Gameday!
It’s finally time to jerk the curtain on the home half what could be…without being overly melodramatic…the most important season in Roughnecks history.
The championship year of 2004 seems like part of the dim, dark past, as failed expectations the last three seasons forced a huge off season shakeup. Half of the faces that took the floor against Coldorado last week weren’t in Riggers’ colours last year, while on the bench, Troy Cordingley takes over a team desparate for a return to contention.
We’ll see if off season labour strife left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, or if they’re willing to forget the ill-conceived showdown that led to the cancellation…and salvation of the ‘08 campaign. While the Roughnecks benefit from some long term labour stability, and the extra availability of players cut loose by 2 teams that decided to skip the season, ownership also has to deal with the loss of major sponsorship and a season ticket base that while not having shrunk, hasn’t grown either.
That aside, the best way to sell this game is with the product itself, and as I’ve been preaching for years, if you haven’t checked out this sport and this team close up, do ourself a favour.
Tonight I promise you hard hits, high speed, lots of scoring, and a night out that’ll leave you wanting more. For the experienced fan, keep an eye on Steve Dietrich in net, who promises to give this team the kind of netminding not seen since Curtis Palidwor was at his best in ‘04. Watch a defense that’ll challenge and pursue attackers, rather than sitting back and reacting. Watch an offense re-charged by the additions of players like Dane Dobbie and Curt Malawsky, and led once again by 104 point man Lewis Ratcliff, who put up 7 points against the Mammoth.
Pat Steinberg and I will be on air with a special Sportsline Saturday from the ‘Dome. Catch us along with a steady stream of Roughnecks players and coaches from 4 to 7 this afternon.
Now on a lighter note, a new notes and observations for tonight:
-You might need to pay the babysitter for an extra hour. In last year’s season opener, these same two teams set an NLL record for longest game ever, exentually won by San Jose 17-16 in OT.
-Appearing in support of the Roughnecks breast cancer fundraiser at a news conference this week, Stamps linebacker Scott Coe talked about wanting to try out for the ‘Riggers when his CFL days are done. Perhaps the team would be better served by recruiting Henry Burris’ wife Nicole, whos starred in field lacrosse during the couple’s days at Temple. Both Coe and Burris will be at the game tonight.
-The team’s sporting pink jerseys tonight, but for Kaleb Toth, the problem colour is white. The team’s supplying pink ties for the players to wear before and after the game tonight, and yesterday on Mike’s show, Toth told us he doesn’t own a white dress shirt to go with the tie! Two words, Toth. Wal-Mart.
-The Roughnecks get next weekend off, then head to San Jose for a return visit with the Stealth on the 25th, returning for a home date against Portland a night later. It’s an off night for the Flames during the all-star break, so make sure you check it out.
-Check here tomorrow..I’m hoping to have the results of the auctions for the game worn pink jerseys. Enjoy the game.
Dave