Ravens Insider
October 1, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Ravens News Release
NORTHERN CUP TO LIGHT THE FUSE TO LACROSSE RIVALRY BETWEEN RAVENS AND ROUGHNECKS ...Western Canada's National Lacrosse League franchises to go head to head in pre-season game, Friday, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Prince George MultiPlex
VANCOUVER (MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2003) - The repatriation of the Northern Cup in Prince George will set off the smoldering National Lacrosse League rivalry between the Vancouver Ravens, British Columbia's professional indoor lacrosse franchise, and the Calgary Roughnecks, the pride of Alberta.
The two teams announced today they will square off for the Northern Cup showdown, a pre-season contest, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m. at the MultiPlex in Prince George.
Given that both franchises are viewed as playoff contenders in the Western Division of the 10-team NLL, the Northern Cup will set the stage for a season-long rivalry that is becoming one of the fiercest in professional lacrosse. To add fuel to the fire, the two teams will play each other four times during the 16-game regular season.
"We fully expect Calgary to be in the race for the divisional title, let alone the playoffs," said Dave Evans, General Manager of the Vancouver Ravens. "In Tracey Kelusky and Kaleb Toth, they have two of the league's superstars and an explosive offence that might be among the top three in the NLL. The Northern Cup is bound to be a treat for lacrosse fans in Northern BC.
In their inaugural season, the Ravens split two pre-season games with Calgary before sweeping the Roughnecks in two regular season games. Last year, Calgary swept the Ravens in a home-and-away weekend series. Vancouver is 2-2 in regular season play against Calgary and 3-3 overall.
"Having come into the National Lacrosse League at the same time in 2001, there have been and will continue to be many comparisons made between our two franchises," said Evans. "That'll make it fun for our fans as we continue to build into our third season and beyond. It certainly adds fire to games such as the Northern Cup.
The Ravens have made the playoffs twice in as many tries with a 10-6 record in the inaugural 2001-2002 NLL season and a 9-7 mark last season. The Roughnecks did not qualify in 2001-2002 (4-12) but were the NLL's most improved team with a 9-7 record in 2002-2003.
Tickets for the Northern Cup showdown between the Roughnecks and the Ravens will go on sale October 1st, at the MultiPlex in Prince George.
National Lacrosse League Stories from October 1, 2003
- NLL Appoints New VP of Lacrosse Operations - NLL
- Ravens Insider - Vancouver Ravens
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.
