As a resident of Orangeville, Ont., Josh Sanderson understands it can be tough for West Division teams to get noticed in the Eastern time zone.
Since the dynamic lefty joined the Calgary Roughnecks, Sanderson was overlooked for weekly National Lacrosse League awards, despite leading the team to a Champion's Cup title last season.
Maybe the fact the Riggers play late means half the league doesn't see what he's doing.
That's why winning both overall and offensive player of the week awards yesterday is a big deal to Sanderson.
"It probably happens," Sanderson said about people falling asleep before Riggers games end. "I'm a hockey fan and I know I can't stay up and watch games out West. It might have a bit to do with it.
"So this is a nice honour."
Sanderson had the offence flowing through him in Sunday's 12-7 victory over the Minnesota Swarm at the Saddledome. The Riggers have a rematch tomorrow in Minnesota and a win would secure the season series for the Riggers.
With four goals and six assists, there were only two goals last Sunday where Sanderson didn't contribute directly to the ball going in the net.
The effort was especially important seeing as how the Riggers were without Kaleb Toth, the big-gun veteran who missed only his second game in franchise history.
"I got the ball a lot and when that happens, I have to produce," said Sanderson, who had 103 points in the 2009 regular-season and 19 more in the playoffs in being named Champion's Cup MVP.
"With Kaleb out, there were some touches that weren't around last year. I was aggressive with the ball. Each week it could be somebody different. We don't care as long as it gets done.
"We look forward to getting Kaleb back as soon as possible. With him out, everybody has to step up a bit. It just so happened the ball was going in for me. I didn't feel any different than usual."
Toronto Rock forward Garrett Billings won rookie of the week, Rochester Knighthawks netminder Pat O'Toole is the top goalie and Paul Rabil of the Washington Stealth is the top transition player.
IAN.BUSBY@SUNMEDIA.CA
