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Former Edmonton Rush head coach Bob Hamley wasn’t exactly met with a welcome party in his first return to Rexall Place since being unceremoniously dismissed by the organization, so his new team threw one for him.
The Colorado Mammoth upended the first-place Rush 14-10 at Rexall Place Friday night.
“What a win, that was good,” said Hamley, who earned his first win in three tries against his former team. “It means a lot to me. As far as I’m concerned I wasn’t given a chance, but here I am. I’m very happy to be in Colorado.”
So far, he has coached the Mammoth to a 4-9 record where all their wins have come on the road.
But it was as close to a home win as possible for a couple other Mammoth members.
Friday was also a homecoming for Edmonton native Jamie Shewchuk, who had a game-high four goals and nine points, as well goalie Chris Levis, who split starting duties for the Rush last season. Mammoth forward Brian Langtry had five goals and two assists.
“We answered their little runs and got timely goals and guys stepped up,” Hamley said. “Jamie Shewchuk was unbelievable tonight and Langtry was unbelievable. Chris Levis played real well. It was a total team effort again and that’s what we need.”
The Mammoth not only need another win Saturday night in Calgary against the Roughnecks, but they will also need some outside help if they hope to make playoffs.
“We’ve been playing for our lives here the last few games,” said Shewchuk. “We’ve got a two-game road trip here in Alberta. I’m from here, so it’s nice to come back and get this win.
“Down in Denver we get great crowds and the fans support us there, but here I’ve got friends and family. It’s always great to come back here.”
gerry.moddejonge@sunmedia.ca
