Rush's Conway Running with the Ball
January 9, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---Cory Conway has gone from feeling tossed aside to feeling like he's part of something special.
Prior to the start of the 2013 NLL season, Conway was shipped out of the Calgary Roughnecks' locker room, jettisoned up Alberta's Hwy. 2, and landing with the Edmonton Rush in exchange for a third-round draft pick.
"Anytime you're traded, it basically feels like you were discarded. I tried to move on and make the most of a new opportunity," said Conway.
And Conway has done exactly that. He's picked up the pieces and run with the new opportunity. Run with the ball, actually.
The notedly strong ball-carrier and top-notch passer has become an integral part of the Rush's attack, and will be at the forefront when the Rush take on the Colorado Mammoth in Edmonton's home-opener Saturday, Jan. 11 on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place.
Conway's first season in Rush colors was a big one. He tallied 31 assists and 37 points - the third-highest totals in both categories during his now eight-year NLL career. The Victoria, B.C., native also got the 2014 campaign off to a hot start for himself, registering two goals and three assists in Edmonton's 13-10 win over Colorado in Denver to launch the NLL season on Dec. 28.
A college standout at Stony Brook University, Conway is reaping the rewards of the trade especially to once again play under the tutelage of Rush GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan.
"I started with Coach Keenan in Portland and to play for him again is nothing but exciting for me," said Conway, who has used the surprising trade to fire up his game.
"Absolutely there is huge motivation for me. I want people to look back on the trade and second guess their decision. My main goal to accomplish to help the Rush win games. If we happen to get a few wins against Calgary along the way that would be really exciting."
Conway easily plays the role of setup man for the Rush's big shooters like Mark Matthews and Zack Greer. He has racked up 157 assists in 77 regular-season NLL games so the knack to look for the open man is second nature for him. He's even led the WLA summer season in assists four years in a row, but he has a good enough shot that Keenan is imploring him to fire away more often in 2014. His best-ever goal-scoring season came in 2009 when he clicked for 23.
Conway will get his chances against the Mammoth as the Rush try to erase the memories of last season's dreadful home record. Their 2-6 mark at Rexall Place cost them playoff positioning, not to mention the club's first home playoff game in franchise history. The struggles at home have also cost them when it comes to hometown support, something every player has taken to heart this season.
"It's not just talk. It is a focal point of the season," said Conway of improving the Rush's home record.
"We definitely dropped the ball last year and in years past. We really want to hit the ground running this year. We got a good win in Colorado and we have to carry that momentum into Rexall Place on Saturday. There's not that many games in this league so you have to make the most of your opportunities."
That's something Conway knows very well.
The Rush season home opener is set for Saturday, January 11, 2014, 7:00 pm on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place against Colorado Mammoth. (GSP and 2014 Season media accreditation available at www.edmontonrush.com).
Rush fans will see Georges St-Pierre, Georges "Rush" St-Pierre, also known as "GSP," a Canadian professional mixed martial artist and world champion as well as a three-time Canadian Athlete of the Year at the season home opener.
"Georges St-Pierre will stand alongside our team, behind the Rush bench, for what promises to be a powerful start to the Rush 2014 season." states Bruce Urban, Owner.
Rush fans will have the opportunity to meet GSP at half-time through contesting opportunities during the first half of the game.
Season tickets, mini-pack and single game tickets for the 2014 Rush Season are available by calling the Rush Office at 780 732-RUSH.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 9, 2014
- Alberta Road Trip Awaits - Colorado Mammoth
- Toronto Seeking First Road Win On Friday Night In Buffalo - Toronto Rock
- Minnesota Swarm Seek First Win of Season this Saturday at Vancouver - Minnesota Swarm
- Rush's Conway Running with the Ball - Edmonton Rush
- Collins Moves to Philadelphia Wings Coaching Staff - Philadelphia Wings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
