The Edmonton Rush were more than a professional team — they were a community fixture. For a decade the club worked to grow lacrosse across the Edmonton area, entertain families on game nights, and give back through charity and school programs. This page remembers that side of the franchise.
Chopper & Slush
No Rush game night was complete without the mascots. Chopper and Slush — joined on occasion by Slush's cousin "Freez" — roamed the stands, fired up the crowd, and became beloved figures for the youngest fans. They were the friendly face of the franchise and a fixture of the family-friendly atmosphere the club cultivated, as much a part of the experience for many kids as the lacrosse itself.
Lacrosse in the Schools
The Rush invested heavily in grassroots outreach. Through school programs and "learn to play" initiatives, the club introduced thousands of Edmonton-area students to box lacrosse, often bringing sticks and coaching directly into gymnasiums. For many local kids, a Rush school visit was their first encounter with Canada's national summer sport, and some of them went on to play in the province's minor lacrosse ranks.
Charity & Appearances
Player appearances, donation drives and charity nights were a regular part of the schedule. The club used its platform to support local causes and connect players with the community, reinforcing the idea that the Rush belonged to the city, not just the arena. Autograph sessions and hospital and school visits kept the players visible off the floor as well as on it.
Family Game Nights
Affordable family ticket options, kids' promotions and in-arena entertainment made Rush games a genuine family outing. Between the mascots, the game-day dance squad, and the fast pace of box lacrosse, a night at Rexall Place was built to hook new fans of every age — and to send them home wanting to come back.
A Lasting Grassroots Legacy
Perhaps the most durable part of the Rush's community work is the generation of players it inspired. Minor lacrosse in Alberta benefited from having a professional team to look up to — a legacy that outlived the franchise's time in the city. To learn the game the Rush helped popularize, visit our Lacrosse 101 guide, and see how minor lacrosse is organized nationally through the Canadian Lacrosse Association.