Edmonton's brand-new lacrosse team will not be known as the Speed, as had been rumored when the club was formed last month.

That doesn't mean that quickness won't be a theme.

In fact, Canada's newest team in the fastest game on two feet has been dubbed the Edmonton Rush, team owners Bruce Urban and Craig Anstead announced today.

The selection of "Rush" was not a surprise, following a report in Tuesday's Edmonton Sun.

The team had solicited name and logo suggestions on its web site, and Rush was a popular choice.

"We were overwhelmed by the entries and support when picking the name for the team," Anstead said. "It proved to us that the city of Edmonton is interested in lacrosse and will support the game."

A logo and colors will be announced at a later date.

The Rush also announced the hiring of two key front office officials, Duane Vienneau as president and Ahmed (A.J.) Johma as director of lacrosse operations.

Vienneau is the events manager for Northlands Park, which includes the Rush's home arena, Rexall Place.

"Duane impressed us with his knowledge for event management and further more his wealth of knowledge for the sport of lacrosse," Urban said. "He was very instrumental with getting the team here to Edmonton and it only seems fitting that he becomes president."

Vienneau then introduced Johma, head coach of the Edmonton Miners (Junior A), to run the lacrosse side of the business.

"A.J. is the first and only candidate for this position," Vienneau said. "His strong tie with the local lacrosse community is very important to the success of our team."

Johma is a former scout for the Toronto Rock, contributing the Rock's 2003 championship campaign. He has been involved in lacrosse for almost four decades.