Flames To Take Ownership Of Calgary Roughnecks

From Ian Busby at Canoe Sports:

"CALGARY – This will be a big day for lacrosse in Alberta.The Calgary Flames have called a 1 p.m. MDT news conference at the Saddledome where they will officially take over ownership of the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League.As first reported by the Sun, team founder Brad Banister will hand over the franchise, which is in great shape in terms of on-floor product.The Riggers just finished their 10th season in Calgary but ran into financial troubles and needed assistance from the league to pay the players.The Flames, already owners of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, control the Saddledome and have been the Riggers’ landlords from the beginning.Thanks to the Roughnecks, minor lacrosse in Alberta has grown over the past decade. The team was also helpful in bringing the Minto Cup to Okotoks this summer, and it will be the second time the national junior championship will be held here."