too."
Mydske was able to show some offensive flair as well, moving the ball up the floor in transition, that lead to his two key assists in third quarter goals by Andy Secore and Dean Hill, respectively, en route to the win against Colorado.
Another rookie Rush player who made an impact in last weekend's action was the play of forward Corey Small.
While Edmonton dropped their season-opener with a 15-7 decision to Washington Jan. 15, Small, the top pick by the Rush in 2009, contributed with one goal and an assist in his NLL debut.
"I was a little nervous," said the product of St. Catharines, Ont. "But, as the game went on I got a little more comfortable. I was really excited to be out there and happy I was able to contribute a little bit."
"It's no surprise he contributed early and I was glad to see him get a goal early and we'll get him back in this weekend and hopefully he'll be able to contribute again," said Keenan of the young sharpshooter.
Small, a five-foot-nine, 180-pound forward, who excelled in his four years at the University of Albany, noticed changes in the professional ranks, compared to his previous game action.
"It's a lot faster pace than junior and college ball," he said. "At this level it was definitely a couple steps up and I found that the defensemen are bigger and more physical overall.
"I caught myself standing still a few times, so I'll have to keep my feet moving so it's not easy to cover me and just keep working hard."
Keenan wasn't expecting the world from the youngster in the opening game, however, he acknowledged Small has the tools to make a difference in the Rush lineup for years to come.
"We think he has the skill set to be a premier scorer in this league," said the Rush bench boss. "He's very fast and elusive and he has a nose for the net.
"He's got the physical willingness to go inside and he has a very good range perimeter shot that can expand the defense as well. Plus, he doesn't have to worry about doing it all himself this early in his career as he's got good people around him."
Rookies Small and Mydske are expected to be back on the carpet this weekend as the next action for the Rush is the club's home opener Jan. 23 at 7:00 p.m. versus the Buffalo Bandits at Rexall Place.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 20, 2010
- Undefeated Washington Stealth Play Two Games This Weekend - Washington Stealth
- Ilija Gajic Nabs NLL Rookie Honors - Colorado Mammoth
- Knighthawks' Bobby McBride Wins Weekly Nll Award - Rochester Knighthawks
- Doyle Named Overall Player Of The Week - NLL
- Colin Doyle Named NLL Overall Player Of The Week - Toronto Rock
- Philadelphia Wings Goaltender Brandon Miller Named NLL Defensive Player Of The Week - Philadelphia Wings
- Bandits Announce Veterans Appreciation Night - Buffalo Bandits
- Rush Rookies Mydske And Small Impressive In Weekend Action - Edmonton Rush
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