LAS VEGAS (Jan. 5, 2026) – Last year’s NLL Cup runner-up, the Saskatchewan Rush (4–1), travel to Sin City for the first time in over two years as they enter The Den for a matchup against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs (2–2) on Penta Field at Lee’s Family Forum on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PST.
The two teams have faced each other four times, with the Rush winning every matchup. Their most recent victory came on Jan. 9, 2025, when Saskatchewan won 15-9.
Saturday presents a prime opportunity for the Desert Dogs to turn the page and take a step forward as a franchise with a statement victory.
DOGS RALLY LATE, COME UP SHORT IN BUFFALO
Las Vegas dropped a 15–13 decision to the Buffalo Bandits on Saturday during Buffalo’s 11th annual Tucker Out Lymphoma Night. Buffalo controlled the game early, building an 11–5 lead after three quarters, but Las Vegas made things interesting with an eight-goal fourth quarter. Mitch Jones led the Desert Dogs with a hat trick-plus performance, while Chris Cloutier added four on the night, but the late push wasn’t enough as the Bandits held on for the win.
RUSH HOUR IN THE NLL
The Saskatchewan Rush have come out swinging to open the 2025–26 season, posting a 4–1 record and sitting atop the NLL standings with the rest of the league looking up. They’ve won three straight games since their lone loss to the Ottawa Black Bears, a team the Desert Dogs have already beaten.
Saskatchewan’s success has come from production across the turf. Eighteen different players have recorded at least one point this season, with 13 finding the back of the net. Ryan Keenan leads the way with 22 points (9G, 13A), closely followed by Zach Manns with 19 points (12G, 7A). While the Rush may not rely on a single “star,” their balanced scoring has powered them to the top of the league.
However, the Rush lead the NLL in penalty minutes, with Holden Garlent (18) and Jake Boudreau (16) ranking first and second individually. Saskatchewan has totaled 83 penalty minutes this season, stemming from 24 minor penalties, one major penalty, and three 10-minute misconducts. The Rush have a scrappy style of play, one that the Desert Dogs could look to exploit, as Las Vegas is 7-for-13 on the power play this season.
Special teams will be the deciding factor in this matchup, as whichever team capitalizes on given opportunities will come away with the win.
MILESTONES
Jonathan Donville needs 2 assists to reach 200 career NLL assists.
Tony Malcolm needs 4 goals to reach 100 career NLL goals and 4 assists to reach 150 career NLL assists.
Mitch Jones is 12 goals away from 300 career NLL goals.
John LaFontaine achieved 700 career NLL recoveries in game against Buffalo.
LVDD POINT LEADERS
#16 Mitch Jones – 27 points (11G, 16A)
#3 Jonathan Donville – 21 points (5G, 16A)
#25 Chris Cloutier – 19 points (7G, 12A)
#8 Chase Fraser – 13 points (6G, 7A)
#91 Jackson Webster – 10 points (4G, 6A)
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE GAME
Our second home game of the year will celebrate two homegrown sports teams as the Las Vegas Desert Dogs team up with the Vegas Golden Knights for the “Golden Knight” event. The Desert Dogs will wear a special VGK x LVDD jersey. You can get your own jersey and ticket to the game for $69, HERE!
Fans can also enjoy special appearances from the Golden Knights’ mascot Chance and the team’s PA announcer Bruce Cusick.
The first 1,500 fans will be gifted a limited-edition gold and black helmet piggy bank presented by Lexicon. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with pregame festivities start with the Big Dog’s Tailgate at 4:30 p.m. During the game, fans can enjoy our Den Deals with $5 food items and $5 Good Boy Lagers & Twisted Tail POG-flavored Seltzers.
Fans 21+ can keep the party going at the Rio Hotel & Casino’s Voodoo Lounge for the Official After Party from 10 pm – 2 am.
🎟️ General tickets can be purchased at lasvegasdesertdogs.com/tickets 🎟️
ABOUT LAS VEGAS DESERT DOGS
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are a professional box lacrosse team and a member of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Known for their dedication to excellence and their passionate fanbase, the Desert Dogs have become a symbol of local pride for the city of Las Vegas and one of the most entertaining nights out. The Desert Dogs play 18 games in the regular season, 9 home games + 9 away games. All home games are played at Lee’s Family Forum located in Henderson, NV, minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Games can be viewed locally on FOX 5, SSSEN, YouTube TV, ESPN+ and select games on ESPN2 and ESPNU. To stay updated on all things Las Vegas Desert Dogs, visit our official website lasvegasdesertdogs.com and follow us on social media @VegasDesertDogs on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
ABOUT NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s largest professional lacrosse league and welcomed more than 1 million fans for the third consecutive year during the 2024-25 season. Founded in 1986, the NLL is comprised of 14 franchises across Canada and the United States, and recently unveiled its largest brand campaign ever, “Welcome to The Next Major League™” and introduced its comprehensive grassroots initiative, NLL UnBOXed™, that will expand the League’s footprint to 60 communities across North America by 2028. For the latest scores and developments in the National Lacrosse League, please visit: NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok. Games are available live and streaming on TSN, TSN+, ESPN, and NLL+.
For all media inquiries please contact, Dana Mariotti, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, [email protected].
To request media credentials to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Home Opener, please click HERE.
