Arizona Beats Minnesota in Exhibition Scrimmage
December 19, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Arizona Sting News Release
HAGERSVILLE, ON --- The Arizona Sting conducted their first practices since the announcement of their official 23-man roster this past weekend at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, Ontario.
Arizona's new-look lineup, which includes five rookies, took to the floor Saturday morning in a light practice prior to their afternoon exhibition scrimmage against Minnesota. The defending NLL West Division Champions defeated the Swarm by a score of 14-10 in a hard-fought contest that saw a multitude of lead changes. The game was highlighted by a strong effort by newly acquired goaltender Rob Blasdell, as well as some aggressive physical play from rugged defender Bruce Murray, also a new addition to the Sting. Speedy rookie Greg Hinman sealed the victory with a breakaway goal in the fourth quarter. The weekend concluded with another practice Sunday morning. Assistant Coach Rick Wilson was pleased at how the weekend went:
"This was a big weekend for us," said Wilson. "Everyone worked really hard and that paid off with a character-building win over Minnesota. The Swarm played us tough, but we got the best of them and that means a lot with the regular season right around the corner. The young guys look really good and seem to be gelling with the veterans well. Overall, it was a good couple of days for our team."
First year pro Andy Secore, who played his junior lacrosse in Hagersville for the Six Nations Arrows, was also pleased at how things went over the weekend:
"It was nice to be able to have my first real professional practice at a familiar venue," said Secore. "This league is a lot more advanced in terms of speed, skill, and conditioning compared to junior lacrosse, so the more time I get to spend with the guys that have been around for a few years, the more I think I'll continue to improve. It feels good to be a member of the Sting, and I'm looking forward to the season starting next month."
Defenseman Andrew Guindon, acquired from the Philadelphia Wings in October, felt that the two days in Hagersville were a step in the right direction for the Sting:
"It was good to have the full squad together for the first time," said Guindon. "The veterans and coaching staff are a great bunch of guys and they've really made me feel welcome. We're starting to come together as a team and we'll definitely be ready for the Rock on January 7. I'm really looking forward to my first game in a Sting jersey."
Team Captain Peter Lough feels that the new additions to the Sting will be of great benefit to their quest for a league title in 2006.
"Chemistry is obviously a huge component of any team," said Lough. "It was definitely a big part of our squad when we made our playoff run last year and we've definitely got a solid group dynamic going again as we get ready to start a new season. The guys that we've brought in really enhance our talent level and that was evident in the two upbeat and fast-paced practices that we had, as well as our gritty exhibition win over Minnesota. Going into the holidays, we've really got a lot of confidence for 2006 and we're definitely looking to start off with a big win against Toronto to keep our momentum going."
The Sting open their season on January 7 at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Rock. The game will be a rematch of last May's NLL Champion's Cup Final. Arizona's first home game is on January 13 against the expansion Portland Lumberjax at the Glendale Arena.
For picture from the Sting's exhibition match against the Swarm, click HERE.
The Arizona Sting is a professional indoor lacrosse team playing in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). In only their second season in Arizona (after re-locating from Columbus, Ohio), the Sting finished the 2005 season with a 9-7 regular-season record prior to going on to win the West Division Championship before losing to the Toronto Rock in the Champion's Cup Final (NLL title game).
For more information, please call (623) 842-GOAL or visit ArizonaSting.com.
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 19, 2005
- Arizona Beats Minnesota in Exhibition Scrimmage - Arizona Sting
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