The Saskatchewan Rush defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds 16-7 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Game 1 of the National Lacrosse League semifinals. The game took place at Scotiabank Centre.
Saskatchewan takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
Austin Shanks led the Rush scoring with six goals. Zach Manns recorded nine points, including two goals and seven assists. Robert Church added two goals and three assists.
For the Thunderbirds, Randy Staats contributed six points with one goal and five assists. Dawson Theede and Thomas Hoggarth each scored two goals.
Saskatchewan goaltender Frank Scigliano made 41 saves. Halifax used both Drew Hutchison, who allowed 11 goals and made 21 saves, and Warren Hill, who allowed 4 goals and made 14 saves.
Team statistics showed Saskatchewan with 51 shots on goal compared to Halifax's 48. Saskatchewan won 15 of 28 faceoffs and was efficient on the power play, converting 4 of 12 opportunities. Halifax did not score on their four power play chances. Penalty minutes were substantial, with Halifax accumulating 71 PIM and Saskatchewan 35 PIM. Nonkon Thompson of Halifax received 31 penalty minutes, including multiple game misconducts. Jake Boudreau for Saskatchewan recorded 10 loose balls and two turnovers caused.
The series shifts to Saskatoon for Game 2 on Saturday, May 10, and Game 3, if necessary, on Sunday, May 11.
The NLL playoffs are available to watch live on TSN, ESPN+, NLL+ and TSN+.
Additional information about the game and season is available on the Saskatchewan Rush website and the Halifax Thunderbirds website.
