Chris Wardle did not mince words on Friday night.
“We knew we came out slow last game, (a 13-9 loss to San Diego). We knew we had to come out with energy,” Wardle said.
The Colorado Mammoth did just that, leading 3-1 after the first quarter against the Georgia Swarm. They would trail for less than four minutes, claiming a 13-10 victory over the still winless Swarm.
Georgia took that short-lived lead on the back of three-straight goals to start the second half: the first from Bryan Cole on the power play, and the second from Seth Oakes who bounced it in for his second of the game, four on four.
Fifteen seconds later, Adam Wiedemann raced in on Colorado netminder Dillon Ward. Weidemann’s shot disappeared in Ward’s equipment as he fell backward and across the goal line. Initially, the play was blown dead and possession awarded to the Mammoth. But, as they came across center, Ed Comeau challenged. Replay showed the ball getting caught near Ward’s shoulder and crossing the line as momentum carried him into the net.
The lead was short-lived because Connor Robinson (who would finish with seven points) worked around a Wardle pick and shot from straight on, tying the game at eight.
Robinson scored four goals on the night, and credited Wardle saying, “[He] is good at setting picks… They’re setting the picks, doing the dirty work, getting me open.” Video was posted on social media of Wardle being named Mammoth player of the game for his efforts, and his six assists.
Oakes did re-tie the game at nine, completing just his second NLL hat trick, and first since April 22, 2017. Colorado then closed out the game with four goals, three on the power play.
It was not all good news for the Mammoth. Oakes’ first goal, in the second quarter, was an outside shot that hit off Ward and went in. Just off the crease, Joey Cupido stumbled and got up limping. He was seen struggling to walk off the floor, even using crutches in the tunnel to make it to the dressing room. He did not return for the second half, nor did he play the next night versus Las Vegas.
Robinson’s seven points helped him eclipse the 100 career point milestone; meanwhile, Robert Hope’s seven loose balls put him over 900 in his career. Robinson also praised Ward, who stopped 39 of Georgia’s 49 shots. “Every single game, we’re in it because [he] is one of the best.”
Andrew Kew led the Swarm with eight points (seven assists). Lyle Thompson finished with four (two goals). Brett Dobson, despite a number of acrobatic saves, took the loss, allowing 12 goals while also facing 49 shots.
Colorado quickly turn around to travel to Las Vegas on Saturday, while Georgia prepare to host the surging Toronto Rock to kick off week 11 on Friday.
