Overview

The Edmonton Rush was a professional box lacrosse franchise based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. As a member of the West Division of the National Lacrosse League, the Rush competed in the indoor, six-on-six variant of lacrosse commonly called box lacrosse. Home games were staged at Rexall Place, drawing local fans and contributing to Edmonton's year-round sports calendar.

Characteristics of the team and game

Box lacrosse is played on an ice-hockey-sized floor with turf and boards, emphasizing physical play, quick passing and high scoring. The Edmonton Rush fielded rosters of professional lacrosse athletes drawn largely from Canada and the United States, with lineups that balanced forward scoring units, transition players and specialist goaltenders. The team identity included regular-season matchups, playoff pursuits and a schedule aligned with the NLL season.

History and development

The club began NLL play in 2005 and spent its decade in Edmonton building rivalries, community programs and a local following. One of the most notable rivalries was with the nearby Calgary Roughnecks; meetings between the two were often promoted as part of the wider regional rivalry known as the Battle of Alberta (Calgary Roughnecks).

Relocation and later identity

On July 20, 2015 the franchise announced it would relocate to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and would play the 2016 season under a new name. The move transferred the Rush organization, its league membership and many operational components to a new market, allowing the franchise to continue competing while changing its public identity and home venue.

Legacy and significance

Although the Edmonton era ended with relocation, the Rush helped raise the profile of box lacrosse in Alberta by creating high-profile regional matchups, offering development opportunities for players, and contributing to community outreach and youth programming. The Battle of Alberta rivalry remains a notable element of the team's legacy.

Quick timeline

  • 2005 – Franchise begins play in the National Lacrosse League.
  • 2005–2015 – Home games in Edmonton; rivalries and playoff campaigns.
  • July 20, 2015 – Announcement of relocation to Saskatoon for the 2016 season; rebranded in the new province of Saskatchewan.

For more on the team's arena, league context and related clubs see pages linked above and the National Lacrosse League resources: league overview, venue information and local community coverage in Edmonton and Saskatoon.