Popular player signed by Roughnecks
February 27, 2004 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Matt Green, one of the most popular players ever to don a Calgary Roughnecks jersey, is returning to the club after missing the early part of the season through a knee injury.
To make room for him on the roster, veteran defender Neil Doddridge has been released.
Doddridge was not scheduled to play in either of this weekend's games as he has been suspended for two games and fined $500 for an incident in last week's disappointing loss to San Jose.
After colliding with and injuring Stealth goalie Rob Blasdell, he got into a scuffle with San Jose forward Gary Rosyski and during the melee levelled referee Bob Taylor. For his pains, Doddridge was thrown out of the game.
Doddridge has picked up more penalty minutes in the regular season than any other player in NLL history.
"Matty Green is the spark we've been missing," said Roughnecks President and principal owner, Brad Banister.
"He is the NLL's reigning heavyweight champion, but more than that he is an inspirational leader, a guy who makes the most noise on our bench, he's a sparkplug, Mr. Excitement if you will."
Green, who played a lot in the Roughnecks first season, but saw limited action in 2002-03, damaged his knee while playing for the New Westminster Salmonbellies in the Western Lacrosse League.
Green, 25, who lives and works in Vancouver, stands 6' 2" and weighs in at 230 lbs.
"We have perhaps the best group of forwards in the NLL, but they are on the small side and sometimes have had a rough time against the toughest members on the opposition," said Banister.
"Matt's very presence is going to give them more room to operate. No-one wants to mess with him, and besides that he's going to give you a regular supply of goals."
Green's trademark yell when he stands on the bench in the penalty box after winning a fight, is always guaranteed to rouse the Saddledome crowd.
"That's the kind of flair we've been lacking," said Banister. "We have to get the home crowd behind us and there's no-one better at doing that than Matt Green."
He's particularly remembered for his one punch knockout of Toronto Rock hard man, Dan Ladouceur, in Calgary's inaugural season.
The Roughnecks (4-4) host the Vancouver Ravens (2-7) at the Saddledome tonight (start 7.30 p.m.).
On Saturday, they travel to Phoenix for a key match up with the Arizona Sting (also 4-4) on Sunday at 5 p.m. Calgary time.
Sportsnet West (Channel 27) is broadcasting tonight's game, but will not air it in the Calgary area until 11 p.m. tonight.
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