Kevin M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly– A Division of the Edge of Philly Sports Network.
The trio of Dan Taylor, Jesse King and Curtis “Superman” Dickson combined for 19 points in besting the Halifax Thunderbirds (9-6).
The reeling Halifax Thunderbirds went into Calgary (7-7) looking to lock up a play off spot.
After being left for dead a month ago, Calgary has enforced a sense of urgency and have turned things around in the West.
Let’s Get Started
Clarke Petterson (1g) rifled home a Tyson Bell (1a) feed at 2:35 to put Halifax in front.
Cody Jamieson (2g,1a) doubled the lead exactly one minute later.
Player of the Game, Dan Taylor (4g) kicked off his big night with help from his two cohorts, Jesse King and Curtis Dickson 4:02 later.
“It’s always nice to get the game-ball, It’s nice to have a big night. I’m more proud of the guys. That doesn’t happen if I don’t have guys like Jesse King feeding me the ball or Zach Currier making an amazing diving throw across the crease. I appreciate the kind words (from Malawsky), but I realize this is a team sport and it was a team effort.” The 24 year old Taylor said.
Jesse King (2g,6a) got it even at 2 set-up by Tyler Pace and Kyle Waters (1a).
Shawn Evans (1g,3a) and Dickson setting up Pace (1g, 3a) with a power play goal kept it knotted up.
That would end the first stanza scoring at 3-3.
Onward
Dickson and Mitch Wilde (1a) set up King for his second of the night with 2:07 played in the quarter
King and Pace assisted on the third straight Calgary goal scored by Tanner Cook (2g) pushing it to a 5-3 Calgary advantage with 4:43 played
Halifax battled back courtesy Jamieson potting Chris Boushy (4a) and Evans pass around.
A minute twenty seven later, Dawson Theede used Evans and Boushy to get the third tie of the opening half, 5-5.
Taylor apparently had had enough and ended the half with help from Zach Currier and the first of three assists, yes, three, from Christian Del Bianco. The battle was in full force with the 6-5 score.
Second Half
Calgary would make it four in a row when Shane Simpson (1g,1) scored on a pretty outlet from Del Bianco with just :39 elapsed.
Del Bianco got his assist hat–trick.with another transition break out to Simpson who found a breaking Dickson (2g,5a).
King and Dickson teamed up for Tanner Cook which was the third goal in just 2:15 and the wind seemed to come out of the Halifax sails.
At 4:14, Eric Fannell (1g,2a) stemmed the Calgary tide to get it to a 9-6 game.
Once again it would be Taylor who converted a pretty feed from King at 6:48.
Stephen Keogh(1g) with Taylor on the power play with a little help from his friends, King and Dickson, slammed the door on third Stanza and a four goal Roughnecks lead, 11-7.
Final 15
Theeded scored on the advantage at 4:27 but, Calgary had the final say with markers from Zach Currier (1g,1a) and Dickson at 9:11 to get Calgary a step closer to a playoff berth.
Inside the Game:
• Warren Hill stopped 34 of 46 shots in 58:06 and Aaron Bold stopped 2 of 3.
• If they gave out 4 Stars of the Game, Christian Del Bianco would be him.
Stopping 46 of 54 shots with three helpers.
• Jake Withers was his usual outstanding.
18 of 25 from the dot for Halifax
• Graeme Hossack scooped 10 loose balls in defeat.
• Calgary was 2 of 5 on the advantage with Halifax going 1 for 1.
• Calgary turns right around to take on Panther City on Saturday evening ..That will be a pivotal game for West Division playoff positioning.
“Danny got the game-ball, I thought he played really well. It’s surprising it’s taken this long for me — I feel bad, to be honest with you. He might have had one one few years back, but he epitomizes what the team’s all about. Week-after-week on video, he’s cutting the middle, he’s going down to tough areas, he’s generating open looks for his teammates, and he’s getting on and off the floor. He’s so, so responsible. He cares so much for the organization and the team.” Calgary Head Coach, Curt Malawsky
Roughnecks Dominate Halifax, 13-8.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
