NLL Calgary Roughnecks

Roughnecks Fail to Secure Playoff Spot as Gait Sets Record in Mammoth Win

April 5, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release


Colorado's Gary Gait scored four goals en route to breaking his own National Lacrosse League single season scoring record, as the Colorado Mammoth stunned the Calgary Roughnecks 14-11 in front of a season high 13,139 at the Pengrowth Saddledome Saturday night.

The Roughnecks came out of the gate slowly after scoring 26 goals six-days earlier in a 26-16 romp of the Ottawa Rebel. The ‘Riggers found themselves in a 10-3 hole at halftime, despite outscoring Colorado 8-4 in the second half, the game was too far out of reach. With Vancouver defeating Columbus 19-7 earlier in the day, a Roughnecks win would have given the club their first ever playoff birth.

"You can't spot any team a seven-goal lead and expect to comeback, we had total control of our destiny tonight and didn't answer the bell," said Roughnecks head coach, Chris Hall.

On Tyson Leies bandana night, Leies was the bright spot for the locals in the loss notching the hat-trick for the second straight game.

"It's always nice to score, but I'd give them all back to re-play the first half," said Leies.

Ben Prepchuk who led the Roughnecks in goals last season, and was traded just prior to the season, came back to haunt his old team leading all scorers with five goals and three assists.

The playoff picture is once again cloudy for the Roughnecks, but one thing is certain, a win on Friday over the league leading Buffalo Bandits will guarantee a playoff birth for the ‘Riggers.

"We have known for two weeks now what we need to do, but the difference now is this is our last chance. Bottom line, we have got to beat Buffalo on Friday," added Hall.

The Roughnecks close out the regular season on Friday, April 11 against the for-mentioned Buffalo Bandits 7:30 pm at the Pengrowth Sadddledome. Call the Roughnecks ticket office at (403) 294-9244, or visit your nearest TicketMaster location to ensure your seats for the final Roughnecks home game of the 2003 NLL season.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 5, 2003


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