Yes, the Colorado Mammoth was the first National Lacrosse League team to use Twitter, but its latest first is likely more significant. Talented defenseman Rich Catton could be on the floor today for the Mammoth’s first-round playoff game against top-seeded Calgary.
Catton is believed to be the first NLL player to undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, the procedure that enabled Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu to recover in time to help Pittsburgh win Super Bowl XL.
When Edmonton’s Jimmy Quinlan fell on Catton’s knee midway through the playoff qualifier April 17, Catton’s season appeared to be over. Yet instead of a tear, the MRI showed a severe sprain, prompting team doctor Philip Stull to recommend the innovative procedure, wherein Catton’s blood would be injected directly into the knee ligament, jump-starting tissue regeneration.
Catton gave immediate consent.
“I’ll try anything to get back and play against Calgary,” he said. “And Dr. Stull reassured me that there is only an upside.”
After the 20-minute procedure, Catton returned to his New Westminster, British Columbia, home for daily rehabilitation and his weekday job as a sheriff.
After warming up today, coach Bob McMahon and staff will determine whether he can play.
“I know Rich wants to play and I’d like Rich to play, but knee injuries can be tough once you get out on the floor and chase people and check people,” McMahon said. “We’ll make him go hard to see if he can play.”
In 10 years in the NLL, the last four with Colorado, including the 2006 NLL championship, Catton has never missed a game due to injury. He said his determination is not tied to the team’s lack of depth, due to four season-ending injuries and a broken thumb that will likely sideline defenseman Ray Guze.
“It’s not so much because we have guys out,” Catton said. “I’m confident that whoever would play for me would play well. I motivate myself to get back as fast as I can because I don’t ever like to miss a lacrosse game. That’s lacrosse, that’s all sports — you’ve got to suck it up and come out with a win.”
Calgary (12-4) boasts the NLL’s best power play (60.18 percent), and second-best offense (12.9 goals per game).
Colorado (7-9) split the season series with Calgary and is boosted by the return of all-star forward Dan Carey, who played against Edmonton after missing 10 weeks with a concussion and optic nerve injury.
“All the pressure is on Calgary,” McMahon said.
Said Mammoth forward Brian Langtry: “I think we have a second life.”
Certainly, Rich Catton is hopeful that Langtry’s premonition also applies to his season.
Lacrosse
What: National Lacrosse League playoffs
Who: No. 4-seeded Colorado Mammoth vs. No. 1-seeded Calgary
Where: At Pengrowth Saddledome, 3 p.m. Sunday
TV/radio: No TV; Radio: 1510 AM; Internet:
Viewing party: LoDo’s Bar and Grill
Format: Single elimination, winner faces San Jose-Portland winner
