Bad blood boils between Stealth and Roughnecks

  • By Aaron Lommers Herald Writer
  • Saturday, February 11, 2012 2:38am
  • SportsSports

Before the opening faceoff, Washington Stealth defenseman Jeff Moleski and Calgary Roughnecks transition player Geoff Snider dropped the gloves and fought.

It was the first of seven first quarter fights. When it was all said and done, the Stealth lost their fourth of five games to start the 2012 season, 12-11. With plenty of extra-curricular activity, there was a lot for fans to take in, and under the surface maybe a few things that the Stealth can take as they move forward.

The Stealth players protected each other. I don’t know what the feud was about, but it was quite apparent that these two teams had an issue and they were going to attempt to solve it on the lacrosse floor with their fists. Nobody from the Stealth backed down. I’m not usually the type of person that condones fighting in sports, I think it takes away from the product. But in this case it was nice to see the Stealth players have each others’ backs.

Brett Bucktooth, who recorded his first hat-trick as a member of the Stealth talked after the game about being there for your teammate.

“Part of the game is being tough and sticking up for your teammates and yourself and I think we did that,” Bucktooth said. “Anytime someone challenges your manhood you just have to step up.”

When the game finally settled down in the second quarter and the two teams actually got to playing lacrosse, it seemed that the unity that they showed in the first quarter carried them as the game went on. Goalkeeper Tyler Richards had the best game of his career, recording a career-high 59 saves. Lewis Ratcliff had his best offensive game of the season scoring four goals and of course Bucktooth chippped in his three.

It was perhaps the most complete game the Stealth have played this season, even in defeat.

“The work-ethic was fantastic,” said Stealth assistant coach Art Webster, who is filling in for coach Chris Hall as he recovers from treatment for throat cancer. “We battled all the way through.”

Webster said that the early season losses haven’t been a result of the Stealth not working hard, but more so the team’s mental lapses.

“It’s not a case of us not working hard enough,” Webster said. “We work very hard. We have to work smarter.

Webster was referring to a late game penalty that allowed the Roughnecks to take a late advantage in the game.

Rhys Duch had a chance to tie the game for the Stealth and send the game to overtime, but his shot as time expired was stopped by Calgary goalkeeper Frankie Scigliano.

“I was thinking Boston from last year,” Richards said, referring to Duch’s game-winner as time expired against the Blazers last season. “Miracles happen.”

But on this night they didn’t.

For all the things that the Stealth can take from this game, the fact remains that it is still a loss. The team is still 1-4 on the season and still has a huge hole to climb out of.

Player of the game: Frankie Scigilano (goalkeeper), Calgary. The rookie goalkeeper came into the game in relief of Mike Poulin and saved 34 of the 39 shots he saw. He also stopped Duch’s shot in the game’s final second. A shot that Duch has made several times before in his career.

Stealth Player of the game: Tyler Richards (goalkeeper), Richards saved 59 of the 71 shots he saw. It was a career-high in saves for the Stealth goalie. HIs performance gave the Stealth a chance to win.

Stealth Unsung Hero of the game: Brett Hickey (forward), Hickey didn’t score any goals on the night, but he was a force on the offensive end. The picks he set on Calgary defenders opened up the game for the Stealth’s scorers and gave Washington several chances to score. While it would be nice to see the rookie score a few more goals, he is doing more than his share of the dirty work.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.