Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Rush are pleased to announce the signing of one of the most-feared heavyweight enforcers in the history of the National Lacrosse League.

Following a three-year stint with the Toronto Rock, the Rush have inked Tim O’Brien to a free-agent contract and the six-foot-one, 200-pound Alberta native is expected to add some significant punch to the Rush roster.

“Tim has long been a dominant figure patrolling the floor,” said Rush GM/Head Coach Bob Hamley. “He allows his teammates the freedom to do their thing knowing that they have a powerful force backing them up.”

To Rush fans, O’Brien might be best remembered for his epic standoff with former Edmonton defenceman Daryl Welsh during the 2007 season. The 31-year-old forward has tangled with all the well-known tough guys in the NLL and has racked up 109 regular-season penalty minutes. O’Brien has registered one assist and 27 loose balls over 29 career regular-season games that included stops in Albany, Rochester and New York.

O’Brien spent the 2008 summer season with Kitchener-Waterloo of the Major Series Lacrosse where he notched one goal and one assist along with 20 penalty minutes in 12 games.

2009 season tickets are now on sale call (780) 732-RUSH or check the Rush website www.edmontonrush.com for details.