It was standing room only Saturday night at the Stealthʼs fieldhouse training facility when the Vancouver Stealth took on the Calgary Roughnecks in their first preseason game. While the conditions outside were cold the action inside was hot, with the Roughnecks pulling out a gritty 9-8 victory.
In a game that saw both teams break half way through in order to get a look at everyone on roster, the players intensity certainly didnʼt disappoint fans who were treated to a great look at how both teams are shaping up early on. Prior to making cuts, the Stealth had a good look at some rookies and guys that could potentially make the squad as well as Veterans.
The Roughnecks started strong Saturday night and led 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. They would pull away with some strong play in the 2nd and lead 7-2 at the half behind strong play of Evans (4 a) and Dobbie (3 g). Both teams would change some personnel at halftime and the Stealth had a good look at some guys fighting for a spot. One such guy was Josh Hawkins, sometimes looking rather raw in the defensive end he showed some great speed and athleticism playing in both halves.
The Vancouver Stealth would claw back in the 2nd half behind a spirited offensive effort and would end up losing 9-8 with the Roughnecks hanging on to win a close one. The rivalry continued as the refereeʼs had their hands full at times with players who were battling hard and things getting quite rough in both ends.
Stealth goal scorers were Hawkins (1g), Sorensen (1g), Dobray (1g), Duch (1g, 2 a), Lundstrom (1g), Hill (1g, 1a), Smith (1g, a) Hickey (1g, 1 a) and Shewchuck (3 a). The Vancouver Stealth continue their camp sunday with an inter squad game in the final session of the 2nd week of training camp. They will meet the Roughnecks again on January 18th when they travel to Calgary in regular season play.
