Derek Keenan Returns to Saskatchewan Rush Bench in Midseason Shakeup

The Saskatchewan Rush have responded to their early season struggles by relieving Bruce Alexander of his head coaching duties.

In Tuesday’s shakeup, the Rush announced that general manager Derek Keenan and Jimmy Quinlan will serve as co-head coaches for the remainder of the season. Jeremy Tallevi will continue as the team’s defensive coordinator, and goalie coach Evan Kirk will see an increased role.

“I see so many good things with this young group, and I want to take a more hands-on approach,” said Keenan, who was previously the Rush head coach for eight years before stepping down in August 2020. “We are very close, but close isn’t good enough in the NLL.”

The Rush are 1-4 and now the last team in Jack Goods’ weekly NLL Power Ranking. Saskatchewan led by four at the end of the third quarter last weekend against Vancouver, but the Warriors scored the final six goals in an 11-9 result.

The Rush next play on February 3 against Panther City.

A “SCARY” INJURY

Also on Tuesday, Saskatchewan provided an update on injured defenseman Holden Garlent. He had successful surgery on a lower body injury and is expected to fully recover in 6-8 weeks.

Garlent himself provided an update, too.

Scary incident this past weekend. Wanted to take the time to thank the @SaskRushLAX doctors and training staff for handling this injury so professionally & urgently. Surgery went smoothly, I will be back soon #rushnation

— Holden Garlent (@Garlent27) January 23, 2024

Scott Roblin, a reporter for Global Saskatoon, confirmed the recovery timeline and said Garlent dealt with sudden compartment syndrome near his calf, which caused “major swelling.” He classified the surgery as “emergency.”