Off To The Playoffs
Published on April 20, 2008 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
CALGARY - Even with the Calgary Flames in the middle of their opening round playoff series with the San Jose Sharks, Ken King stopped by the 'Dome for a ceremonial ball drop and to announce with Brad Banister that the Pengrowth Saddledome will remain the home of the Calgary Roughnecks for two more years much to the delight of 11,808 fans.
The Saddledome must be doing something right this year as it will now see three home teams contending in Championships - the Flames, Hitmen and now the Riggers'. Winning tonight's game 12-11 in overtime, the Roughnecks have now secured a playoff berth for the sixth straight season.
The first quarter saw former Roughneck Lewis Ratcliff stun his former team with an easy hat trick by the 4:52 mark; whether he harbors any animosity or not, Ratcliff was going to make his presence well known.
Captain Tracey Kelusky wasn't ready to let Ratcliff completely take over the game. Toth fought his way to the net and set up Kelusky for a fantastic over-the-shoulder goal. Curt Malawsky quickly followed suit and dropped the ball behind Rock goalie Bob Watson. With Calgary trailing, the first quarter closed at 3-2.
A slow second quarter for the Riggers', Toth and Bruce Codd rattled off two goals nine seconds apart marking Bruce Codd's second of the season. Josh Sanderson scored his first unassisted goal against his former mates cutting the gap 7-6.
Half-time had quite the sight when Chad and Fuzzy of the Vibe 98.5 morning show shimmied and shook with the Roughnecks Dance Crew. The duo is competing in a charity challenge which has them facing one another in several challenges, the winner getting the opportunity to donate $10,000 to one lucky charity.
The third quarter opened with lots of back and forth play. The Rock proved to be quick and clean, kept the Riggers' back one goal for most of the game. Scott Ranger played the offensive roll exploding to score his 26th goal of the season.
Ratcliff again overshadowed many of the players and scored his fourth goal of the night alongside Peter Lough and Aaron Wilson who notched their only markers.
Kelusky was called for high sticking leaving the door open for the Rock to take complete ownership of the game, the Roughnecks managed to stave off the Rock with some great defensive play leaving the third with a score 10-8.
Toronto continued their dominance at the beginning of every quarter when Jim Veltman, a 15 year veteran who announced his retirement happening at the conclusion of the 08' season, scored only 25 seconds into the quarter.
Mike Carnegie answered back with a great goal, his second this year, at the 3:05 mark. Sanderson swooped in with Heavenor at his back to shrink the Rock's lead. The final four minutes of the quarter were the most intense of the game. In an effort to tie the score, Ranger cranked the ball, bouncing off the post, it hovered on the line and rolled in to tie the game at 11-11 sending the two teams into overtime.
Trading possession multiple times, the final overtime breaker belonged to Kelusky, scoring a brilliant goal at the 2:56 mark.
"We're in the playoffs... watch out," exclaimed Andrew McBride, post game interview to ShawTV.
In the second back-to-back win of the season, the Roughnecks are now in contention for the Championship cup. The Roughnecks have won the cup once in 2004 beating the Buffalo Bandits.
Calgary (6-9) will meet Edmonton (4-11) in the final game of the regular season at Rexall Place Saturday, April 26.
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 20, 2008
- Rock Playoff Hopes End In Overtime Thriller - Toronto Rock
- Off To The Playoffs - Calgary Roughnecks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
