By:Marcelo Alfonso Sagüez
Beat Writer Calgary Roughnecks
The Calgary Roughnecks (6-7) travelled to Georgia to take on the Swarm (4-8) in the final meeting of these two teams this 2016 Lacrosse season. After a slow start in this contest, the Roughnecks pushed back to come out with the win 16-12 over the Swarm in Friday night lacrosse action.
Looking back to February 6 of this season the Roughnecks overcame a 9-3 deficit to beat the Swarm 12-11 at the Saddledome in Calgary.
The pace of this game was slow to start with the first goal coming from the Swarm’s Chad Tutton (#44) at the 6:40 mark of the first quarter before Calgary responded with Curtis Dickson (#17) getting his first of six on a power play 1:34 later. Roughnecks move into the lead 2-1 on a Curtis Dickson goal 12:25 into the quarter, but the Swarm quickly responded with two goals from Josh Gillam (#81) and Shayne Jackson (#32). Back to back power play goals were registered by Tyler Digby (#23) and Curtis Dickson (#17) placing the Roughnecks in the lead after the first quarter 4-3 over the Swarm.
The Swarm going into the second quarter pop in the first four goals, two by Captain Jordan MacIntosh (#24); two lone goals by Randy Staats (#83); and assistant captain Shayne Jackson (#32). Shortly thereafter the Roughnecks Dane Dobbie (#44) and Curtis Dickson (#17) pull the team within one.
Leading into the half Georgia’s Jesse King (#19) squeaks one by Roughnecks Mike Poulin (#30) putting the Swarm into the lead by two.
Into the third quarter Chad Tutton (#44) gives the Swarm 9-6 lead in this see-saw scoring battle.
Scoring a couple for Calgary Dickson and Dobbie, the Swarm’s Tutton and Jackson respond with goals of their own placing Georgia up 11-8. Roughnecks coaching decision to replace Mike Poulin with Frankie Scigliano (#92) would turn out to be a turning point for Calgary. Scoring in third quarter Dobbie (#44); Wesley Berg (#14); Dickson (#17); and Jeff Shattler (#77) putting Calgary up 12-11. Followed by a few more to ensure the win from Dobbie (#44); Berg (#14) and an empty netter by Karsen Leung (#21).
One final Swarm goal and second of the game scored by Josh Gillam (#81) but it was not enough on this night as the Roughnecks win 16-12.
Calgary heads to Denver to take on the Colorado Mammoth (8-3) at the Pepsi Center tonight. Will the long flight, the lack of sleep or the sheer excitement of last night’s victory play a role in what happens against the Mammoth? Watch for our recap of the game.
Marcelo Alfonso Sagüez, Beat Writer Calgary Roughnecks
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