NLL Calgary Roughnecks

Toronto beaten in Toronto

February 24, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release


In one of the most unlikely results in recent National Lacrosse League history, the Calgary Roughnecks tonight went into the unfriendly confines of Toronto's Air Canada Centre and crushed the Rock 17-13.

Late Friday night, Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Hall was fired following a 9-12 embarrassment at the hands of the Rock in front of one of the largest crowds in Riggers' history. Minutes later, Hall's assistant Kevin Alexander resigned.

That meant Calgary took the red-eye flight with only one regular assistant coach on board. With no time to find a replacement head coach, General Manager Kurt Silcott took over as bench boss. It was the first time in his life he had coached a lacrosse game at any level.

"I'd like to say the credit all goes to me, "laughed Silcott, "but the truth is the boys were absolutely unbelievable.

"They played with a lot of energy, a lot of effort and a lot of heart. I could not be prouder of them."

Silcott added, "We told them before they went out they were not to give the Rock a single inch and it was imperative that they stand up for the guy behind and beside them whenever the occasion called for it. They did not let each other down."

After giving up an early goal, the Roughnecks fought back and by the end of the first quarter they led 5-2. They extended that advantage to 11-6 at the half, and were in front 14-8 with just 15 minutes remaining.

At that point, the Rock showed why they are a perennial force in the NLL. They rattled off four unanswered markers to get within two goals of the ‘Necks with still 3:15 minutes to play.

But on this night the Roughnecks were in no mood to surrender and they registered four of their own (two empty netters) in under three minutes to lock up an invaluable two points.

Andrew Leyshon had the game of his life as Calgary's last line of defence. He faced 65 shots and beat out 52 of them.

Tracey Kelusky, Scott Ranger and Kerry Susheski each got hat tricks for the Riggers, rookie Jeff Shattler fired home two, and singles came from Kaleb Toth, Jeff Moleski, Andrew McBride, Nolan Heavenor, Lewis Ratcliff and Taylor Wray (his first goal of the season).

Toronto replied through Chad Thompson (4), Blaine Manning (2), Phil Sanderson, Josh Sanderson, Rusty Kruger, Ryan Benesch, Matt Shearer, Jim Veltman and Chris Driscoll.

The Roughnecks are now 5-4 on the season.

Check out the Calgary Roughnecks Statistics



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 24, 2007


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