The final score read 13-12 for Calgary, but the Vancouver Stealth couldn’t be overly disappointed with the performance Sunday in their last exhibition test prior to the start of the National Lacrosse League 2016 season.
In a thrilling offensive showdown at the Saddledome, Curtis Dickson counted two quick goals to complete the Roughnecks come-from-behind victory. The one-time New Westminster junior Salmonbellie sniper was held scoreless until the final six minutes, when he made the Stealth pay.
One-time Vancouver shooter Tyler Digby scored five times in the win.
The visitors were led by Joel McCready’s four-goal game. The Burnaby firefighter’s final tally put Vancouver ahead 11-9, but Calgary proved resilient. New West senior Bellie Keegan Bal counted three goals in a strong effort.
It came on the heels of the team unveiling its roster for the upcoming season – a roster dotted with local content.
Leading the way are Burnaby products Matt Beers and Chris O’Dougherty and transition player Justin Salt, while veteran sniper Garrett Billings, a one-time junior Laker, joined the club in an offseason acquisition that sent Tyler Digby to New England.
Also counted on this season will be senior Salmonbellies Ian Hawksbee, Curtis Hodgson, Cliff Smith, Logan Schuss and netminder Eric Penney. The 2015 Most Outstanding Goalie in the Western Lacrosse Association, Penney takes over the No. 1 role with the recent retirement of Tyler Richards.
Bal, who plays with the senior Bellies, is a practice roster player who demonstrated in the last exhibition test how valuable he can be. Also on the list is junior New West alum Jarrett Toll, while Brendan Ranford is a holdout, due to his hockey commitment with the Dallas Stars’ top farm team.
The season begins Jan. 9 when the New England Black Wolves visit the Langley Events Centre.
