Critical weekend for Riggers
Published on March 29, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Roughnecks (6-5) head into a home-and-home with cellar dweller Portland this weekend knowing that depending on its success against the struggling LumberJax (2-10), come Monday morning they could be 2nd in the National Lacrosse League's West Division - or fighting for their playoff lives.
"This is a huge weekend for us," said Calgary's General Manager, Kurt Silcott, today. "The three teams close to us - Arizona (7-4), San Jose (6-5) and Edmonton (4-6) - all have important games in the next 72 hours.
"Therefore, we need to be disciplined, forget about what we cannot control, and focus solely on our two games with Portland."
Silcott added, "With its 2007 record, it is easy for people to discount Portland. But you cannot forget that just 12 months ago it was the first team in NLL history to win a divisional title in its first year of operation.
"Most of those players are still there. They have a lot of experience. They have a lot of size. And they have Brodie Merrill, one of the brightest young stars in our game. They cannot be taken lightly."
The two-game series opens in Portland tomorrow (Friday) with the second meeting taking place at the Saddledome Saturday night (ball drop 7.30 p.m.).
Arizona also has two games this weekend - away to division leaders Colorado (10-2) and a home date with San Jose. The Stealth, who has won its last five outings, has just the single game in Phoenix, while Edmonton is on the road in Chicago and New York.
"It's in our hands now," said Silcott. "If we take care of our job and get two wins, there's a good chance we'll be in at least a tie for 2nd when the dust settles. "
Calgary and Portland met only once in 2006, with Calgary taking the honours 12-8 in Oregon.
Tomorrow's night's game in Portland marks an important milestone for veteran Craig Gelsvik.
The hard-hitting, stay-at-home defender will be making his 100th NLL appearance.
During that time the 33-year-old firefighter from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, has collected one goal, 31 assists, 214 penalty minutes and 409 loose balls.
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Saturday, the Roughnecks will salute Canada's fighting men and women by staging a 'Military Appreciation' night.
The tribute will begin prior to ball drop with a spectacular 'black light' display by the drum line of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
A military flag party will form a guard of honour while the anthems are sung, and during half-time a 'mock' battle - complete with raiders rapelling from the Saddledome catwalk, a machine gun firing blanks from an armoured jeep, and an infantry section over-running an enemy position - will take place.
"We wanted to do something to show how much we respect and appreciate those people who put their lives on the line for the benefit of this country," said Silcott.
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 29, 2007
- Big weekend on tap for Sting - Arizona Sting
- Critical weekend for Riggers - Calgary Roughnecks
- Chicago Shamrox Host Scoop N' Shoot Competition April 7 - Chicago Shamrox
- Roughnecks Salute Canada's Military - Calgary Roughnecks
- New York Titans Play Final Home Game of 2007 Season - Orlando Titans
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