Rush Sign 1st Overall 2014 NLL Draft McIntosh to Two Year Agreement
October 6, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---General Manager and Head Coach Derek Keenan announced today NLL 2014 First Overall Selection Ben McIntosh has signed a two year agreement.
"Like most first overall draft picks, we believe Ben is NLL ready. He's physically and mentally mature and we expect him to contribute from the start." states Keenan.
"The NLL can be a very humbling league for young players but Ben has a lot of playoff and championship experience giving him an edge going into his rookie season."
The Rush selected forward Ben McIntosh with the first overall pick in the 2014 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft this past September. Touted as the most pro-ready prospect available in the draft, McIntosh size and scoring touch were two components that Rush General Manager/Head Coach Derek Keenan couldn't pass up. The Rush posted one of the best regular seasons in NLL history in 2014 with a 16-2 mark, but McIntosh has all the tools to jump right into the potent lineup.
In his senior season with Drexel University (Colonial Athletic Conference - NCAA), McIntosh collected 48 goals raising his career total to 191 with the Dragons in 90 regular season and playoff games. The native of Coquitlam, British Columbia, was previously an Honorable Mention All-American at Drexel as well as First Team All-CAA, and a CAA Commissioner's Academic Award recipient majoring in international business. McIntosh finished with 328 career points at Drexel, earning high praise from Dragons coach Brian Voelker.
"He's got great instincts and is just a really talented offensive player," touted Voelker in Drexel Magazine.
"He's one of the most complete midfielders in the country. Not only is he one of our best players, he's a leader."
In junior, McIntosh was regarded as one of the "Big Four" with the Coquitlam Adanacs, playing alongside now-Rush teammate Robert Church. Despite playing in limited action due to his college commitments, McIntosh starred for the Adanacs in 2012, scoring 27 goals and 15 assists for 42 points in only nine games, and then going on to finish second in scoring at that season's Minto Cup tournament.
After going first overall in the WLA draft to Maple Ridge, McIntosh had a breakout summer campaign in 2014, leading the Burrards in playoff scoring with 38 points including 27 goals - 14 of which came on the power play. McIntosh suited up for just 11 regular-season games for Maple Ridge but racked up 32 points.
Keenan also announced the 13th overall 2014 NLL Entry Draft, Adam Shute has signed an one year agreement. The Rush are looking at their future between the pipes by selecting goaltender Adam Shute from the WLA's Coquitlam Adanacs. After playing in the Alberta Junior League with the Okotoks Raiders, Shute moved to the B.C. senior league and showed steady improvement. This past season in Coquitlam, Shute, who also played in the NCAA for New England College, registered a 7.67 goals-against average and a .799 save-percentage.
And further, the Rush have signed home-town product Mitch McAvoy from Mercyhurst University to an one agreement. McAvoy was selected by the Rush in the 2014 NLL Etnry Draft with the 47th selection. A faceoff specialist hailing from Sherwood Park, McAvoy helped Mercyhurst with the NCAA Div. II title before returning to Edmonton and playing for the Senior B Eclipse. Before joining the Lakers, McAvoy played at the prestigious prep school Hill Academy in Toronto.
The Edmonton Rush training camp will begin on Saturday, November 22nd at the Leduc Recreation Centre. The Rush will announce their full training camp schedule, including exhibition games, in the coming weeks.
2014 Edmonton Rush Season Tickets are now on sale. For more information, please visit www.edmontonrush.com or phone 780 732-RUSH to speak with a ticket representative and get your tickets to the 10th year of the Edmonton Rush.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from October 6, 2014
- Roughnecks Sign Two Free Agents - Calgary Roughnecks
- Rush Sign 1st Overall 2014 NLL Draft McIntosh to Two Year Agreement - Edmonton Rush
- Knighthawks Sign Ian Martin - Rochester Knighthawks
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