The Saskatchewan Rush started their drive for another NLL Champion’s Cup title with a big win on Saturday at Air Canada Centre.

The Rush went into Toronto and handed the Rock a 17-9 loss to kick-off the National Lacrosse League season for both teams.

Ben McIntosh paced the Rush with five goals and six points in the win, while Jeff Shattler made his presence felt in his debut with Saskatchewan, picking up two goals and a team-high eight points.

Robert Church had three goals and six points, while Keenan added a goal and six assists. Curtis Knight finished with two goals and five points, and Mark Matthews had two goals and four points.

The Rush led throughout the entire game as they jumped out to a 5-3 lead in the first quarter with goals from McIntosh, Knight, Church, Adrian Sorichetti and Matt Dinsdale.

Church and Matthews struck in the opening few minutes of the second quarter to push Saskatchewan’s lead up to four.  McIntosh and Shattler added goals in the second to make it 9-6 for the Rush at halftime.

Saskatchewan continued to start each quarter strong in the third when Knight scored just 29 seconds into the second half. McIntosh, Shattler and Dinsdale also added goals in the third as the Rush moved in front 13-8.

The Rush dominated the fourth quarter, picking up goals from Ryan Keenan and Church, as well as two more from McIntosh to finish off the win.

Goalie Evan Kirk was a big offseason acquisition for the Rush and he lived up to the hype with 39 saves in the win.

The Rush peppered the Rock net with 57 shots in the win.

Saskatchewan will now prepare for their home opener, which is coming up on Saturday when the Rush welcome in the New England Black Wolves to SaskTel Centre.