The Calgary Roughnecks took on the Vancouver Warriors at Rogers Arena Friday night to kick off Week 12 NLL action. The teams are moving in opposite directions, with Calgary having won three straight games, while Vancouver has lost four straight. Prior to the game, the Warriors moved goaltender Aden Walsh to the Injured Reserve list. Former Finals MVP Aaron Bold would make his first start in net this season after recently signing with Vancouver. Despite losing the battles for faceoffs, loose balls, and shots on goal, the Roughnecks pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning 14-9. The win moves Calgary to 7-3 on the year, one game behind San Diego for first place in the West Division.
Slim halftime lead for Roughnecks
Jesse King (4g, 4a) took a lead pass from goalie Christian Del Bianco, beating Bold to open scoring at 1:16. Adam Charalambides (3g, 1a; 2:32) would equalize for the Warriors with a power play goal. The Roughnecks would respond with goals from Tanner Cook (1g, 4a; 5:24) and King’s second (11:55; power play) to take a 3-1 lead after 15 minutes of play.
Zach Currier (2g, 1a; 0:08) extended the Calgary lead to 4-1, but Vancouver scored five of the next six goals. Ryan Martel (2g; 1:58) scored unassisted to halve the deficit. Josh Currier (2g, 3a; 2:45) made it 5-2 Roughnecks. Chase Scanlan (2:52) added his own unassisted goal. Shawn Evans (2g, 3a; 3:31) cut the deficit to one before Martel’s second (6:02) tied it. Charalambides (6:51) followed with his second to give the Warriors a 6-5 lead. Calgary regained the lead before the half with goals from Haiden Dickson (4g, 3a; 11:07) and King’s hat trick goal (12:58; power play).
Roughnecks pull away in fourth quarter
Dickson scored his second on a power play 1:55 into the third quarter to put the Roughnecks up 8-6. Charalambides (4:53) answered with his second power play goal for his hat trick, narrowing the gap to one. King’s fourth (8:00) and Zach Currier’s second (13:28) pushed the Calgary lead back to three. Kyle Killen (1g, 2a; 14:24) ended the run and pulled Vancouver back within two, 10-8, entering the final frame.
The Roughnecks pulled away in the final 15 minutes, outscoring the Warriors 4-1. Tyler Pace (1g, 4a; 2:18; power play) and Dickson’s hat trick goal (4:26) extended their lead to 12-8. Evans tallied his second 21 seconds later, but Vancouver could not put together a comeback. Dickson’s fourth of the night (6:02) and Josh Currier’s second (12:26) closed the scoring on Calgary’s fourth straight win.
Other Stats of Note
Faceoffs: CGY 8 of 27; VAN 19 of 27
Shots on Goal: CGY 47; VAN 61
Loose Balls: CGY 64; VAN 98
Reid Bowering (VAN): 21 Loose Balls (led all players)
Del Bianco (CGY): 53 saves; Bold (VAN): 33 saves
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“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk was formally introduced to box lacrosse when he attended a New England Black Wolves game on a whim in 2016. Instantly hooked, he has since become an avid follower of the National Lacrosse League. Following the postponement of the 2019-2020 NLL season, he was offered the chance to share his wealth of statistical knowledge and unique insights with the lacrosse community at large. He cheerfully accepted, and currently serves as Edge of Philly’s correspondent for both the Albany FireWolves and New York Riptide.
