NLL Insider

The defending champion Calgary Roughnecks are close to bringing back vets Craig Gelsvik and Rob Kirkby. (Photo: Larry Palumbo)

NLL Insider has learned that the Calgary Roughnecks are close to finalizing deals with former team members Craig Gelsvik and Rob Kirkby that will have both former pro vets playing for the defending champs in 2010.

Gelsvik and Kirkby both played huge roles for the Roughnecks during their ‘04 Champion’s Cup run, but after work commitments and an injury kept them sidelined, respectively, both have missed substantial time in the league, neither Gelsvik or Kirkby playing over the past two winters in Calgary.

Sources close to the situation  say that Kirkby, who hasn’t played for the Necks since ‘06 and the Victoria Shamrocks since ‘04, is in great shape and definitely looking forward to hit the floor in Calgary in 2010. Around the time of his departure from the game, many considered Kirkby to be one of the sport’s best two-way players, his style of play likely a perfect fit for the Roughnecks’ current defensive system.

Gelsvik, a former WLA defender of the year while with the Maple Ridge Burrards, was known for his hart hitting, physical brand of ball, playing for the Toronto Rock, Ottawa Rebel and Buffalo Bandits previous to being dealt to Calgary by the Bandits in exchange for Kyle Laverty.

Calgary also added rugged forward Craig Conn last week through a trade with the Toronto Rock, and picked up three prospects to bring into camp in coming months via the entry draft, highlighted by Delta Islanders power forward, Carlton Schuss.

Currently the teams only warm body lost from the rug has been Curt Malawsky, who of course has taken an assistant position both on the bench and alongside GM and president Brad Bannister in the front office

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