Roughnecks in California
Published on February 5, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
The Calgary Roughnecks (3-2) travel to Anaheim this Sunday (Feb. 8) to take on the newly revamped Storm (0-3).
'Necks fans can watch the game live at either Hooters North or Hooters South, beginning at 6.30 p.m.
Sportsnet West (Channel 27) will show the game on tape delay at 7.30 p.m. MST.
The Storm will be looking for their first win of the season after three tough games against highly-rated opponents. Two of the three games were decided in overtime, including the home opener against the Arizona Sting which went into the National Lacrosse League's first-ever triple overtime.
Since its last game on January 25, the Storm has made sweeping changes in both the management and coaching ranks.
Pat McCabe, former head coach of the now defunct New York Saints, now has that role in Anaheim. He is assisted by five-time world champion Kevin Finneran. Team captain Stephen Sombrotto retired last week as a player to take over the general manager's reins.
The new team captain is Casey Powell, who is the squad's leading points getter with 16 (6 goals, 10 assists).
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STILL HURTIN':
Forward Jess Phillips will miss his third game on the trot due to a badly injured hand. He is expected back for the home clash with the league-leading Colorado Mammoth on February 14.
Rugged defender Grant Hamilton is also unable to make the trip to Anaheim. His duties as a police officer in Victoria will keep him on Vancouver Island for the weekend.
Hamilton will be replaced in the line-up by standout rookie Taylor Wray. Wray, the Roughnecks first pick (2nd overall) in the 2003 NLL entry draft, missed last week's victory over the Arizona Sting because of school commitments in Northern Carolina.
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NOT LONG NOW:
Tough guy Craig Gelsvik, an off-season acquisition from Buffalo, is expected to be ready for the February 20 game with San Jose.
Gelsvik, 6' 3" and 220 lbs, has not dressed this season because of a prior business commitment.
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ALL-STAR COACHES:
The head coaches for the NLL All-Star game to be played February 22 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, will be determined this weekend. The East and West squads will be coached by the first place coach in each division based on team records as of February 8.
The East coach will be determined by the outcome of Friday's game between the Rochester Knighthawks and the Buffalo Bandits. Both clubs are tied at 3-2.
A Colorado win (4-2) win on Saturday against Vancouver would send Mammoth Coach Jamie Batley to the All-Star tussle as head coach of the west squad.
A Colorado loss would open the door for either Calgary's Chris Hall or San Jose's Johnny Mouradian to lead the west. Both clubs enter the weekend at 3-2, though Calgary holds a divisional tiebreaker edge.
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RIGGERS ON 'ICE':
Come watch your favourite Roughnecks take part in the Calgary Corporate Challenge human bonspiel tomorrow (Friday, January 6).
The event takes place at Olympic Plaza and starts at 11.30 a.m.
'Necks who will be joining in the fun include captain Tracey Kelusky, Brad MacDonald, Kevin Dostie and Brad MacArthur.
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 5, 2004
- Roughnecks in California - Calgary Roughnecks
- Wings Host "Love Stinks" Night For the Romantically Challenged On Valentine's Night At Wachovia Cent - Philadelphia Wings
- NLL All-Star coaches to be decided this weekend - NLL
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