Playoffs start early for 'Necks
March 29, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - With only half-a-game separating the top five teams in the West Division of the National Lacrosse League, the Calgary Roughnecks (7-5) can afford no more slip ups if they are to be a force in the post-season.
"I have never seen the race so tight," said General Manager Kurt Silcott. "Of the six teams vying for four spots, only Edmonton (1-12) is out of the running.
"In fact, any one of those five teams - Calgary, Arizona (6-5), Colorado (7-5), San Jose (5-5) and Portland 6-5) - can finish first in the West. By the same token, one of those clubs will not make the playoffs at all."
Silcott added, "We have four games to play, three of them at home. We must approach every game like it's playoff time, because we know are four closest rivals are not going to yield an inch if they can help it.
"The bottom line is, our destiny is in our own hands. If we win all four games we emerge top of the heap in the West."
Technically, Calgary can clinch a playoff berth this weekend, if:
Buffalo wins in San Jose Friday and Arizona Saturday; Calgary beats San Jose Saturday, and Colorado triumphs over Arizona Sunday.
Calgary's drive to the post-season starts Saturday with a home game against the San Jose Stealth (ball drop 7.30 p.m.).
When the two sides last met, in San Jose on March 18, the Stealth triumphed 13-14 in overtime.
But the Roughnecks had played in Edmonton the night before, and had to awake at 3 a.m. the next morning to make sure they made all the connections on a tortuous road and air trip to San Jose.
Before they knew it, the Riggers were trailing 1-6 and by the end of the first quarter were still down 3-7.
They slowly fought their way back into the game and with three minutes left on the clock had nosed in front 13-12. But Gary Rosyski spoiled the party by netting the equalizer and also the winner 55 seconds into overtime.
For Saturday's game with San Jose, the Roughnecks will make two changes from the team that whipped the Rock 11-9 in Toronto.
Hard man Andy Ogilvie is unable to dress because of family commitments. He will be replaced in the line up by Taylor Wray, who was prevented by work from playing in Toronto.
"Though you always love to have Andy Ogilvie in your side, you can't complain when his replacement is Taylor Wray, another All Star," said Silcott. "Taylor is playing great ball nowadays. His defence is rock solid, he pops in the occasional goal, he's a natural leader, and he's collected more loose balls than any one else on the team."
Andrew Leyshon will back up Curtis Palidwor in goal. Last week, that job was filled by rookie Ryan Avery.
In another personnel change, Travis Gillespie has been replaced on the active roster by Calgary product Jeremy Cheyne.
Gillespie was recently accepted by the Vancouver Fire Department, and because he's on probation for six months cannot afford to suffer a serious injury and thereby lose his new found job.
"Obviously, we are disappointed to Travis at this crucial time of the season," said Silcott. "But we understand what the job means to him and we wish him nothing but the best. The timing is certainly not good for us, but we'll survive the setback."
Cheyne, who has played professional hockey in Europe, was not expected to crack the squad in 2006.
"But he's worked hard in practice and it's nice we can reward him with time on the active roster," said Silcott. "He's a gritty defender and we'll feel comfortable putting him in the line up should we need to. He's a good athlete, hits hard and can run the ball up the floor."
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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 29, 2006
- Rush announce guaranteed win night - Edmonton Rush
- Playoffs start early for 'Necks - Calgary Roughnecks
- Wings Players Present Lacrosse To Wilmington Montessori School - Philadelphia Wings
- Penn State Alumni Blue Band Featured At Wings Game This Saturday - Philadelphia Wings
- Two Jax players receive NLL weekly awards - Portland Lumberjax
- Steenhuis, Vyse earn Player of the Week honors - Buffalo Bandits
- Steenhuis, King, Vyse and Merrill Honored - NLL
- Rush announce Guaranteed Win Night for Fan Appreciation game - Edmonton Rush
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