We have the most complete analysis of the 2013 NLL draft with scouting reports, stats and interviews with the players themselves. Reports come from our exclusive scouts.Logan Schuss
Scouting report from WLA scout: Lefty Offence for New Westminster Sr Salmonbellies was all he was billed to be and more. He is the hands on favorite to win the WLA Rookie of the Year after putting up some sparkling numbers 29 goals 27 assists 56 points in just 12 games to lead all WLA Rookies in Scoring. Couple that with the stellar year he has had in the MLL TOP 15 in scoring in his rookie year with the OHIO Machine putting up gigantic number 27 goals 6 assists 33 points in just 10 games puts him in the drivers seat to be the MLL Rookie of the Year. Minnesota Swarm have already made it public they will be taking him 1st overall in the upcoming NLL Draft, could he be the 1st to win ROY in three leagues?
Scouting report from OLA player: Was a 4 year starter at Cornell on defense picking up 162 ground balls and causing 82 turnovers. While being a smaller defender he was still named the 2012 Defensive Player of the Year in Jr. A and was one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s 1st round pick (2nd overall) in the MSL. He started off in the MSL the same way he left off at Cornell and the Jr A level, earning MSL Player of the Week in Week 3. Scouts say he has top of the line positioning and footwork which make him such a great defender. In 11 games with Kitchener-Waterloo he had 8 goals, 5 assist for 13 points.
Scouting report from NLL GM: Long term I’d say this guy is the best player in this draft if he stays healthy. Already an ACL victim, he struggles with some size and fitness disadvantages. Out of the Josh Sanderson, Ryan Benesch mold Church is very creative and a deadly shooter. Church will generate points his whole career and the fact that he’s right handed is his biggest drawback in this years draft with some top lefties finally available.
Scouting report from WLA scout: Righty had a decent first year with Thunder in 2012 after Graduating from successful Junior Adanac program currently has played in only 3 games in the 2013 campaign with 1G & 2A for 3 points . Offensive minded athletic, big body.
Scouting Report from Jr A scout: Gritty, tenacious, athletic lefty with a good stick. Transitions well and can finish in tight. Solid D man, willing to drop the gloves to give his team a boost.
Scouting report from OLA player: Sorichetti hadn’t played box lacrosse since 2011, so his first season in Brooklin this summer was a slow one playing in only 6 games for 1 goal, 1 assist. In the Jr A level, he led the Whitby Warriors to the 2011 Minto Cup with 24 points. He is known for being very athletic and known for playing aggressive defense (11 PIM in one game this year in MLS). Soirichetti is also left handed which is always a plus. At Hofstra he had 60 goals and 33 assist over his 4 years playing midfield for the Pride.
Scouting report from OLA player: He is one of the top goalies in both field and box lacrosse. While playing field lacrosse goalie at Bellermine University, he was one of the top goalies in the NCAA. Ward had the nations best save percentage and was a 3rd Team All- American. He currently also plays for the Hamilton Nationals of the MLL. Even though he has all those field lacrosse accolades, he prefers box lacrosse and excels at it even more than in field. Last year, he won the Minto Cup with Orangeville Northmen while being named the tournament MVP. Ward played for Kitchener-Waterloo in the MLS while compiling a .810 save percentage and with a 4 wins in the regular season. Most scouts seem to believe he has the potential to be a top goaltender in the NLL and some even think he has a chance to go in the 1st round.
Scouting report from OLA player: A big bodied defender who played at Loyola College. He led Loyola’s defense and team to eventually become the 2012 NCAA National Champions. Reid was named a 2012 and 2013 USILA Honorable Mention All- American. Acton picked up 85 groundballs and forced 13 turnovers during his time at Loyola. He is currently a defenseman for the Hamilton Nationals of the MLL. Acton didn’t get much playing time this summer in the MSL for Six Nations, playing in only one game. He is considered a project player due to not having played a lot of box lacrosse recently but many still think he has the talent to be a productive NLL player by using his size and defensive ability to battle offensive players.
Scouting report from Jr A coach: No goalie improved more over the last 3 years in he BCJALL. Spencer emerged this year as a legitimate starter. Winning big games with his calm confidence. The big save was there when it was needed most.Ball control and communication are what sets Spencer apart from most other JrA goalies . Spencer does not throw out errant passes. This is vital for game management to either protect a lead or reduce a deficit. Communication to his defense is Spencers strongest asset. Having a set of trusted eyes with the vision to determine offensive schemes allows a defense to exert pressure where necessary. Spencer was the hardest working member of the Langley JrA Thunder in 2013. 1st on the floor and last off. This will bode well for Spencer as goaltending is a position where athletes continues to evolve until their late 20’s. The willingness to practice and educate oneself separate the great from the good goaltenders.
Scouting report from Jr A coach: Nick Stone is another player who can continue to improve on his already impressive resume through hard work and determination. Nick has an indomitable spirit that refuses to be denied. Nicks hard work on loose balls and ability to crash and bang are assets all teams continually look for as they are in high demand
Scouting Report from WLA scout: Currently toiling with the Junior A Adanacs towering presence , big body very soft hands , 6ft 8 inches 270lb he has no problems creating space Offensive Righty currently has played 9 games and has 13 G & 11A for 24 pts. He’s finally getting a chance in Junior A after a couple years of playing behind Church, Dinsdale, McIntosh . He kind of reminds me of the Morgan boys, Rich, Peter and David.
Scouting report from NLL GM: Here is a guy that has jumped around so much in the last few years in pursuit of his lax degree for the pros. Delaney put in solid year and registered solid numbers for the POCO Saints in the BC Junior ranks before heading off to Calgary in hopes of getting to the Minto Cup. A slow start in Coquitlam Sr A this year got him moved to Nanaimo at the deadline and that resulted in floortime and production from Delaney. Coach Toth opened the door for this goal scoring Junior to take his game to the Senior level just in time for the draft. Look for him to be a late 3rd round pick in this deep draft.
Scouting Report from WlA GM: Former Junior Shamrock this 6ft 175 lb Offensive Righty is coming off a great Junior career and a very solid Rookie Campaign with the Sr Rocks where he put up 6 goals 39 assists for 45 points, having spent some time on the injury list in 2013 he has seen action in 4 games and has 2 goals for 2 points.
Scouting Report from NLL GM: Leung has been a jack of all trades in his 2 years of Senior A ball in the WLA with Victoria’s Shamrocks. Leung is an offensive righty but due to an overload of talent this summer he been thrust into a transition/defensive role and seems to be adjusting quite well. While this has haulted showcasing his offensive talents for the coming draft it is making Leung a much more rounded player entering the NLL. Leung is a top 10 guy in most drafts and this draft could possibly be the same but again his right handed shot may push him to early second round status for 2014.
Scouting Report from Jr A coach: JJ Laforet is a beast! He takes every shutdown opportunity personally and almost never fails. The ultimate teammate, and a great leader, he is someone that you want to go to war with! Also, very underrated at the offensive end of the floor, given the opportunity he will bury his chances.
