Established 2013 Division LFL Canada | ||
Owner(s) Lingerie Football League, LLC League Legends Football League | ||
The Calgary Fillies are an expansion team in the Legends Football League that was set to begin play in the 2013 LFL Canada season. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the Fillies were to play their home games at the Stampede Corral.
Contents
History
It was announced by the Legends Football League on June 27, 2013 that an expansion franchise was granted to the city of Calgary. A series of public tryouts was held on July 7 at the Genesis Centre and on July 20. Of note, league chairman Mitch Mortaza wanted to launch a Calgary franchise in 2012 but endured difficulties working an arrangement with ScotiaBank Saddledome.
2013
With its first game in franchise history slated for September 14, 2013, the debut was rescheduled for October 5. This was due to concerns from all the teams in the league not being adequately prepared. In early September, it was confirmed that eight players and volunteers had stepped away. There were safety concerns as equipment was supposedly received only two weeks before their planned September debut. Complaints included that the equipment were used shoulder pads and helmets. Concerns existed over the gear being too light and not safe enough and could cause concussions.
The athletes that left the team indicated that there were also strong disorganizational issues with the league. The Legends Football League replied on September 16, 2013 by announcing that there would not be a season in 2013. Despite the fact that several players had left the franchise, a second round of tryouts was held on September 14 at the Calgary Soccer Centre on 48 Street SE in Calgary.
Projected 2013 roster
The original head coach for the Fillies was Jarrod Neufeld and the team manager was Daniel Reaume. Neither will be in their positions once the 2014 season begins. Before the LFL cancelled the 2013 LFL Canadian season, each Canadian franchise was set to have three players from LFL US compete for each franchise. Among the US competitors assigned to compete for the Fillies included Angela Rypien of the Baltimore Charm, Tamar Fennell and Theresa Petruziello of the Cleveland Crush.