Damude’s 50 Saves, Crawford’s Five Goals Propel Panther City Past Vancouver, 14–13

FORT WORTH, Texas — Callum Crawford scored five goals and Nick Damude made a career-high 50 saves as Panther City Lacrosse Club held off the Vancouver Warriors 14–13 on Feb. 11, 2023, at Dickies Arena.

The one-goal victory improved Panther City to 5–4 and came in front of an announced crowd of 3,657 in the club’s first home game since Dec. 17.

Crawford returned after missing one game and immediately provided the centerpiece of the Panther City offense, leading the team with five goals. Rookie Jonathan Donville contributed eight points on two goals and six assists.

Panther City struck almost immediately. Transition player Josh Medeiros scored 26 seconds into the game and went on to record the first hat trick of his career. Medeiros finished with three goals and an assist while tying for the team lead with nine loose balls.

Vancouver kept the game close, however, forcing Panther City to withstand runs and momentum changes before securing the 14–13 victory.

Damude provided the foundation at the other end of the floor.

The Panther City goaltender stopped 50 of Vancouver’s 63 shots, a .794 save percentage and a career high. His previous best was 48 saves against Saskatchewan on Dec. 31, 2022.

Panther City coach Tracey Kelusky credited Damude and the defense afterward while also pointing to the team’s growing ability to navigate close games. Panther City had spent its inaugural season establishing an identity; by February of its second season, Kelusky said belief within the group had become an important part of its development.

Crawford’s performance carried an additional connection to the evening. Panther City hosted Youth Lacrosse Night, and six teams from Crawford’s Tulsa-based Impulse Lacrosse Club traveled to Fort Worth for the game.

The veteran forward, acquired by Panther City earlier in the season, was playing only his second game with the club. Beyond his five goals, his experience provided a veteran presence for an offense that included younger players such as Donville.

For Panther City, the result was another step forward in its second National Lacrosse League season — and a successful return to Dickies Arena after nearly two months away from its home floor.