Somewhat Roughnecks related, Canada just went undefeated again in the world indoor championship with a gold medal win over Iroquois. Dickson and Evans on the Canadian side, Shattler on the Iroquois. (Also McBride playing for Ireland, Tyson Roe for England, Poulin for the Czechs)
Canada can pull together a pretty tough to beat squad, so many top NLL names on one team. Vinc turned away a zillion shots, great game from Matthews and Dawson.
Four more years to see if US or Iroquois can put a dent in Canada. As much as I enjoy the indoor game, the previous (outdoor) worlds in Denver was a better tournament. Much closer level of competition.
The inevitable happened as Andrew McBride announced his retirement after 13 years in the NLL, all with Calgary. He will be greatly missed and difficult to replace. We salute you Captain.
I once asked him about his broadcasting degree/diploma and his plans after lacrosse.
I thought it was cool that he said he kind of wanted to go into radio and do something beyond being a sportscaster or pxp or the like. He was looking forward to an actual career in broadcasting.
Evans has been dealt to the Black Wolves for Tyler Digby and a couple of 1sts.
Massive deal. Riggers got good value but it'll be tough to replace Evans on the floor. Digby is a handful. Was actually drafted in the CFL as a tight-end.
Shocker. I guess it'll be Dickson's team now with Evans, Snider and McBride all gone.
This makes more sense.
Quote:
"Shawn expressed a strong desire to play closer to home and his young family of three daughters including 14-month-old twins,” said Roughnecks general manager Mike Board. “We feel this deal is one that is good for both the organization and Shawn. We wish Shawn and his family all the best and want to thank him for his contributions to the Roughnecks over the last four years.”
Wow Evans was so clutch for us. This changes the Riggers alot. But maybe its what they need. but based on Evans wanting to be closer to family better to get value for him now vs having him walk away as a Free agent.
Wow Evans was so clutch for us. This changes the Riggers alot. But maybe its what they need. but based on Evans wanting to be closer to family better to get value for him now vs having him walk away as a Free agent.
Riggers will sure look different this year.
I don't know if that is a bad thing. Losing Evans will hurt, but in my opinion ( I am just a casual Lacrosse fan) something wasn't right with the team last year. I don't know if it was complacency, or if teams just knew how to play the Riggers because they'd become predictable, but something was off.
I agree with that but it certainly wasn't Evans. Dude was the total package - the talent and the unreal effort. Toughest lacross player pound for pound I ever covered. And a great guy to boot.
But I get it - he has a young family and needs to be closer to home. Digby will be unlike any player the Roughnecks have had since...well I don't know if they've ever had someone like him. Such a unique combination of size and skill.
The attack will look completely different this year- which isn't a bad thing. It had gotten stale.
I'll just leave this here:
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Totally agree with both points.
This could very well mix things up and get us back where we once were.
I like the fact we are getting a big body back. Dont recall if we have ever had a really big offensive guy Digby.
Looking forward to seeing how the team plays this year.
