Taylor Wray makes team Canada
Published on April 5, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - When Calgary Roughneck Taylor Wray won a gold medal with Canada in the world field lacrosse championships last summer, he thought he'd reached the pinnacle of his chosen sport.
But today he learned he has also been selected to represent his country at the world indoor lacrosse tourney to be held in Halifax, beginning May 14.
"It's hard to accept what has happened to me in the past 12 months," said Wray. "First it was the field worlds, then I was a starter in the NLL's All-Star game, and now this announcement. It's almost unbelievable."
As Canada is a heavy favourite to win in Halifax, Wray could well have gold medals in two styles of lacrosse by the end of May.
"That would be the icing on the cake," said Wray. "The fact that I even have a chance at that double just blows my mind. What an honour!"
In typical fashion, Wray, 25, who has been the lynchpin of the Calgary back end since he entered the league in 2004, gives much of the credit for his success to his fellow Riggers.
"When you play defence, you are only as good as the people around you," said Wray. "Fortunately, the guys I play with week after week are among the best in the league. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to represent them in Halifax."
Wray, 6ft. 2in. and 225lbs, is a native of Edmonton.
He was the Roughnecks 1st pick (2nd overall) in the NLL's entry draft in 2003.
"I am not surprised Taylor has been picked to play for Canada," said Kurt Silcott, the Roughnecks General Manager. "He's a horse out there on the floor. He's our general when we are on defence, he's intelligent, he hits as hard as anyone, he's our best collector of loose balls and he also has the knack of scoring goals when we need them most."
In 2004, the year Calgary won the Champion's Cup, Wray was named the NLL's Rookie of the Year and also Co-Defender of the Year.
He has won the Minto Cup twice (2000 and 2002), the Founder's Cup in 1999, and NCAA championships while at Duke University.
When not playing lacrosse, he's a coach at the National Sports Academy in Calgary.
The other defenders named to the Canadian team are:
Ryan Cousins, Minnesota
John Gallant, Colorado
Peter Lough, Arizona
Bruce Murray, Arizona
Scott Self, Arizona, and
Andrew Turner, Edmonton
Team Canada's goaltenders, transition players and forwards will be announced in coming weeks.
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 5, 2007
- Minnesota Swarm Announces Military Night - Minnesota Swarm
- Taylor Wray makes team Canada - Calgary Roughnecks
- Three Sting defensemen selected to play for Team Canada - Arizona Sting
- Tavares Named NLL Player of the Month for March - Buffalo Bandits
- NLL Playoffs return to Pepsi Center - Colorado Mammoth
- Game Preview: New York Titans at Philadelphia Wings - Orlando Titans
- KSTC.TV Channel 45 to Telecast Friday's Minnesota Swarm Game at Toronto Rock - Minnesota Swarm
- Kroenke purchases Arsenal stake - Colorado Mammoth
- NLL Announces March Player Awards - NLL
- Edmonton Rush vs Calgary Roughnecks - Edmonton Rush
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