Stealth Hoping to Break Roughnecks 'Hart' as 'The Hitman' Visits LEC
February 13, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Stealth News Release
Vancouver, BC (Friday, February 13, 2015) - A well-rested and re-energized Vancouver Stealth (2-3) squad will look to make it two in a row as they host the Calgary Roughnecks (0-5) on Saturday on Hart Breaker Night, presented by Pastime Sports and Games, where Bret 'The Hitman' Hart will be the special guest. Face-off is at 7:00PM at the Langley Events Centre.
The Stealth had a bye last weekend, giving the players a chance to rest, heal some wounds and get ready for a Calgary team that's still searching for its first win of the season.
"I don't think a week off is going to hurt us," said Stealth Head Coach Dan Perreault. "It's how we prepare. It gave us time to get some of our guys healthy again, it gave the coaching staff a chance to talk to a lot of the players and reinforce what their roles are."
Vancouver's last game was their most complete effort of the season, as they downed the previously unbeaten Colorado Mammoth 16-13 at the LEC on January 31. The Stealth showed why they're considered a threat this year with Johnny Powless and new addition Corey Small each tallying 7 points while Tyler Digby had 8 points, including 7 assists. The defense welcomed back Chris O'Dougherty, who made his presence felt right away with a pair of assists and more importantly was a big reason why John Grant Jr. and Adam Jones combined to score just 1 goal.
"We knew we had to change our game plan from the previous week when they beat us in their barn," said O'Dougherty. "We studied film and made the necessary changes and they paid off. We'll have to do it against another high-powered offense in Calgary."
Vancouver received some more good news heading into Saturday's contest as defenseman Rory Smith and transition player Tyler Garrison were put back on the Active Roster. Garrison missed the last three games while Smith last played against Calgary in the season opener on January 3rd.
"It'll be another big boost to have those guys back in the lineup," added Perreault.
Lady Luck hasn't been on the Roughnecks side this year as the team has lost their first five games, three of those by 1 goal, including a 15-14 overtime loss to Buffalo last weekend.
"We deserved to be 0-3," said Head Coach Curt Malawsky. "Being 0-5, I think it could've gone either way. I'd like to say we deserved better. From a work ethic standpoint, the guys worked extremely hard the last two games. I thought we deserved better."
The division rivals met in the opening week of the 2015 NLL season where the Stealth scored 11 straight goals to complete an epic 18-14 come-from-behind win in the Scotiabank Saddledome. Rhys Duch led the charge with 9 points (4g, 5a), Ilija Gajic scored 5 points and Tyler Digby chipped in with a 4 point night. Vancouver held Calgary scoreless for almost 22 minutes including shutting them out the entire third quarter.
"They (Vancouver) relied on their backend and transition and were able to wear us down," said Malawsky. "They're a very dynamic offense that's a lot different than week 1. They move the ball very well, they're sharing the work, the load and the responsibility on the floor. That's tough when every guy on the offensive end is contributing."
"Calgary is a dangerous team," said Perreault. "We know we're going to have our hands full and we're going to have to be much better than we were against Colorado."
Wrestling legend Bret 'The Hitman' Hart, presented by Pastime Sports and Games will be at the LEC taking part in the festivities before, during and after the Stealth game.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet the legend:
Fans who are at the game can enter for the chance to meet 'the Hitman' at halftime in the FoxHole (100 lucky contestants will be chosen and will receive a 5=D77" photo to be signed in person). LEC Suite holders will also have the opportunity to meet Bret as he will be visiting the private suites during the first half.
The first 1500 fans will also receive a limited edition Vancouver Stealth Bombshells poster.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 13, 2015
- Minnesota Swarm Fall to Toronto in East Division Showdown - Minnesota Swarm
- Rock Paste Swarm 16-4 - Toronto Rock
- Rush Double with Mammoth this Weekend - Edmonton Rush
- Stealth Hoping to Break Roughnecks 'Hart' as 'The Hitman' Visits LEC - Vancouver Stealth
- Let's Play Two: Knighthawks Have Two-Game Weekend - Rochester Knighthawks
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