SASKATOON, May 7, 2021 – The National Lacrosse League (NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, announced today that the Priestner Sports Corporation has acquired the Saskatchewan Rush from owner Bruce Urban. This marks the second major sports acquisition in Saskatoon for the Priestner Sports Corporation, which proudly owns the Saskatoon Blades. The group is led by Mike Priestner, a former WHL goalie who also owns Go Auto, a Deloitte Best Managed Company that spans 47 dealerships across Canada. Colin Priestner will act as the team’s Governor while continuing his role as the GM/President of the Blades. All lacrosse operations will continue to be run by Rush GM Derek Keenan. Steve Hildebrand, Associate GM of the Blades will also serve in a leadership capacity for the Rush.
“This is a transitional and progressive day for our league and the sport of lacrosse, as we welcome Priestner Sports to the NLL and thank Bruce Urban and his team for years of hard work and success both in the community and on the field of play,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “The Rush have been, and will continue to be, a model franchise not just for the National Lacrosse league but for all of sports in North America and are key to our continued growth and business success as we head toward our 2021-22 season this fall.”
“First and foremost, we must thank Mr. Bruce Urban for allowing us the privilege of carrying on the Rush legacy,” said Colin Priestner. “We recognize all he’s done to bring some of the best lacrosse in the world to Saskatoon, while giving back to both the city and its surrounding areas. We welcome the challenge of maintaining the winning tradition he established here, while pushing ourselves to find new and interesting ways to grow the game and the Rush fanbase. Which, in our humble opinion, is already the best in the league.”
The acquisition of the Rush was not something the Priestner Sports Corporation instigated, as the franchise was not actively for sale when talks began. The ownership change resulted from a series of friendly conversations between Bruce Urban and the Priestner family over the past year. These conversations naturally evolved, and eventually, the chance to acquire a premier championship franchise in a league the Priestner family is passionate about was too promising to pass up.
“We feel it’s important to note that we are not looking to make any substantial changes within the organization. Since relocating to Saskatoon in 2016, the Rush have, inarguably, been the most successful franchise in the league. This team has won two championships in four full seasons in Saskatoon, which is a testament to the character and quality of the players, the staff, and the culture that Bruce put together here. Our goal is to continue that winning culture with the same great group of people who made it happen.”
“Derek Keenan is a big reason we made this investment. His track record is simply unparalleled, and we want him running this franchise for years to come. To any Rush fan reading this: we’re keeping the players you love and the people who worked so tirelessly to build this organization.”
“Our commitment to the team, its fans, the entire Rush community, and the city of Saskatoon could not be stronger. Since 2013, we’ve put everything we’ve had into the Blades and have seen how sports can galvanize this city. By taking on the Rush, we’re excited to invest even further in this community. We’re very excited to explore the synergies we can offer to fans of both the Rush and the Blades by working together. We feel there are countless ways we can improve our fans’ experiences by using the joint resources of both clubs. We can’t wait to get started.”
The Priestner Sports Corporation has announced they will not be making any changes to season tickets for fans, while vowing to carry forward the Saskatchewan Rush legacy of putting on one of the best event experiences in North American sports. Particularly in a post-Covid world where fans will be eager to once again gather and cheer together, the Rush will continue to deliver a fabulous game-night presentation and will spare no expense to make sure they are on the cutting edge through partnerships and promotions. Saskatchewan Rush Season Ticket Holders: Your seats remain held and your account credit towards next season remains applied. You may access your Rush Account Manager, here.
The Saskatchewan Rush team store remains closed to the general public; however you may call 306-978-7874 or email sales@saskrush.com with any questions or concerns.
THE PRIESTNER SPORTS CORPORATION
The Priestner Sports Corporation has owned and operated the Saskatoon Blades since 2013, a period in which the team’s record improved every season until the COVID-shortened 2019-2020 season. With a consistent track record of exceeding industry standards and producing winning results, the Priestner Sports Corporation has demonstrated the ability to recognize potential and effectively utilize the people and processes that are required to make each property a leader in its marketplace. The group looks forward to extending its track record of success with the Saskatchewan Rush of the NLL.
COLIN PRIESTNER
Colin’s role as Governor for the Rush will be focused on maintaining and creating a positive, fun and winning culture within the entire organization. His focus will be placed on the personal and professional development of the players, on-field achievement, business operations, and community relations. Colin will also work first-hand on business ventures and team community activities. Colin, 37, has served as the GM of the Saskatoon Blades for the last five seasons. Under Colin’s leadership, the team has qualified for the postseason each of the last three seasons. Colin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta (2006) and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Athabasca University (2019). He currently lives in Saskatoon with his wife Alanna and their two-year old daughter.
JARED PRIESTNER
The Rush’s new Alternate Governor, Jared Priestner, currently serves as the Chairman of Go Auto. His proven track record of driving business performance and growth will be put to good use through the Rush’s operational development. Under Jared’s leadership, Go Auto has been recognized by Deloitte as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, and awarded by Waterstone for having one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. Jared will inject his wisdom, time, and effort, in partnership with Colin, to ensure continued success for the Rush and continued growth for audiences of both the Rush and the NLL.
MIKE PRIESTNER
Mike Priestner has been an auto dealer for over 35 years. He started his career as a lot attendant and he now owns Go Auto, the largest automotive network in Western Canada. In recent years, Go Auto expanded its portfolio to include Go Insurance and Yes Plan Auto Finance. Mike was a goaltender for the Kamloops Blazers and the Calgary Dinos in the early 1970s, and his passion for sports continued while coaching AAA level novice, pee wee, and atom teams with his three sons. Through Go Auto and the Saskatoon Blades, Priestner family businesses now employee almost 3,000 Canadians and they take great pride in making every business they own highly successful, and the best possible place to work for every employee.
For more information about the Saskatchewan Rush, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and all team information, visit SaskRush.com.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.
