Marcelo A. Sagüez, Beat Writer Calgary Roughnecks
Lacrosse is Awesome
The NLL season is in full swing with training camps and teams preparing for the 2017-18 season. The Calgary Roughnecks would host the Vancouver Stealth in some pre-season lacrosse action last Saturday November 18. They would see historic pre-season attendance at the Scotiabank Saddledome with 12,857 fans screaming in exuberation as their team would defeat the Stealth by the score of 13-5.
Quite a turn from last weekend when the two teams squared off for a scrimmage in Langley, B.C. and the end result would see the Roughnecks suffering a loss 16-10. Both teams were missing key starting line players allowing for more floor time to the younger Roughnecks.
Stealth
Key Additions: Anthony Malcom; and Brodie MacDonald.
Key Losses: Curtis Hodgson; John Lintz; and Jordan Durston.
Roughnecks
Key Additions: Zach Currier; Tyler Pace; and Tyler Richards.
Key Losses: Jeff Shattler; and Karsen Leung.
At transition Zach Currier was third overall in the recent draft. This left hander is quick at his position and played well defensively. During scrimmages against the Stealth he managed three goals and has the vision to create scoring opportunities for the Roughnecks.
New team captain Dan MacRae is only the fifth captain in Roughneck history. The Ontario Native received a phone call from General Manager Mike Board mid-October giving him the nod. This promotion has added fuel to MacRae’s fire making it easier to spend more time training and preparing for the upcoming lacrosse season.
MacRae was quoted as saying: “I don’t want to change anything drastically that I’m doing on the floor or in the room. I’ve always been a positive, upbeat guy. When things are tough, just trying to make sure that we are sticking to the game plan and being positive. In that regard, I’m just trying to stick to what got me here to this point of my career.”
Finishing fourth in the West in 2017 has not set well with the Roughnecks or their fans and they’re looking for a bounce back season.
The Roughnecks open the regular season on Saturday December 9, 2017 when they head to Blue Cross Arena to face the Rochester Knighthawks, game time 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Marcelo A. Sagüez, Beat Writer Calgary Roughnecks
Lacrosse is Awesome