Riggers best game ever
Published on February 3, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Chris Hall has seen many highs and lows since he joined the Calgary Roughnecks as its Head Coach just prior to the club's entry to the National Lacrosse League in 2001-02. But he believes the past weekend was the highest high yet.
"First, we went to Colorado and against all odds defeated them in their own building (14-13), then we came home and demolished Arizona (15-6) in what was undoubtedly the best game this team has ever played," said Hall. As a result, the 'Necks moved to 3-2, just half a game behind Colorado, the leaders of the NLL's West Division.
"The guys were brilliant against the Mammoth," he added, "but that performance was more than surpassed by how we demolished the Sting.
"We were so dominant in every phase of the game, including the physical aspect, that I hardly had to say a word on the bench. Every player knew his role, what he had to do, and they did it to perfection."
Just seven days earlier the Roughnecks were in virtual despair after losing its home opener to a weakened and tired Vancouver Ravens and falling to 1-2.
"The parity in the NLL is such that you cannot afford to not fire on all cylinders at all times," said Hall. "If you fail to concentrate on every shift, you will pay the cost. Hopefully we learned that lesson against Vancouver."
This Sunday (February 8), the Roughnecks travel to Anaheim to play the winless Storm (0-3).
Since their last game, the Storm has replaced its entire coaching staff. Pat McCabe is the new Head Coach while recently retired superstar Kevin Finneran is his assistant. Team captain Steve Sombrotto retired and took on the General Manager position.
"Anaheim will be revitalized by the changes," said Hall, "and it won't be easy for us. They've had two weeks to practice and to put new strategies in place. It's therefore difficult for us to scout them. Having said that, we do not aim to be the first people to give them a win.
"We're on a roll and we do not want to lose that momentum."
Hall singled out the recent play of youngsters Andrew McBride and Taylor Wray as a bonus to the club.
"McBride has such enthusiasm and energy that it rubs off on those around him," said Hall. "He has so much passion for the game he can only get better and better."
McBride was not selected to go to Colorado. But because Jordan West-Pratt could not get away from his teaching duties in time, McBride was a last minute inclusion.
"Andrew was a huge factor in our victory," said Hall, "and his first ever goal in the NLL was icing on the cake."
When President and General Manager Brad Banister made Taylor Wray his first pick (2nd overall) in the 2003 NLL entry draft, he said Wray had the potential to become the anchor of the Roughnecks defence.
"He (Wray) is maturing more quickly than we thought, and already provides us with solid leadership on the back line," said Hall.
"It is always difficult for a rookie to be an impact player - but make no mistake, that's what Taylor is."
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Arizona defender Bruce Codd who was injured in the Calgary game Saturday night has been found to have a broken ankle. He is gone for the rest of the season.
Superstar John Grant Jr., top sniper of the Rochester Knighthawks, has also played his last game in 2003-04. He suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament in Rochester's 11-10 victory over Toronto on Saturday. Grant suffered a broken leg over the summer, but was still leading the NLL in points heading into the Toronto game.
Knighthawks defender Marshall Abrams is also gone for the season with an injury picked up in the Toronto encounter.
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 3, 2004
- Friday's game to decide Eastern Conference All-Star coach - Buffalo Bandits
- Riggers best game ever - Calgary Roughnecks
- Mammoth players lead All-Star voting - Colorado Mammoth
- Arizona loses defenseman Codd for season - Arizona Sting
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.
