Roughnecks lose home opener
January 25, 2004 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
This was not what the Calgary Roughnecks planned for their home opener.
With four new high-profile signings in the line-up and facing a tired and weakened Vancouver Ravens they were expected to waltz through their home opener.
But Vancouver and their surprise starter in goal, Nick Patterson, spoiled the party.
After one quarter the Ravens had a 4-1 lead and though at one stage, in the fourth, Calgary fought back to 10-11, the Ravens were not to be denied and triumphed 14-11.
Peter Morgan led the way with five goals and two assists while Curt Malawsky got three goals and seven assists.
Calgary's much vaunted, but on this occasion highly anaemic, offense was at times woeful.
None of their usual ace marksmen made an impact and the top scorers were Jason Wulder and Kyle Goundrey who each collected two goals and three assist.
Calgary's big three Ted Dowling, Kaleb Toth and Tracey Kelusky combined for a total of five points.
Captain Kelusky was knocked out in a horrendous collision with Vancouver defender A. J Smith. He lay motionless before being taken to hospital and x-rayed. He then insisted on returning to the game where he even scored one of his patented over-the-shoulder shots.
Today, however, it was Vancouver's turn to celebrate. They were without several regulars, but the rest of the team refused to fold under an early Calgary onslaught, and deservedly emerged victorious.
Youngster Nick Patterson usually finds himself on the bench watching veteran, Dwight Maetche tend net, but in a rare start Patterson was outstanding only allowing 10-goals on 50-shots.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 25, 2004
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- Stealth win 8-7 in Overtime Against Anaheim Storm - San Jose Stealth
- Gary Gait's overtime goal sinks Sting, 14-13 - Arizona Sting
- Roughnecks lose home opener - Calgary Roughnecks
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