Shanks explodes in Saskatchewan’s game one win
May 3, 2025Halifax, NS - The Saskatchewan Rush picked up a 16-7 win over the Halifax Thunderbirds in game one of the second round in the 2025 NLL Playoffs presented by PlayNow.
Clark Walter opened the scoring followed by goals from Zach Manns and Robert Church, but it was Austin Shanks who stole the show with a first quarter hat trick, putting the Rush up 6-3.
Matt Hossack scored Saskatchewan’s lone goal in the second quarter, taking a 7-4 lead into half.
Ryan Keenan, Mike Messenger and Shanks (x3) buried goals in the third quarter, giving the Rush a 12-5 lead on enemy territory.
In the fourth quarter, Robert Church, Zach Manns and Brock Haley (x2) tacked on singles as the final score finished 16-7.
Frank Scigliano made 41 saves in the win, his fourth ever playoff victory. Jake Naso won 14/24 at the stripe. Zach Manns had a game high nine points.
Next up, game two between the Saskatchewan Rush and Halifax Thunderbirds on Co-op Field Saturday, May 10th. Faceoff is set for 7:30PM inside SaskTel Centre with doors opening at 6:30PM.
Game three if necessary would be Sunday, May 11th at 6:00PM.