Roughnecks win a close one in Toronto
Published on March 25, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - In the most significant away win in the franchise's history, Calgary Saturday went into the home of the champion Toronto Rock and emerged with two precious points.
Throughout the game the lead switched hands several times, though the disparity was never more than two goals.
But when it mattered most, at the final whistle, Calgary were ahead 11-9.
"This was a mammoth victory," said General Manager Kurt Silcott. "With the race so tight in the West we could not afford to drop to 6 and 6, and on top of that we had never won in Toronto before."
Calgary continues to head the West Division with a 7-5 record, while Toronto drops to 7-6 and out of first place in the East.
Man of the match Lewis Ratcliff, who registered seven points (3 goals, 4 assists), said, "This was unbelievably big for us. We played great and dictated what was going on."
He added, "The defence played fantastic. Pally (goalie Curtis Palidwor) took away the outside shot and our âD' never let their shooters get inside."
On offence, Ratcliff was ably assisted by skipper Tracey Kelusky who chipped in six points (5 goals, 1 assist), including one of the strangest goals seen in the National Lacrosse League this year.
Toronto goalie Bob Watson saved a Kelusky cannon, but in the process of trying an outlet pass, ran into a team-mate and the ball slipped into his own net. As Kelusky was the last Roughneck to touch the ball, he got the credit.
Other Calgary goals came from Kyle Goundrey (an empty netter), Kevin Dostie and Jesse Phillips, newly returned from the injured reserve.
Josh Sanderson is recognized as one of the league's premier passers. But on this day it was his shooting that led the way. He got four goals, Blaine Manning collected two, and singles came from Colin Doyle, Aaron Wilson and Rusty Kruger.
Calgary's hitherto anaemic power play was in fine form and went 4 for 6, while Toronto, normally deadly when a man up, had to be satisfied with a mere three goals on nine attempts. Three of Kelusky's goals came with the man advantage.
Devan Wray had a strong game in the face off circle winning 14 of 24 attempts, and Palidwor saved all but nine of the 48 shots directed at his net.
Calgary's next game is this coming Saturday at the Pengrowth Saddledome against San Jose. Ball drop is at 7.30 p.m.
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 25, 2006
- Mammoth too much for Rush - Colorado Mammoth
- Roughnecks win a close one in Toronto - Calgary Roughnecks
- Toronto falls to Calgary 11-9 - Toronto Rock
- Arizona Defeats Wings 13-12 - Philadelphia Wings
- Sting win 13-12 in Philadelphia - Arizona Sting
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