Quinlan signs on with Rush

[Sonny]

Edmonton, AB - On the eve of training camp’s first whistle sounding, the Edmonton Rush are pleased to announce the signing of two players who will play key roles in the team’s success during the 2007 National Lacrosse League season.

Sherwood Park product Jimmy Quinlan has re-signed with the Rush, inking a one-year deal, while newcomer Jason Wulder, an off-season acquisition by the Rush, has signed a one-year contract (pending league approval).

Quinlan enjoyed a breakout year in 2006 with the Rush as he played in all 16 games, finishing second on the team with 20 goals and tying for fourth with 19 assists. Quinlan’s total of 39 points put him third in Rush scoring behind only veterans Jamey Bowen and Kevin Howard.

“Jimmy is going to have an even better year this season,” said A.J. Jomha, the Rush’s Director of Lacrosse Operations and Assistant Coach.

“He had a great start to last season, but in the second half the opposition were able to key on him and it slowed him down. But with our new look on offence with guys like Dan Stroup, Chris Gill and Jason Wulder, Jimmy is really going to thrive. Opponents will have to keep track of those other guys which will free up Jimmy a lot more.”

Quinlan, who broke into the NLL in 2005 with the champion Toronto Rock, is anxious to play alongside the Rush’s talented new acquistions.

“I’m excited to have them with us,” Quinlan recently told NLL.com.

“They will bring us not only offence, but the leadership you’d expect from veterans who have won multiple championships.”

While Quinlan, who is completing his education degree at the University of Alberta, hit new career highs in all offensive categories, he didn’t let his newfound role as a scorer diminish his antagonistic ways on the floor.

In a poll of NLL players conducted by Inside Lacrosse magazine, Quinlan was voted the top trash-talker in the league. And Quinlan wasn’t shy about backing his words up either as he showed in a wild fight against Shawn Cable of the Portland LumberJax in the Rush’s final game of 2006.

Wulder joins the Rush via a trade with the rival Calgary Roughnecks where he had spent the last five seasons and won an NLL championship in 2004. The 12-year veteran, who also played seven seasons with the New York Saints, has suited up for 150 NLL regular-season games and racked up 190 goals and 259 assists for 449 points over that span.

The Calgary native has scored over 45 points five times during his NLL career and last season with the Roughnecks he notched 24 goals – two short of his career high set in 2004. After registering 10 points in Calgary’s four games against Edmonton last season, the Rush are glad to have Wulder’s talents working for them instead of against them in 2007.

“Jason is certainly going to add to the offensive presence that we were lacking last season,” added Jomha.