Roughnecks Stop Rush
January 13, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
The Calgary Roughnecks kicked off their 2006 campaign with an 11-9 victory over the Edmonton Rush in front of 13,335 fans at the Pengrowth Saddledome Friday night.
The build up to this game was enormous and while many fans may have anticipated a game of fisticuffs, both teams let their sticks do the talking at both ends of the floor.
After giving up the first goal of the game to Jordan Cornfield of the Rush, Calgary exploded with a four goal run, including two in two minutes by Taylor Wray, who missed most of the 2005 campaign with injuries.
Player of the Game, Lewis Ratcliff, who confounded the Rush defense all night scored two of his five goals in the second quarter to help the ânecks to a 7-3 half time lead.
The visitors came out determined in the third frame, tearing off a three goal run to draw within one goal of their hosts, however, Ratcliff and Tracey Kelusky rattled off a quick pair to re-establish a two goal advantage.
Though the Rush were handed 12 power play opportunities to the Roughnecks 8, starting goalie, Curtis Palidwor stood firm holding Edmonton to 3-12 with the man up.
Edmonton continued to batter the Roughnecks defense in the fourth quarter, drawing within one again with 12 minutes left in the game, but Calgary buckled down and stalled the Rush attack.
After Taylor Wray became entangled with Rush goalie, Pat Campbell and forward, Ted Jenner at the end of a fantastic full floor sprint, Jason Wulder put the final nail in Edmonton's coffin with a beautiful goal on the resulting power play.
Leading the Roughnecks in scoring were Ratcliff (5G, 1A), Kelusky (1G, 3A), Wulder (1G, 3A), Andrew Biers (3A), Kyle Goundrey (1G, 2A) and Taylor Wray (2G, 1A).
The Roughnecks continue at home next Friday against the Minnesota Swarm at 7:30pm and hit the road on Saturday for round two of the Battle of Alberta in Edmonton also at 7:30; the game against the Rush will be shown live on Rogers Sportsnet.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 13, 2006
- Stealth Lose Defensive Battle To Division Rival - San Jose Stealth
- Sting prove to be a tough competitor as Jax lose 12-7 - Portland Lumberjax
- Roughnecks Stop Rush - Calgary Roughnecks
- Steenhuis Spectacular as Rock lose 13-11 to visiting Buffalo Bandits - Toronto Rock
- LumberJax first ever game tonight at Arizona - Portland Lumberjax
- Swarm Re-Signs Defenseman Shawn Summerfield - Minnesota Swarm
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