Roughnecks snag Western Division with win over Rush
April 11, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
EDMONTON, AB - The Calgary Roughnecks captured the Western Division title Saturday with a close 14-13 victory over provincial rivals, the Edmonton Rush, in a heated Battle of Alberta at Rexall Place.
This was a crucial game for the Calgary Roughnecks, especially after the Portland Lumberjax secured their second win of the weekend with a 19-14 victory over the Minnesota Swarm.
The Roughnecks put themselves on the score board just 46 into the first quarter compliments of Josh Sanderson, but it remained a close game for the provincial rivals as they battled back and forth throughout the opening frame.
The first quarter ended tied at five with the Rush taking the lead for only a few seconds. Edmonton's Ryan Benesch grabbed the Rush's first go-ahead goal at 14:27, but the Roughnecks retaliated with Dane Dobbie scoring his first of the night at 14:59.
The second frame was a whole different story with the Rush coming out strong and regaining the lead, this time with three straight goals from Scott Self (2g) and Rory Glaves.
With the Rush up 8-5, the Roughnecks replaced netminder Pat Campbell with Matt King in an attempt to change the direction of the game.
The Roughnecks offense came back with more passion and determination and with five minutes remaining on the scoreboard, the Riggers put themselves within one after both Dobbie and Tracey Kelusky scored to end the frame 8-7.
The Roughnecks also made a big come-back in the second half, with Kelusky immediately putting a goal past Rush goalie Chris Levis at 1:24, tying the game at eight.
The third proved to be a repeat of the previous two quarters with one point spreads.
Roughnecks' forward Scott Ranger takes a penalty for goalie interference at 11:57 of the third and teammate Andrew McBride joins him in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Roughnecks are able to go into the fourth with a 10-10 tie after a short-handed goal by Sanderson.
For the first time since the first frame, the Riggers take the lead after a goal from Ranger at a 1:05 in the final quarter.
The Rush were still not willing to give in though and Teat brought the game back to 11-11.
The Roughnecks finally created a two goal spread with goals from Kelusky and Kaleb Toth's first of the night just before the five minute mark.
Riggers' Jeff Shattler puts away the 14th goal of the night for the Roughnecks to create a two goal spread with only 1:14 left in the last quarter.
At a final attempt the Rush pull Levis from the net during the final minute of play. Benesch is able to bring the game to 14-13 but still to no avail. The Roughnecks leave Rexall place with a 11-4 record and having clinched the Western Division.
The Calgary Roughnecks are back in action next weekend (April 17) when they play in their final game of the regular season, a matchup against the Portland Lumberjax.
Join the Roughnecks back at the Saddledome May 1st to 3rd weekend for the first playoff game.
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 11, 2009
- Stealth steal one from Mammoth in OT - Colorado Mammoth
- Roughnecks snag Western Division with win over Rush - Calgary Roughnecks
- Boston Blazers Beat Rochester 10-5 - Boston Blazers
- Swarm Defeated By Portland 19-14 - Minnesota Swarm
- Jax Clinch Home Playoff Game; Win 19-14 - Portland Lumberjax
- Wings Rock Toronto in Final Regular Season Home Game - Philadelphia Wings
- Rock out of playoff hunt for 2009 season - Toronto Rock
- Jax Playoff Bound With 11-9 Win - Portland Lumberjax
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.
