Thomas Kiazyk’s first career start ended with a win as Saskatchewan topped the Albany Firewolves 17-13 at Co-op Field on Saturday.
Albany jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but the Rush punched back thanks to goals from Austin Shanks, Jake Boudreau, Clark Walter, Mike Triolo and Robert Church.
In the second, the scoring fest continued as Ryan Keenan buried a pair, while Robert Church finished off the first half hat trick, putting the Rush up 9-8 at half-time.
To start the third quarter, the FireWolves offence came out firing once again, but it was the depth forwards Clark Walter and Brock Haley who helped boost the offence after a couple more goals from Zach Manns and Robert Church, sending Saskatchewan up 13-12 heading into the final frame.
Kiazyk stopped 12/13 in the fourth quarter, while Manns, Church, Boudreau and Adam Jay all found the back of the net, icing the 17-13 win on home turf.
20-year-old netminder Kiazyk finished the game, making 39 saves for his first career win. Robert Church led the team with five goals and five assists, while Ryan Keenan had nine points.
Next, the Rush takes on Kyle Rubisch and the San Diego Seals on Saturday, February 1st.
The Saskatchewan Rush are back on Co-op Field in a couple of weeks when the Rochester Knighthawks come to SaskTel Centre on Saturday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m.
