It ended with an NLL Champions Cup.  Not a bad season for the Calgary Roughnecks, who took a 12-10 win on Friday night to clinch the NLL Champions Cup over the New York Titans.   It was the best regular season in team history, at 12-4, but it was the postseason that defined this edition of the Riggers.

They allowed just 23 goals in their 3 playoff games and never once allowed a team over 10 goals in a game during the postseason.  It really was the coming out party for the less heralded, but immensley important defensive unit of the team.  The pressure based defence of the Roughnecks started frustrating teams from game 1 of the regular season; but their wins over Colorado, San Jose, and New York were perfect examples of how the Riggers want to play.  Bruce Codd was popping balls loose; Kyle Couling and the Carnegie (Mike and Scott) boys were relentless on loose ball scrambles; Jeff Shattler and Jeff Moleski were hawks in picking those LB’s up.  People close to this team were aware of their defensive prowess throughout, but many more are now aware just how important that was to a Champions Cup.

Offensively, what can you say?  I know they didn’t get the most recognition league wide, but when you had the consistent contribution of Sanderson, Kelusky, Dobbie, Ranger, Toth, Malawsky, Shattler, etc. you’re going to be in good stead.  It is hard to make an argument that there is a deeper group of forwards in the NLL.  But how do you distribute the ball to that many talented guys?  Well you don’t.  You just focus on scoring regardless of who’s on the scoreboard.  The offence had a meeting at the beginning of the year, and they made sure that there was no ego with this team, it was all about the big prize…an NLL Title.  That’s what happened all season long, and it was certainly on display on Friday night.

Congrats to Matt King and Paddy Campbell.  There could have been resentment between the 2 goaltenders.  Campbell had the starting job that King wanted; King took that gig for his strong play and went 10-0.  But after every game King won, the first guy giving him a big hug was ALWAYS Paddy.  Congrats to Bruce Codd, Kyle Couling and Curt Malawsky.  Almost 40 years of NLL experience and not 1 title, until now.  Congrats to Head Coach Troy Cordingley.  He follows up a Mann Cup win with Brampton with the Champions Cup; to me, no question, he’s the best coach in box lacrosse.  Congrats to Jeff Shattler, Mike and Scott Carnegie, Dane Dobbie, Mike Kilby, and Nolan Heavenor.  The new breed of NLL stars getting a taste of the title in their first 2 or 3 years.  To the vets…Tracey Kelusky, Josh Sanderson, Kaleb Toth.  They drove the bus.  Scott Ranger had his role changed, and never complained once.  For a guy who questioned his future in lacrosse, it’s good to see 71 get a title win.  To Andrew McBride, who’s now on his way to India.  He’s got more than 100 games under his belt as a Roughneck, and 2 titles

All in all, it was a really fun season to be a part of.  A great group of guys who put their heart and souls into the sport and who never forget to be as gracious as possible.  To see the 2009 Roughnecks win the title was fitting and deserving, and I’m glad I got to witness almost every minute of it.

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