Stealth-Roughnecks' Playoff Showdown
April 13, 2017 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Stealth News Release
Vancouver, BC - The Vancouver Stealth (6-9) host the Calgary Roughnecks (7-9) in one of the most pivotal games of the season.
With last weekend's win, the Roughnecks temporarily leapfrogged the Stealth for the third and final playoff position in the West. Calgary is currently riding a three-game winning streak knocking off New England, Rochester and Buffalo. Curtis Dickson has played a major role in the surge for the Roughnecks. Dickson bumped Corey Small for the league's lead with 46 goals, 50 assists and 96 points in 16 games.
"This is going to be a battle. This game has serious playoff implications for both teams," said Stealth Captain Curtis Hodgson. "To get the result we are looking for, we need a full team effort and we need to grind to take this opportunity."
With three games left in the 2017 regular season, the Stealth are focusing on a playoff berth. Vancouver's scenarios for the playoff push are a plenty right now, including winning the final three games, winning a pair but losing to Calgary and several others. Regardless of the potential paths the Stealth can take, one thing is clear, Vancouver will rely on Tye Belanger in net. He has started the last 10 games, has an 11.37 goals against average and heading into Week 16 sits second in the league with a .787 save percentage.
"The team is excited and very hungry for a playoff position and this is obviously a crucial game," said transition player Justin Salt. "It is a big game not only in the standings but also because we are expecting a great crowd and we can't wait to hear them cheering us on. I think making the playoffs would be excellent for the city and the province."
Saturday's game is "Lacrosse on the Move night" where any youth wearing a minor lacrosse jersey gets inside the Langley Events Centre for free with a paying adult. The Stealth will also be wearing special British Columbia-themed jerseys. The jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the game. All proceeds will go to the Lacrosse on the Move Fund for BC Lacrosse.
To view the jerseys current bid go here . Tickets for the game are available at the Langley Events Centre Box Office at 604-882-8800, or Ticket Rocket.co .
Follow the Vancouver Stealth on the road this weekend with NLL TV and TSN Radio .
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