Roughnecks Prepare for Critical Clash
March 21, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Roughnecks head into Saturday's battle with the Arizona Sting knowing that a win is absolutely necessary if they are to fulfil the dream of hosting a play-off game.
With Colorado (10-1) virtually assured of top spot in the National Lacrosse League's West Division, the battle for 2nd - and the opportunity to begin the post-season on home turf - appears to be between Arizona (7-3) and the Riggers (5-5).
"The road is mapped out pretty clearly for us," said General Manager Kurt Silcott. "We play all the teams (Arizona, Edmonton and Portland, twice each) we need to beat if we are to earn a decent play-off spot.
"We control our own destiny and now it's time to stop talking and time to start playing hard-nosed, but smart, Roughnecks lacrosse."
Both Edmonton and San Jose sit at 4-5. Portland, who won the West in 2006, is a miserable 2-9.
"I honestly feel we are ready for the stretch run," continued Silcott. "Up until now, we have seen only flashes of what this team can do when they come prepared to play. Our wins against Colorado and Toronto prove we match up well with the premier outfits in the NLL.
"But with only six games left in the regular season, it is time for us to show consistency. We have not had our Big Three - Tracey Kelusky, Kaleb Toth and Lewis Ratcliff - firing together on all cylinders at any point this year. Hopefully, they can kick it into gear down the stretch and into the playoffs."
The Roughnecks today bought some insurance against injury by signing veteran defender Tyler Francey to the club's practice squad.
Francey, who in the past has dressed for Columbus, Arizona, Buffalo and New York, has appeared in 37 NLL games, collected 17 points (7g, 10a), spent 91 minutes in the penalty box, and scooped up 182 loose balls.
"Both our head coach Jeff Dowling and I are familiar with Tyler," said Silcott. "Most recently, he was in New York, and though we heard he played well, he was cut after two outings.
"For us, he is basically an insurance policy should we have a rash of injuries in our remaining games."
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The Roughnecks will practice Friday night at the Saddledome from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be the first training session conducted by new head coach Jeff Dowling since his return to the Calgary camp.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 21, 2007
- Sting make pair of roster moves - Arizona Sting
- Palidwor Earns NLL Honour - Edmonton Rush
- Roughnecks Prepare for Critical Clash - Calgary Roughnecks
- US Indoor Lacrosse Selects 10 Titans to the National Team for World Cup - Orlando Titans
- Steenhuis Named Transition Player of the Week - Buffalo Bandits
- NLL Announces Week 12 Player Awards - NLL
- Six Wings Named To Team USA Roster - Philadelphia Wings
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