“The fix is simple” Alexander encouraged heading into new year
Jan 3, 2024Four games into his NLL coaching career, offensive coach Bruce Alexander is feeling confident the group.
With only three returnees from last season, the Saskatchewan Rush’s offence looks completely different compared to the past few seasons. In the first month of the season, Alexander’s group has produced 13.25 goals per game, fourth best in the National Lacrosse League.
“It's always hard when you dig yourself a little bit of a hole in games, but we showed a ton of character to stay with it in the last part of the game,” said Alexander after the loss on NYE.
Despite the ups and downs early in the season, the group has stayed positive, largely in part to the leadership of Ryan Keenan.
“The fix is simple, we have to be the hardest working team out there on any given night,” stated Alexander. “Our whole philosophy is just to not quit.”
Saskatchewan has shown a drastically different offence this season, with a lot more ball and player movement on the floor. The results have shown strongly on the special teams side, with the Rush powerplay at 50% the season, five per cent higher than last year.
One of those forwards who has shown to have no quit in his game is Zach Manns, who leads the league with 13 goals this season, and has produced four straight hat tricks which is one shy of a Saskatchewan Rush record.
“I think he went a little under the radar. He didn't get the ball as much in Toronto and he's one of our guys that we want to see the ball a ton. He's shooting really well and the guys like playing with him,” commented Bruce.
Looking ahead to the next game, Victoria’s own Bruce Alexander is confident his group can continue to progress, while his less experienced forwards learn valuable lessons.
“I think we just need to find consistency. Our goal is to play 60 minutes, not 40. We need to get the full effort and carry that through to Philadelphia,” – finished Bruce.
The Rush will get a crack at the Wings on January 13th at Key Bank Arena. Faceoff is at 6PM Saskatchewan time. Fans can tune in on 92.9 The Bull starting with the pre-game show at 5:45PM.