Brandon Atherton has waited three seasons to make a name for himself in the National Lacrosse League.
His patience was rewarded in a big way last weekend when he got tossed into the fire as a relief goaltender and fortified the Edmonton Rush to a pair of overtime victories.
The 24-year-old former Prince George Posse goaltender took over from starter Matt Disher and gave up just eight goals on 88 shots. The Rush defeated the Washington Stealth 14-13 in Everett, Wash., then beat the Minnesota Swarm 13-12 in St. Paul. Minn.
The two victories were the first of Atherton's pro lacrosse career and earned him the NLL award as defensive player of the week.
"This is my third year in the league now and I just got my first win," Atherton told the Edmonton Journal. "It's a nice monkey to get off my back. Now I can move forward and, hopefully, get more wins."
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