Roughnecks benefit from rule change
Published on January 28, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
The National Lacrosse League has announced that teams will now be able to dress an additional runner (forward or defender) for all remaining games this season.
Team line-ups will now consist of sixteen runners and two goalies, though rosters will remain at 23.
The rule will be reviewed during the off-season to see if it should be permanently adopted.
"Adding the extra player will give coaches more depth on their bench when a player is injured during a game," explained Brian Lemon, Vice President of Operations for the NLL. "It will also allow teams to add an extra man to improve their defence, offence or transition game. We see it as a positive step forward."
Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Hall welcomes the rule change.
"Because we have real good depth, the change is a good thing for us," said Hall. "I'm not so sure if we were thin on talent I'd be that pleased."
When asked how he'll use the extra man, Hall said: "It depends on the opposition and their strengths and weaknesses. Whenever we spot an opportunity, we'll exploit it."
Hall is especially glad the amendment was introduced this week. "With back to back games on Friday and Saturday, against Colorado and Arizona respectively, it will give us the chance to get some fresh legs in against Arizona," he said.
Sportsnet (Channel 27) is taping the Colorado game though it will not be aired until 11.00 p.m. on Friday night.
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CHANGES TO BE MADE
Calgary Roughnecks will be making changes from the team that lost to Vancouver on Sunday when it travels to Colorado this Friday.
"We need to get back on the winning track," said Head Coach Chris Hall. "Colorado has a tough line-up, full of stars. They did not have a good draft position so in the off-season they went out and signed a number of outstanding free agents.
"The good thing is that the Pepsi Center is a great place to play. It's an energetic building, a motivating environment."
The home fixture against the Arizona Sting on Saturday will also be difficult.
Despite having the youngest team in the NLL, the Sting has been competitive in every game they've played.
"They are young, they are fast, they are well coached, and they have an outstanding goalkeeper in Mike Miron," said Hall. "Maybe they don't have a lot of superstars, but they keep finding a way to win."
Hall said there are two facets of the game the Roughnecks must improve upon if the squad is to be successful this weekend.
"Our shooting and save percentages are abysmal," said Hall, "and must be improved. With the league being so tight, you just cannot afford to be poor in those departments. Eventually it will kill you."
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 28, 2004
- Stealth Net Three of Four National Lacrosse League Player of the Week Awards - San Jose Stealth
- Roughnecks benefit from rule change - Calgary Roughnecks
- National Lacrosse League Awards Players for Week #5 - NLL
- Mammoth offers Party Pack - Colorado Mammoth
- Bandits sign Hackel, elevate Quinn - Buffalo Bandits
- Teams to Dress 18th Player for all remaining games - NLL
- Wings players shop for PJs for upcoming pajama party - Philadelphia Wings
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.
