Thread Tools

Display Modes

**truebluefan** · 03-03-2008, 10:50 PM

Ray Bala, Toronto - After a week off the Rock welcomed Captain Jim Veltman back from an injury and the Calgary Roughnecks to Toronto. The Rock were coming off a great game on Feb. 15th where they had beaten the Bandits convincingly at home. The Roughnecks on the other hand were coming of a loss to the Portland Lumberjax where they experienced a late game collapse. Looking to go two games above .500 and anchored by their great all around play in the fourth quarter, Toronto would mount a spectacular come from behind effort to beat the Roughnecks 9-7.

The game began with an exciting start to the first half that saw two five minute majors in the first five seconds setting the tone of the game - physical. The Roughnecks registered the first goal to take an early lead, but the Rock would shortly knot up the game on a Kasey Beirnes goal just about midway through the quarter. Despite some stellar defense the tie would be broken by another Calgary goal at the 9:40 mark of the first quarter followed by one at 12:38 giving the Riggers a two goal lead. The Rock would have some scoring chances late in the first but the Roughnecks' tough play on the defensive end would keep Toronto in check ending the first with Calgary up 3-1.

Toronto struck first in the second quarter and "Scoop" Veltman would catch Blaine Manning in stride early on to complete the offensive drive to bring the home team within one. But the Roughnecks would score again not long after on a Kelly Hall goal to put the lead back at two. The two teams' physical play seemed to cancel each other out through the middle of the quarter. A Calgary goal on a breakaway was waved off for a crease violation and would seem to turn the momentum in the Rock's favour, as the Roughnecks were called for two penalties resulting in a two man power play for Toronto. Manning would take advantage of the situation to score again in the quarter to bring Toronto closer to evening out the score. Despite being outshot in the half the Rock closed out the first two quarters strong to trail only by one, 4-3.

The Rock came out of the locker room after the half with a sense of urgency and did not waste any time. Kasey Beirnes would score very early in the third to tie the game for a moment before the Roughnecks answered quickly with two quick goals to make it 6-4 Calgary before the midway point of the third. The Rock would pull within one goal again on a great effort by Aaron Wilson only to have the Roughnecks return their lead to two after a five minute penalty left Toronto shorthanded. In spite of that, the Toronto defense, anchored by Bob Watson who made some great stops eventually led to a breakaway that resulted in a shorthanded goal scored by Rob Marshall to pull Toronto within striking distance with just over two minutes in the third. The very physical third ended with the Rock down by one, 7-6.

The final quarter began as a dogfight as both teams let their heart and defense take over. Both goaltenders would put on a clinic in protecting the pipes stopping everything thrown at them for the first eight minutes of the fourth. The scoreless drought would be broken by Josh Sanderson who brought the crowd to its feet by putting in the game tying goal for the Rock, 7-7. With both teams not giving an inch, the game became more physical as the clock ticked down. With the crowd already worked into frenzy, Manning would complete his hat trick in spectacular fashion on a diving goal giving the Rock their first lead of the game at the 13:43 mark. Marshall would put in the insurance goal in an empty net with thirteen seconds left to seal the win with the final score of 9-7.

The Rock were led on the offensive end by Blaine Manning with four points (3 goals, 1 assist) and Josh Sanderson with four points (1 goal, 3 assists). Kasey Beirnes followed with two goals and an assist. Not to be outdone, the Toronto defense played a great game lead by Peter Lough and Cam Woods. Bob "Whipper" Watson would record the win stopping 12 of his 41 saves in the crucial fourth period to keep the win.

The Rock will travel next weekend to face off against the Philadelphia Wings at the Wachovia Center on Saturday March 8th. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. EST and will be available on Rogers Sportsnet and the B2 Network.

**truebluefan** · 03-03-2008, 10:50 PM

The Buffalo Bandits handed the Philadelphia Wings their first loss of the season Saturday night, defeating them by a score of 21-12. The victory now moves Buffalo to 6-4 on the season. This is the second time this season the Bandits have defeated and unbeaten team their first loss of the season. Buffalo handed the Minnesota Swarm their first loss of the season on February 16 by a score of 16-14. Prior to the loss the Swarm was 6-0 on the season.

Mark Steenhuis and Cory Bomberry led the Bandits in scoring with 10 points each. Steenhuis posted four goals and six assists. Bomberry tallied three goals and seven assists, including the game-winning goal. Delby Powless was a close second with eight points (3+5). John Tavares also posted eight points (2+6). Roger Vyse added six points (3+3) to his season total. Billy Dee Smith added four points (3+1), giving him his first career hat trick.

Billy Dee Smith and Pat McCready led Buffalo with seven penalty minutes each in the game.

Ken Montour came in net for the Bandits in relief of Mike Thomson at 9:42 in the first period. Montour made 41 saves en route to his fourth victory of the season. The netminder allowed eight goals off 49 shots on goal. Mike Thompson started in net for Buffalo, making four saves on eight shots on goal.

The Bandits will next square off with the Minnesota Swarm at HSBC Arena on Sat., Mar. 8. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $19 to $29.

Tickets can be purchased at the HSBC Arena Box Office or at participating tickets.com outlets in Tops Markets. To order online visit WELCOME TO BANDITS.COM, the Official Website of the Buffalo Bandits. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 1-888-467-2273.

**truebluefan** · 03-03-2008, 10:51 PM

The Toronto Rock scored the only three goals of the fourth quarter for a come-from-behind 9-7 win over the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday night.

"They actually allow a lot of goals in the fourth quarter and that's something we talked about," Toronto forward Blaine Manning told Rogers Sportsnet.

Manning notched a hat trick, including the game winner with 1:17 left in the final quarter, and added an assist in front of 14,542 fans at the Air Canada Centre.

The Roughnecks (3-6) led after all three quarters, but couldn't beat Toronto goalie Bob Watson late in the game. Watson finished the game with 41 saves, including 12 in the fourth quarter to backstop the Rock (5-3) to their second straight win.

Scott Ranger counted his second hat trick of the season for the Riggers and added an assist, while Lewis Ratcliff scored twice and set up another. Jeff Shattler and Kelly Hall each had a goal and an assist, while Kaleb Toth returned to the lineup and chipped in with two helpers.

While Watson played well in the Toronto net, Pat ‘Paddy' Campbell was also solid in the Calgary goal, stopping 33 of the 40 shots he faced. Toronto's final goal was into the empty net with Campbell on the bench in favour of an extra attacker.

Kasey Biernes and Rob Marshall each scored twice for the Rock, while Josh Sanderson had a goal and three assists. Aaron Wilson also scored.

Just five seconds into the contest, Calgary's Ryan McNish took on Toronto's Scott Campbell in a spirited fight.

"That kind of set the tempo and showed that there's no love lost between the teams," said Calgary defenceman Bruce Codd.

Shattler, Ratcliff and Ranger scored goals in the first quarter to give the Roughnecks a 3-1 lead, while Hall scored the lone goal of the second quarter. Manning countered with a pair of power-play goals, including one with Toronto enjoying a two-man advantage, as the Rock trailed by one heading into the first-half intermission.

Campbell stopped 17 of the 20 shots he faced in the first half.

"He's making the saves for us when we're breaking down on D," Calgary coach Troy Cordingley told Sportsnet adding that the defence played well to contain the Rock to just three first-half goals. "I thought they did an awesome job."

Early in the third quarter, Beirnes picked up a rebound in the Calgary crease and fired a shot past Campbell to tie the contest.

Ranger and Ratcliff then scored for the Roughnecks before Wilson picked the top corner over Campbell's left shoulder to pull the Rock within one again.

The Roughnecks were then awarded a five-minute power play after Jon Harasym checked Hall hard to the floor. Harasym was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for dangerous contact to the head.

Early during the man advantage Ranger completed his hat trick. The Riggers then just about took a three-goal lead but Watson made a nice shoulder save on a quick-stick attempt by Jeff Moleski.

Jim Veltman then picked up the loose ball and passed it ahead to Marshall who broke into the Calgary zone and fired a shot past Campbell. Sanderson tied the game at 8:01 of the fourth quarter when his shot squeaked off the post behind Campbell and into the net.

Manning counted the game winner after he took a pass from Biernes and picked the top corner on the short side while diving across the crease.

"It was another ugly win," Manning told Sportsnet after the game, "... but we'll take it."

The Roughnecks now have a week to prepare for their next game against the Portland LumberJax (3-5) next Saturday at the Pengrowth Saddledome

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:01 PM

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League (NLL) today named Minnesota Swarm forward Craig Point Rookie of the Month for February.

Point, 22 (1/19/86), led all rookies in February with 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points (11-14=25) and also picked up 28 loose balls as the Swarm went 3-2 in the month. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound native of Ohsweken, Ontario ranks second on the team with 17 goals, third in scoring with 39 points (17-22=39) and tied for fourth with 44 loose balls in eight games this season.

The third overall selection in the 2007 Entry Draft has already been named Rookie of the Week three times. The Monthly Player Awards are determined by a vote of the General Managers and Head Coaches of the league's 12 teams.

Minnesota (6-2) meets the Buffalo Bandits (6-4) Saturday at HSBC Arena at 6:30 PM Central. The Swarm's next home game at Xcel Energy Center is Friday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. against the Chicago Shamrox.

Great lower level seats can be purchased for each upcoming Swarm home game. Tickets range from $12 - $52 and can be purchased in advance or at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office. Family packs and student discounts are also available. Contact Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151 or Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Official Ticketmaster site to get the best seats available. For more information on Swarm season tickets call 888-MNSWARM or info@mnswarm.com.

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:02 PM

The Philadelphia Wings' "A.I.", Athan Iannucci was named the NLL's Player Of The Month for February, taking home the honor for the second straight month. This is only the second time in history, and the first in twelve seasons, that a player has won the award in consecutive months. Iannucci scored 17 goals and added six assists for 23 total points in the month of February.

"I am very pleased that Athan has been recognized for this award. His consistent effort every night has helped us get off to a great start this year," said Wings Head Coach Dave Huntley.

Iannucci currently leads the NLL in goal scoring with 35 goals, ten more than his closest competition.. The Hofstra University graduate also has 14 assists and has scooped 65 loose balls in his first seven games played. The 25 year old was drafted by the Wings in the first round (eighth overall) in the 2006 NLL Entry Draft.

The Wings face the Toronto Rock in their next home game at Wachovia Center on Saturday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. when it will be "Dollar Dog Day." Fans will also have the opportunity to take pictures with their favorite Wings when the team hosts its first "Wings Photo Day" directly following Saturday afternoon's game. Great seats are still available and can be purchased by visiting Official site of the Philadelphia Wings - Wings or at the Wachovia Complex Box Office. Party Packs, which include four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas, are just $68 and are great way to enjoy Wings lacrosse with family and friends. Party Packs are available at wingslax.com or by calling (215) 389-WING (9464).

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:03 PM

The Wings will go "dog-gone-wild" this Saturday when they host the Toronto Rock at the Wachovia Center at 1:00 p.m. It will be Dollar Dog Day; hot dogs will be available for $1 during the game, and Mad Dog, the Wings' mascot, has invited his special friends from PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) for a pre-game pet adoption event, which will take place in the Broad Street Atrium.

Mad Dog and PAWS have teamed up to find loving families for his friends; doors open for the adoption at noon and will last until 1:00 p.m. PAWS volunteers will have several dogs available for adoption, as well as additional information. The Wings will also be accepting donations for PAWS. Fans are encouraged to bring pet related items, including: Kong Brand dog toys and other busy bones, KMR kitten formula, paper towels, towels, bleach and laundry detergent.

PAWS is located at Second and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. For more information about PAWS and the PACCA visit them at PAWS - Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society.

The Wings face the Toronto Rock in their next home game at Wachovia Center on Saturday, March 8 at 1:00p.m. Great seats are still available and can be purchased by visiting Official site of the Philadelphia Wings - Wings or at the Wachovia Complex Box Office. Party Packs, which include four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas, are just $68 and are great way to enjoy Wings lacrosse with family and friends. Party Packs are available at wingslax.com or by calling (215) 389-WING (9464).

The Philadelphia Wings are owned and operated by Philadelphia Wings L.P., whose principal owners are Russ Cline, Chris Fritz and Michael French. Comcast-Spectacor serves as the marketing, promotional, advertising, sponsorship and publicity arm of the Wings.

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:03 PM

The Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team will hold their Second Annual "Tip-A-Knighthawk" charity event on Thursday, March 6th to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association. The event is scheduled from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bugaboo Creek Steak House at 935 Jefferson Road in Henrietta. Last year the fundraiser brought in $1,066.27.

Rochester Knighthawks Chris Schiller, Pat Cougevan, Matt Lyons and Shawn Wilkins will work from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. to raise money for CURE Childhood Cancer Association. Bugaboo's mascot, Moxie the Moose, and the Rochester Americans mascot, The Moose, will also be on-hand. Further, the festivities include a raffle featuring donations from local businesses and area sports teams. The auction contains autographed items from the Amerks, Knighthawks, Rochester Rhinos, Rochester Rattlers, the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse.

New this year, fans can challenge players and dance team members to games on the Wii video game system for a minimal donation to CURE.

The mission of CURE Childhood Cancer Association is to improve the lives of families coping with childhood cancer or chronic blood disorders by providing emotional, educational and financial assistance.

The event in March is the first of two fundraising initiatives this season between the Knighthawks and CURE Childhood Cancer Association. On Saturday, March 22nd, CURE will allow fans to bid on the bears at a silent auction at the Knighthawks-Chicago Shamrox game at The Blue Cross Arena. Build-A-Bear Workshop® will also donate a bear signed by the entire team to help with the charitable event. Last year the event raised nearly $4,500 for CURE.

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:04 PM

The Eastern Division leading Philadelphia Wings have acquired left-handed forward A.J. Shannon from the Minnesota Swarm and goaltender Brandon Miller from the Chicago Shamrox according to General Manager Lindsay Sanderson. The acquisitions were part of two trades that sent Wings' forwards Dan Marohl and Keith Cromwell to the Swarm and goaltender Matt Roik and defenseman Brad Self to Chicago.

"AJ Shannon is a proven scorer that will add much needed depth to our offense on the left side," said General Manager Lindsay Sanderson. "In the case of Miller, we had the opportunity to add another number one goalie to our camp and could not pass that up, especially not knowing what will happen with Blazer (Rob Blasdell) since we claimed him from Arizona in the dispersal draft and he would have to return when Arizona resumes play in 2009. The coaching staff and I knew we needed to increase our depth and this move adds two big pieces to the puzzle."

The Swarm traded forward Mike Hominuck and a first round pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft to the Edmonton Rush in exchange for Shannon. Minnesota then traded Shannon to the Wings for Cromwell and Marohl.

The Wings traded Roik, defenseman Brad Self, a first round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, and their second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft to Chicago in exchange for Miller and the Shamrox second pick in the 2008 Entry Draft. Self has spent the past two seasons on the Wings' hold-out list due to commitments playing hockey in Germany.

Practice squad player Matt Eckerl was also added to the Wings 23-man roster.

Shannon, a fifth-year forward, has scored 22 points (11G, 11A) in seven games in Edmonton this season. In his previous four seasons, three with Buffalo, he scored 112 points (53G, 59A) in 50 games played. The 6', 213-pound Whitby, ON native missed the first ten games of the 2007 season recovering from an off-season knee injury after being acquired by the Rush on June 28, 2006 from the Buffalo Bandits. Shannon, a University of Virginia graduate, led the Cavaliers to the 2003 NCAA Championship in 2003 as well as the 2000 and 2004 ACC Titles.

Miller, has a 71% save percentage and a 17.04 goals against average in seven games for the Shamrox this season. The eighth year goaltender was chosen by Chicago in the 2006 NLL Expansion Draft from San Jose. He has seen 2,031 minutes of career playing time and has 1,282 career saves.

The Wings face the Toronto Rock next Saturday, March 8 at the Wachovia Center at 1 p.m. The matinee contest is dollar dog day with a special post-game photo session with the entire Wings squad on the concourse after the game. Great seats are still available and can be purchased by visiting Official site of the Philadelphia Wings - Wings or at the Wachovia Complex Box Office. Party Packs, which include four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas, are just $68 and are great way to enjoy Wings lacrosse with family and friends. Party Packs are available at wingslax.com or by calling (215) 389-WING (9464).

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:05 PM

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Swarm General Manager Marty O'Neill today announced the National Lacrosse League (NLL) team has acquired forwards Keith Cromwell and Dan Marohl in a trade involving the Edmonton Rush and the Philadelphia Wings.

The Swarm acquired forward A.J. Shannon and Edmonton's second round selection in the 2009 NLL Entry Draft in exchange for forward Mike Hominuck and a first round selection in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft. Minnesota then traded Shannon to Philadelphia along with a fourth round pick in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft for Cromwell and Marohl. The Swarm also released rookie defenseman Chris Courtney today.

Cromwell, 28 (9/7/79), recorded three assists and six loose balls in two games with the Wings this season. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound native of Manhasset, New York has collected 275 points (94-181=275) and 250 loose balls in 89 career NLL contests. The left-hander was originally acquired by Philadelphia on Oct. 18, 2001 from Buffalo in exchange for the Wings' first round pick in the 2002 NLL Entry Draft. Cromwell graduated from Rutgers University and holds the all-time record for career points and goals at the school. He will wear jersey #7 with the Swarm

Marohl, 29 (3/30/78), notched eight points (1-7=8) and 10 loose balls in two games with Philadelphia this season. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Annapolis, Maryland has recorded 347 points (107-240) and 348 loose balls in 89 career NLL matches. The right-hander ranked second in scoring on the Wings last season with 64 points (20-44=64) and picked up 71 loose balls in 16 games. Marohl graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He will wear jersey #11 with the Swarm.

"Recent injuries have made us question the depth our team had for a serious playoff run this season," said O'Neill. "With Cromwell and Marohl we gain two players with solid NLL experience and players I trust because of our past history. Both guys are gifted offensive talents with size and speed, something you can never have enough of."

"The last two seasons we have entered the playoffs short an offensive starter or two because of injuries," added O'Neill. "This trade will provide our injured players the opportunity to fully recover and allows our team to focus on what is in front of us in the second half of the season."

Great lower level seats can be purchased for each upcoming Swarm home game. Tickets range from $12 - $52 and can be purchased in advance or at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office. Family packs and student discounts are also available. Contact Ticketmaster at 651-989-5151 or Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Official Ticketmaster site to get the best seats available. For more information on Swarm season tickets call 888-MNSWARM or info@mnswarm.com .

**truebluefan** · 03-05-2008, 08:05 PM

BUFFALO, N.Y. (March 5, 2008) - The National Lacrosse League announced today that Buffalo's Mark Steenhuis was named Transition Player of the Week for Week 10 of the NLL season.

The 27-year-old right-hander scored four goals and six assists, and scooped 13 loose balls in Buffalo's 21-12 win over Philadelphia on Saturday at HSBC Arena.

Steenhuis is currently second in league scoring with 56 points (24+32) on the season. He is tied for third in goals scored with 24.

The Weekly Player Awards are determined by a vote of the general managers and head coaches of the League's 12 member clubs.

Buffalo's next home game is Sat., March 8, against the Minnesota Swarm. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $19 to $29.

Tickets can be purchased at the HSBC Arena Box Office or at participating tickets.com outlets in Tops Markets. To order online visit WELCOME TO BANDITS.COM, the Official Website of the Buffalo Bandits. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling 1-888-467-2273.

Thread Tools Display Modes

Thread Tools

Display Modes