The Saskatchewan Rush are in the 2025 National Lacrosse League Finals. On Saturday in the NLL semifinals from Sasktel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Rush defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds 10-9 in overtime and won the best out of three series two games to none.
The Rush got their game-winning goal from Austin Shanks of Courtice, Ontario. He scored one minute and 40 seconds left into the extra period on the power-play from Robert Church of Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Zach Manns of Victoria, British Columbia.
The reason why the Rush was given a power-play is because Thunderbirds forward Mike Robinson was given a five minute major penalty for boarding in overtime. Robinson was also given a 10 minute misconduct for the dirty hit from behind. It was actually one of two five minute majors Robinson received in the game. He also had an illegal cross checking infraction in the first quarter which led to two more power play goals by the Rush from Church and Manns.
Church led the Rush in scoring with five points. He had two goals and three assists. The Rush will play the Buffalo Bandits in the NLL Finals. Game one of the best of three series will be in Buffalo on Friday night.
