A new year, a new commissioner, and two team in different locations. Year 30 of the NLL started last weekend with two exciting games. Week two looks to be an exciting week.
- Saskatchewan Rush (1-0): After winning the Champion’s Cup the Rush moved to Saskatchewan from Edmonton. New City, same team. After starting slow and trailing 5-2 at the half, the Rush outscored Calgary 8-3 in the final 30 minutes to get a hard fought 10-8 victory. Next Game: vs Vancouver Stealth Jan 15
- Colorado Mammoth (1-0): In a game that went to the very end, John Grant Jr. scored with 45 seconds remaining to earn a 16-15 home opener win. Grant (2 G, 5 A), Jeremy Noble (2 G, 4 A), and Adam Jones (3 G, 4 A) led the way. Next Game: @ Rochester Jan 9
- Toronto Rock (0-0): Last year’s Eastern Conference Champions lost in the Champion’s Cup Final will travel to Georgia to open their season. They will be without two key components, Josh Sanderson (PUP), and Garrett Billings (traded). Next Game: @ Georgia Jan 9
- Rochester Knighthawks (0-0) : Eliminated in Eastern Conference Finals. Look to get a healthy Cody Jamieson back, and return to championship. Next Game: vs Colorado Jan 9
- Calgary Roughnecks (0-1): A nail biter for the home opener, but the Roughnecks just fell short 10-8. Dane Dobbie (3 G, 1 A) and Curtis Dickson (2 G, 2 A) led the offense. Next Game: @ Buffalo Jan 9
- Buffalo Bandits (0-0): Year 25 of the franchise, and year one without John Tavares on the floor. Team will try to rebound from last year’s Eastern Division Semi-Final loss. Next Opponent: vs Calgary Jan 9
- Georgia Swarm (0-1): Tough first loss 16-15 on a last minute goal, but rookies Randy Staats (3 G, 4 A), and Lyle Thompson (3 G, 1 A) led the way. Johnny Powless had 2 G, 4 A. Next Game: vs Toronto Jan 9
- New England Black Wolves (0-0): New acquisition Shawn Evans and the return of Kevin Crowley seems to have sparked the club during camp and in the last preseason game. A healthy Quinn Powless will be a big help as well. Next Game: @ Vancouver Jan 9
- Vancouver Stealth (0-0): Garrett Billings returns home and hopes to get the Stealth firing on all cylinders and back into playoff contention. Big loss with goaltender Tyler Richards retiring. Next Game: vs New England Jan 9
