'Target on our back:' Pressure is on for Saskatchewan Rush

Saskatchewan Rush player Adrian Sorichetti admits the pressure is on as the lacrosse team prepares for its first pre-season game in Saskatoon Friday against the very team the Rush beat in the championship game last season.

"We're going to have an even bigger target on our back now that we had the success of the past two seasons and we are the team to beat," Sorichetti told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

The Rush will host the Calgary Roughnecks at the SaskTel Centre at 7:30 p.m. CST, just a few weeks before the season starts.

In terms of managing the pressure, Sorichetti said it's all about staying grounded.

"We're not going to be going into any games with that mindset that we're a success," said the 26-year-old transition player.

The team relocated from Edmonton to Saskatoon in 2016, going on to sell an average of nearly 11,000 tickets every game and selling out the championship match in June.

• Saskatchewan Rush win lacrosse championship series with last-second goal

The team expectsaround 13,000 fans at Friday's game.

New season changes

In September, the Rush traded veteran forward Zack Greer to the Colorado Mammoth.

In return, Adam Jones made his way to the Rush.

Sorichetti grew up with Greer in Whitby, Ontario. They were also roommates on the road.

It was "tough for him and coach Keenan to make that kind of decision," said Sorichetti.

But Sorichetti said the team is excited to have Jones in the lineup, along with new recruitsRyan Keenan, Mike Messinger andMatt Hossack.

People attending Friday's game are asked to bring donations for the Saskatoon Food Bank.

The team will also auction off limited edition holiday jerseys from the game to raise money for the food bank.