Kelusky To Represent Canada At Worlds
Published on April 16, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - Tracey Kelusky of the Calgary Roughnecks is to join team-mate Taylor Wray on the heavily-favoured Canada team at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship to be held in Halifax next month (May 14-20).
The defenders on the team were announced two weeks ago, and the names of the rest of the squad, except the goalies, were released today.
"It's a tremendous honour to be asked to represent your country at any time," Kelusky, the Roughnecks captain, said today. "But it's especially sweet for a guy like me who's not a youngster any more (he's 31). At this age, you just don't know how many more of these opportunities are in my future."
He continued, "No-one gave Calgary much of a chance of hosting a play-off game this year. But the planets fell into line over the weekend and we won both our games while the Arizona Sting lost both their games.
"Now I learn I'm going to play for Canada. Wow, what a 72 hours!!! Unbelievable."
Kelusky, ever the team guy, gave the credit for his inclusion on the Canadian roster to his fellow Riggers.
"This is the consummate team sport," said Kelusky, "I don't care how good you are, you are only as good as those around you. I am blessed and honoured to be surrounded by some of the best players in the league and it is they who have allowed me to become the player I am.
"When I pull on that red jersey in Halifax, I will not only be playing for Canada, I'll be playing for them as well."
Kelusky, 5ft. 8in. and 175lbs, has had his best ever year for the Roughnecks. In 16 games, he has collected 87 points (34 goals, 53 assists), 95 loose balls and zero penalty minutes.
"I am very pleased for Tracey," said Roughnecks' General Manager, Kurt Silcott.
"He is a great player and a great leader. He does so much more than just score goals and get assists for us. He's a player that truly emphasizes the word 'team' and I have no doubt he will be a great asset to Team Canada."
Ironically, both Wray and Kelusky are in the running to record rare individual, though different, triples in less than 12 months.
Wray won a gold medal with Canada at the world field lacrosse tourney last summer and can now top it off with victories at the indoor worlds and the National Lacrosse League championship.
For his part, Kelusky won the Mann Cup with his hometown Peterborough Lakers in September, and like Wray is now in the running for a gold at the indoor worlds and a crack at the NLL's Champion's Cup.
Team Canada will be coached by lacrosse legend Gary Gait.
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 16, 2007
- Kelusky To Represent Canada At Worlds - Calgary Roughnecks
- NLL Announces 2007 Stat Champions - NLL
- Team Canada selects Five Mammoth players - Colorado Mammoth
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