Following our first 2015 NLL Mock Draft, posted in late June, we bring you our second Mock Draft, that features the recently declared Derek Searle, along with many players whose stock has risen, and many players whose stock has dropped some as the 2015 summer season has wore on.
Round 1
1. Georgia Swarm – Lyle Thompson (O) – Onondaga Redhawks (Can-AM Sr. B)
While Thompson may have been surpassed by Jesse King, Wesley Berg and Graeme Hossack in the draft rankings, it’s almost a guarantee that the recently relocated Georgia Swarm will select the University of Albany star. The knock against Thompson as far as why the likes of King, Berg and Hossack may have passed him in the draft rankings is his lack of high level indoor experience over the past few seasons. While Thompson lit up the NCAA with the Great Danes, and has been very impressive in little time with the Onondaga Red Hawks of the Can-Am Senior B league, many would have liked to have seen Thompson play against the elite level talent that the MSL and WLA brings each summer. Nonetheless the Georgia Swarm will get an A-plus quality prospect in Thompson and when combined with brother Miles, the Swarm will instantly have a marketing gold mine.
2. Rochester Knighthawks – Graeme Hossack (D) – Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
It’s well known that Knighthawks General Manager Curt Styres has a desire to bring Six Nations Chiefs offensive stud Randy Staats, however with Graeme Hossack on the board and the Knighthawks depth up front, it’s going to be very hard for Styres and the Knighthawks to pass up on a prospect that arguably could be in the running for defensive player of the year as a rookie. The Knighthawks really have no holes to fill, and could most certainly move a handful of 2015 and future draft picks to trade back into the first round of the 2015 draft and still end up with Staats along with arguably the top prospect in the draft in Hossack.
3. Georgia Swarm – Jesse King (O) – Victoria Shamrocks (WLA)
The Swarm would have loved to have grabbed Hossack with their third overall pick, addressing their back end and forward core with two of their first four picks, however with Hossack gone the Swarm will “settle” for the uber talented Jesse King. The 6-foot-3, 205 pound lefty out of Victoria, BC has the ability to come in and be the Swarm’s number one lefty, allowing Shayne Jackson to fall back into a more comfortable number two role. King’s size also would be a nice addition to an undersized Swarm left side. King racked up an impressive 64 points on 33 goals and 31 assists in 16 games with the Victoria Shamrocks this season, and continues to excel as the WLA playoffs march on. King has the potential to win NLL rookie of the year next season, however the bigger question is, will the Westerner be in favor of being flown out to Georgia week in and week out?
4. Calgary Roughnecks – Wesley Berg (O) – Oakville Rock (MSL)
While the Roughnecks have a need on their back end, selecting Derek Searle fourth overall may be a bit of a stretch, especially with the uber talented Wesley Berg still available. More recently the Roughnecks lost Daryl Veltman from their left side, thinning an already thin left side for the Roughnecks, meaning a selection of Reilly O’Connor or Turner Evans would also make a ton of sense with the number four pick. However I feel Roughnecks coach Curt Malawsky’s familiarity with Wesley Berg from his time with the Coquitlam Adanacs Jr. A squad along with Berg’s outstanding athletic and offensive ability will make this an easy choice for the Roughnecks brass.
5. Georgia Swarm – Derek Searle (D) – Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (MSL)
After missing out on their defensive stud early on, the Swarm will look to Derek Searle to fill a need on their back end. Searle who really impressed numerous observers this past MSL season has shot up the Draft rankings as he’s displayed many qualities that weren’t apparent early on in his junior career. Searle while providing excellent man on man and team defense has quietly shown an excellent ability to transition the ball up the floor, handle the ball well and make sound decisions in possession. The 6-foot-3, 215 pound defender has even shown an ability to rack up some points this past season with the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks, as he picked up two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 15 games.
6. Georgia Swarm – Randy Staats (O) – Six Nations Chiefs (MSL)
Ultimately I believe the Rochester Knighthawks and Georgia Swarm will come together here and make a trade for the #6 pick, getting both players Knighthawks GM Curt Styres desires, while the Swarm will in return likely obtain yet another first rounder and possibly fill a hole on their back end. If the Swarm decide to keep the pick, not much changes as Staats is the best player available and will provide excellent depth on the Swarm right side. While Staats will battle with Callum Crawford and the Thompson brothers for playing time, he is currently excelling in what would be considered a depth role for the Six Nations Chiefs, playing behind Dhane Smith, Craig Point and Kasey Beirnes.
7. Calgary Roughnecks – Turner Evans (O) – Peterborough Lakers (MSL)
With Derek Searle going #5 to the Georgia Swarm, the direction the Roughnecks go with the #7 pick becomes much easier to predict. While the likes of Chad Tutton, Reilly O’Connor and Mitch De Snoo will likely be considered at #7, Turner Evans should be the name the Roughnecks call. Evans has excelled this season playing behind Adam Jones and Corey Vitarelli in Peterborough, and should find himself in an eerily similar position with the Roughnecks next season playing behind Dane Dobbie and Jeff Shattler, with fellow Lakers teammates Shawn Evans and Curtis Dickson patrolling the right side. The Roughnecks will still need to add to their back end as the draft moves on, or through free agency, however Evans is too talented to pass up at number 7.
8. New England Black Wolves – Reilly O’Connor (O) – Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
Another team who would ideally like to upgrade their back end, with Reilly O’Connor still available it will be hard for the Black Wolves to pass up a 6-foot-1, 190 pound playmaking lefty. O’Connor entered his first season in the MSL this season after back to back to back 100 point seasons with the Whitby Warriors. O’Connor is an excellent playmaking lefty that shows his elite level vision on a shift by shift basis. An extremely smart play, O’Connor may be one of those players who actually excels even more when surrounded with equally talented players. O’Connor’s lack of offense with the Brooklin Redmen this summer may scare some away, however he was still arguably one of the best Redmen players on a nightly basis.
9. Saskatchewan Rush – Chad Tutton (T) – Peterborough Lakers (MSL)
The newly minted Saskatchewan Rush will be thrilled if talented transition stud Chad Tutton slips to them at number nine. While the defending champs have next to no holes to fill going into the 2016 season, adding another lefty, especially a lefty transition player, would be ideal for the Rush. Tutton won two Minto Cups with Rush head coach Derek Keenan in Whitby and Keenan’s familiarity with Tutton should only increase the Rush’s interest in the 6-foot-2, 185 pound Courtice, Ontario native. In 11 games with the Peterborough Lakers this MSL regular season Tutton recorded just one goal, however in 2013 while playing in a more offensive role with the Brampton Excelsiors, Tutton recorded seven goals and one assist in seven games. In 70 games over his four year Jr. A career Tutton’s offense was much more noticeable as, he racked up 141 points.
Round 2
10. Toronto Rock – Mitch De Snoo (D/T) – Oakville Rock (MSL)
Last season the additions to the Rock back end coupled with the emergence of free agent Brett Hickey led the Rock to NLL final, with next to no holes to fill heading into the 2015 NLL draft, the Rock are in a position to add the best available player currently left on the board. While the left side of the Rock’s offense is aging along, adding a young lefty would be ideal, however its unlikely the Rock would add a Western based played like Dan Taylor at the #10 position. Which leads me to believe the Rock will simply add another quality piece to their back end in transition/defensive player Mitch De Snoo. De Snoo is currently enjoying an excellent season with the Oakville Rock, providing sound defense, getting under the skin of the opposition and running the floor very well. In 13 regular season games De Snoo recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, along with 12 penalty minutes.
11. Buffalo Bandits – Jacob Ruest (O) – Langley Thunder (WLA)
The Bandits where strong on the left side with Ryan Benesch, Chad Culp and John Tavares last season, however with Tavares expected to retire, a hole was created. But with the signing of Daryl Veltman and the emergence of the recently resigned Tyler Ferreira with the Brampton Excelsiors this summer, the Bandits should be at the very least, adequate on the left side heading into 2016. With that being said, the right side of their offense is severely lacking in depth behind Dhane Smith and Mark Steenhuis (who is still recovering from a knee injury). Insert Cornwall, Ontario native Jacob Ruest who is coming off an excellent regular season with the Langley Thunder of the WLA, and whom is currently excelling in the first round of the WLA playoffs. The former Burlington Chief, totaled 287 points in his 78 game Junior A career, and has excelled at the Major level, first with the Oakville Rock and currently with the Thunder.
12. Saskatchewan Rush – Riley Quinlan (D) – Peterborough Lakers (MSL) / Ennismore James Gang (OLA Sr. B)
In a perfect world the Rush would add Chad Tutton and Mitch De Snoo with their first two draft picks, however with De Snoo coming off the board at #10, the Rush will likely look to add to an already stout defensive unit, as the simply do not have any room to add yet another offensive player to the fold. While Quinlan may find himself in an out of the lineup for the Rush during the season, he will provide a solid depth option for a very sound defense, where playing along side the likes of Kyle Rubisch, Ryan Dilks and Chris Corbeil will only make him better. The hulking 6’3, 205 pound defender, is a stay at home type defender with a ton of grit and physicality, yet he can still handle the ball with a decent level of skill. Quinlan has split time this summer between the Peterborough Lakers MSL squad and the Ennismore James Gang of the Ontario Sr. B loop.
13. Calgary Roughnecks – Dan Taylor (O) – Maple Ridge Burrards (WLA)
Despite desperately needing to address their back end, the Roughnecks again find themselves in a position where it would be a stretch to select the next best available defender. However with the 6’3, 207 Calgary, Alberta native Dan Taylor still available on the board, I think the Roughnecks will be okay with selecting the hulking lefty, who is currently plying his trade with the Maple Ridge Burrards of the WLA. A player who has size, and uses it to his advantage, Taylor has an excellent outside shot and works the pick and roll extremely well. His one knock right not would be his off ball play, however having played just one season with Burrards, as Taylor adapts to the pro game, he is sure to become a weapon on any offense he competes with. This season Taylor led the Burrards in scoring with 56 points in 15 games on 16 goals and 40 assists, and continues to excel through the WLA playoffs.
14. Saskatchewan Rush – Dan Lintner (O) – Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
Despite having a tremendous amount of depth on their right side, the Saskatoon Rush are in a position to select the best available player, and at #14 that player is Dan Linter. The undersized, 5’9, 175 pound righty has been a lethal point producer since breaking into the Ontario Jr. A loop in 2009, where he scored 33 goals and picked up 52 points as a rookie. Linter would twice score 50+ goals during his five year Junior Career, while coming up just short of the 50 goal plateau in 2012, with 49. In 31 games of Major Series action with the Brooklin Redmen, Linter has continued to produce, picking up 74 points in 31 games. Lintner’s lack of size may be concerning for some teams, however he is a player that is not easily intimidated and has always found a way to produce. The pure goal scorer may be in tough to crack the Rush active lineup simply because of their depth, however his skill is simply to hard for the Rush to pass up on.
15. Calgary Roughnecks – Brad Gillies (D) – Oakville Rock (MSL)
Another player who is quickly, yet quietly moving up the draft rankings, Brad Gillies has had an excellent season with the Oakville Rock of the MSL this season. Gillies will fill a need on the Roughnecks back end, while fitting in with what the club likes to do, as Gillies is an above average ball handler and can push the pace in transition. The former Orangeville Northmen has excelled in his brief major career with Kitchener-Waterloo and Oakville, suggesting he should be able to make a rather seamless transition to the NLL games. Gillies speed and versatility should make him an interesting prospect for the Roughnecks going forward.
16. Rochester Knighthawks – Shayne Adams (O) – Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (MSL) / St. Catharines Saints (OLA Sr. B)
The Rochester Knighthawks, like many of the top teams in the NLL have few, if any holes to fill heading into the 2016 season, however you can never have to much depth, and the depth of the Knighthawks left side on offense, isn’t very deep at the moment. While Cody Jamieson is expect to return in time for the season opener and the likes of Cory Vitarelli, Jordan Hall and Joe Walters returning, adding a depth lefty that could step in an produce at a moments notice would be ideal for the K-Hawks. In saying that Shayne Adams seems as though he would be an ideal fit. A producer of 263 points during his 84 game junior A career split between St. Catharines and Six Nations, Adams has continued to excel at the Major Series level, racking up 40 points in 17 games as a rookie with the Oakville Rock. This summer Adams chose to ply his trade with his hometown St. Catharines Saints of the Ontario Sr. B league, as the club hosts the Presidents Cup, which may have ultimately dropped his draft stock some.
17. Toronto Rock – Mike MacDonald (O) – Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks (MSL) *Property of – Did Not Play in 2015
In the same position as Rochester, with little to no holes to fill heading into the 2016 season, the Rock find themselves in a position where they can take a flyer on a player who has shown glimpses of tremendous offensive ability. In selecting Mike MacDonald the Rock will get a complete offensive player, that is equally as sound as goal scorer as he is as a playmaker. The 6’1, 190 pound native of Georgetown, Ontario hasn’t played a ton of box lacrosse in recent years, and even when he has suited up, it hasn’t been at the highest level, with the exception of his 2013 Minto Cup run with the Whitby Warriors. That glimpse of what MacDonald can do at an elite level of play is what makes him an intriguing prospect moving forward. With Sanderson and Doyle moving closer to retirement, grooming a lefty to replaces them in the near future would make a boatload of sense for the Toronto Rock.
18. Saskatchewan Rush – Thomas Hoggarth (D) – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
The defending champs are selecting for the fourth time in the first eighteen picks, and considering they had next to know holes to begin with, predicting a selection at number eighteen is near impossible. However if you go with the theme of defense wins championships and you couple that with the Rush’s stacked offensive unit, you’d be led to believe that selecting another quality defensive player would be the route the Rush go. Thomas Hoggarth fits the mold that Derek Keenan likes to play, as he is a quick, agitating, physical defender that can handle the ball and push the ball in transition. While Hoggarth may be in tough to crack the Rush roster next season, he will in all certainty be in the running for a spot right down to the end. A year on the practice roster may serve him well, as he has looked great all season with the Jr. A Peterborough Lakers and looked sound with the Durham Turfdogs of the Canadian Lacrosse League last season.
19. Vancouver Stealth – Anthony Malcom (O) – Langley Thunder (WLA)
An elite shutdown defender or a veteran goaltender would be nice, however the Stealth aren’t going to find either through the draft, especially at the number nineteen position. However what they will find is a depth right handed shot, that will be able to come in and produce in a limited roll from day one. Anthony Malcom has contributed in a big way for the Langley Thunder of the WLA this season, racking up 26 goals & 23 assists for 49 points in just 18 games. In three seasons prior to joining the the Thunder, Malcom suited up with the New Westminster Salmonbellies Jr. A club, racking up 57 goals and 120 assists for 177 points in just 48 regular season games. Malcom will be in tough to earn a roster spot, likely battling the recently signed Matt Delmonico for the final spot on the right side of the offense, however being a local product, stashing Malcom on the practice roster would be ideal for the Stealth.
20. Georgia Swarm – Jordan Durston (O) – Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
The Swarm are another team who would ideally be looking to add another defensive player with their fifth pick of the 2015 NLL draft, especially after already nabbing Jesse Lyle Thompson, Jesse King and Randy Staats, however with youngsters Shayne Jackson and Johnny Powless being the only “veterans” on the left side of the Swarm offense, creating a battle for one of the final spots on the offense may be ideal for the Swarm. Adding the versatile Durston adds depth to a very young Swarm offensive core. A lefty that can bull doze his way to the net, finish in tight, beat you from the outside or excel in the pick an roll game, Durston’s versatility offensively bodes well for him in securing an active roster spot.
21. Vancouver Stealth – Brett Hawrys (O) – Nanaimo Timbermen (BCJALL) / Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
Again the Stealth would ideally add a defender or a goaltender, however with what’s left on the board, it would be a stretch to select the next best goaltender or defender at the 21st position, leading the Stealth to once again add to their offensive depth. Like Malcom, Hawrys is a local product and while he would be in tight to obtain an active roster spot, he would benefit from time spent on the Stealth’s practice roster through the 2016 season. In 54 Jr. A regular season games split betwen Nanaimo, Coquitlam and Brampton, Hawrys racked up 109 goals and 97 assists for 206 points. The 5’10, 180 pound lefty is a proven point produce and should excel at the next level when given the opportunity.
Round 3
22. New England Black Wolves – Philip Caputo (O) – Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
Based on skill and skill alone, Caputo should go much higher in the 2015 NLL draft, however the NLL draft is most often a needs based draft and for that reason its likely Philip Caputo will drop down to the 22nd spot. The Black Wolves currently have Garrett Billings, Kyle Buchanan and Brett Bucktooth patrolling their right side, as far as veteran NLLer’s go, however the addition of Caputo will create competition with youngsters Matt Crough and Quinn Powless heading into the 2016 season. Caputo tallied 31 goals & 27 assists for 58 points in 19 games during the 2015 OLA Junior A regular season with the Brampton Excelsiors, and followed that up with a 23 point, 9 game playoff run. Caputo has since been recalled by the Excelsiors Major Series club, and hasn’t looked out of place through one regular season game and one playoff game. Caputo is a smart, versatile, point producer, who can beat you with his playmaking ability or finishing ability. Arguably at his best in possession, Caputo works the pick an roll well and is excellent inside.
23. Vancouver Stealth – Bryce Sweeting (D) – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
Despite a stigma that the Western based teams rarely like to bring in Ontario talent, the Vancouver Stealth have shown a willingness to do just that. Last season we saw Eric Penny and Brandon Clleland come in and contribute, while Ontario based journeymen Colin Boucher and Caleb Wiles where also with the Stealth in limited rolls for portions of the 2015 season. In Bryce Sweeting the Stealth will add to an area of need, as Vancouver would surely love to upgrade their back end. Sweeting brings sound stay at home defense, physicality and tenaciousness and long with some deceptive athletic ability and ball skills. In 20 regular season games with the Jr. Lakers this season Sweeting picked up a goal and nine assists for ten points, and continue excels through the OLA Jr. A playoffs.
24. Saskatchewan Rush – Mike Triolo (T) – Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
The defending Champs see themselves selecting for the fifth time in the first 24 picks of the draft. With little need to add through the draft, the Rush will continue to get deeper and more talented with the selection of 6’8, 215 pound Mike Triolo. Triolo has showed tremendous versatility for the Brooklin Redmen the past three seasons, as he’s played both offense and defense, along with being the Redmen’s go to guy in the face off dot on many of nights. Triolo’s size and awareness allow him to defend well, although his transition ability is what really makes him an intriguing prospect from a defensive outlook. Offensively, again Triolo likes to use his size his his advantage and tends to excel in tight, while recently adding an outside game to his repertoire. Triolo’s offensive vision and ball moving skills will need to speed up at the next level, but with such versatility Triolo does stand a good shot at cracking an NLL lineup in the near future.
25. Calgary Roughnecks – Justin Goodwin (D) – New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
After adding three offensive players to an already deep and talented offensive core, the Roughnecks started to add to their back ground with the selection of Brad Gillies. With the 25th overall pick the Roughnecks will likely continue to look to improve their defense, and with that being said Justin Goodwin would be an ideal selection. The 5’11, 165 pound defender out of New Westminster B.C is coming off a defensively sound regular season with the New Westminster Salmonbellies of the WLA, where the youngster racked up 3 goals & 6 assist for 9 points in 17 games. Despite being some what undersized as a defender, Goodwin has shown a tenacity and a willingness to play a physical game, while maintaining his sound defensive skills. A former NCAA Division 2 All-American, Goodwin could contribute in a depth roll for the Roughnecks next season.
26. Rochester Knighthawks – Greg Longboat (D) – Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
The Knighthawks have continued to show interest in selecting players from the Six Nations Arrow and Rebels organizations for the past few seasons, that is a trend I fully expect to continue through the 2015 draft. Greg Longboat is not only a current member of the Arrows and a three time Founders Cup winner, he is an elite defender within the Ontario Jr. A loop, showing an ability to shut down opposing teams top snipers, while also showing impressive ball skills and an ability to run the floor at the appropriate times. A defender that plays with physicality, Longboat may surprise some in K-Hawks camp and has an outside shot at getting in some games with Rochester should they indeed select the 5’11 defender.
27. Buffalo Bandits – Patrick Corbett (O) – Oakville Rock / K-W Kodiaks (MSL)
After adding Jacob Ruest with their first pick of the draft, the Bandits really could stand to add another defender to their roster, however with the talented Patrick Corbett still on the board, the Bandits can justify selecting the Burlington, Ontario native. Despite adding righty Jacob Ruest to the thin right side of the Bandits offense, adding more depth to the right side is never a bad thing. Bandits GM Steve Dietrich traded for Corbett during the 2015 MSL season, and has a strong familiarity with him and should feel comfortable with the selection. Corbett tallied 166 points during his four year Jr. A Career with the Burlington Chiefs, and has since continued to contribute at the MSL level, splitting time between the Oakville Rock and Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks.
28. New England Black Wolves – Luc Magnan (D) – Brampton Excelsiors (MSL)
Magnan has really shot up the draft rankings through the 2015 MSL season with the Brampton Excelsiors, becoming not only a mainstay, but an import part of their team defense. Playing with the likes of Sandy Chapman, Chris Corbeil and arguably the best defender in lacrosse in Kyle Rubisch, Magnan has grown a ton from his time with the Toronto Beaches, a club in which the new New England management has a ton of ties to. The Black Wolves are of concern is on the back end, even more so with the suggested additions of O’Connor and Caputo through the draft. While Magnan may not see regular time on the Black Wolves back end in 2016, he is a prospect worth developing as he continues to grow into a very sound and well rounded defender.
29. Toronto Rock – Kyle Aquin (O) – Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
After adding Mitch De Snoo and Mike McDonald to the roster with earlier picks, look for the Rock to once again address the left side of their offense, as Colin Doyle and Josh Sanderson can only play for so long. Adding Kyle Aquin gives the Rock a quality depth option on the left side, a player that could arguably come in and contribute right from the get go. Despite not playing much box lacrosse since graduating from the Junior ranks, every time Aquin has been in the line up with a Major series squad he has contributed. Through his career Aquin has shown elite playmaking ability and has since become a potent outside shooter, giving him sound offensive versatility. At 25 years old Aquin may have a leg up on his younger counterparts in trying to crack the veteran Toronto Rock squad as he has already played four seasons of Major level lacrosse.
30. Calgary Roughnecks – Nathan Klein (D) – Burnaby Lakers (WLA)
As we move through the draft, the selection begin to get much tougher to anticipate/project as clubs have likely filled their needs early on in the draft or simply see these later round picks as project picks. However at the thirtieth position the Roughnecks will be able to add yet again to their back end with the selection of Nathan Klein. The 5’11, 185 pound native of Coquitlam, B.C. has plied his trade with the Burnaby Lakers of the WLA the past two seasons, appearing in 18 games, recording 2 assists and six penalty minutes. However Klein was also a member of the 2011 and 2012 Coquitlam Adanacs Jr. A squads that went to the Minto Cup Finals and was coached by current Roughnecks head coach Curt Malawsky in 2011.
31. Saskatchewan Rush – Michael Seidel (D) – Langley Thunder (WLA)
At this point of the draft, its unlikely any selected player will crack an active roster in 2016, however this point of the draft is when you also see teams start to make picks with connections to place of residence and or Junior/Major connections. This pick by the Rush is one of those picks, as Michael Seidel hails from Western Ontario, and is considered a bit of a project, however he does have some intriguing attributes, as he stands 6’6 and weighs in at 202 pounds. The pure defender has shown a tenaciousness and physicality on the back end, and with a year on the the Rush practice roster, he could develop into a decent depth player at the NLL level. In 11 games with the Langley Thunder of the WLA this season Seidel picked up 1 goal.
Round 4
32. Colorado Mammoth – Jimmy McBride (T) – New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
The Mammoth find themselves picking for the first time of the 2015 NLL draft at the 32nd position. While the Mammoth would likely hope to improve the right side of their offense or add a solid stay home defender, your just not going to find that at this point in the draft. However Jimmy McBride does provide an intriguing prospect to the club, as the right handed transition player has showed some impressive play at times for the New Westminster Salmonbellies of the WLA. The 5’11, 175 pound B.C native appeared in nine regular season games with the Salmonbellies this season, recording 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points.
33. Vancouver Stealth – Charles Claxton (G) – Victoria Shamrocks (BCJALL)
The Stealth are young and inexperience in goal, its not secret. However the play of Eric Penney this season with the New Westminster Salmonbellies has created some excitement as Penney has excelled along side Alex Buque in the Salmonbellies cage, leading them to a second place finish during the WLA regular season and a WLA finals appearance. Still the Stealth could stand to use some competition in goal between youngsters, and with arguably the best goalie available in the draft still left on the board, it would make a boatload of sense for the Stealth to add the Saanichton, B.C native. In 19 games this season with the Victoria Shamrocks of the BC Jr. A Lacrosse League, Claxton went 12-4-1 with a 7.66 GAA.
34. Georgia Swarm – Tyler Roche (D) – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
As the Swarm continue to add to their young roster, they still have a need for a physical, stay at home defender and after the impressive season Tyler Roche had for the Peterborough Jr. Lakers, it would only make sense for the Swarm to add arguably the best defender left on the board at this point. Roche brings a high compete level, along with grit and tenaciousness that the Swarm lost when they moved Andrew Suitor to the New England Black Wolves. Now I’m not saying Roche can replace Suitor by any means, but he does make up for the lack of grit and physicality on the Swarm back end.
35. Calgary Roughnecks – Jordan Gilles (T) – Delta Islanders (BCJALL)
This will be the Roughnecks eighth selection in the 2015 NLL draft, and despite an underachieving season, the Roughnecks are still a very deep and talented team. With that being said look for the Roughnecks to add a versatile player who can push for a roster spot in 2016. Jordan Gilles provides that versatility as he is adept at playing in a transition roll with the Delta Islanders Jr. A squad and the Coquitlam Adanacs prior to that. In 18 games this season with Delta, Gilles picked up 9 goals and 11 assist for 20 points.
36. Buffalo Bandits – John St. John (O) – Toronto Beaches (OLA Jr. A)
Despite having a breakout season for the Toronto Beaches this season, St. John see’s himself slip down the draft simply because of the overall depth on many NLL teams offenses. Teams will opt to draft for need as the draft wears on, and unfortunately for St. John that’s why I expect him to slip some. St. John has proven himself as a worthy option on offense, as he’s produced at every stop along his career so far, including three seasons of Canadian Pro Lacrosse (CLAX) with the Durham Turfdogs. St. John also has a winning pedigree as he holds a Minto Cup ring for his contributions to the Whitby Warriors during their 2013 Championship run. This season with the Beaches, St. John finished fourth in OLA Jr. A scoring with 92 points on 38 goals and 54 assists in 20 games. At the conclusion of the Beaches season, St. John joined the Brooklin Redmen of the MSL, appearing in four games, recording 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points.
37. New England Black Wolves – Doug Buchan (G) – Burlington Chiefs (OLA Jr. A)
Despite having a solid tandem in goal with Evan Kirk and Tye Belanger, two goaltenders who have had excellent summers with the respective MSL and WLA clubs, the Black Wolves could look to add some depth in goal in the form of Burlington Chiefs netminder Dough Buchan. Rumors during the OLA Junior A season had the Toronto Beaches looking to add Buchan from the Chiefs, and with Beaches Jr. A coach taking over the Black Wolves coaching duties, his interest in Buchan may still be there, forming a fit for this selection. The Black Wolves have some holes on the back end, however at this point in the draft no one left on the board will be able to impact their defensive unit in 2016.
38. Rochester Knighthawks – Marcus Elvin (D) – Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
With know real need for the Knighthawks as the draft moves along, Rochester will be able to add yet another member of the Six Nations Arrows, in adding Marcus Elvin to their back end. As we saw in 2014, as the draft wore on the Knighthawks went heavy on drafting players out of Six Nations, with the selections of Anthony Patterson, Brier Jonathan, Ian Martin and Zach Williams, i expect them to do just the same in 2015. However in Elvin its not as though the Knighthawks are simply selecting this defender based on where he played Junior, as Elvin has displayed excellent defensive ability throughout the 2015 Jr. A season. A tenacious defender, with impressive foot speed and solid ball skills, Elvin will open some eyes in Rochester training camp.
39. Vancouver Stealth – Dane Sorensen (T) – New Westminster Salmonbellies (BCJALL)
As the Stealth continue their search to upgrade their defense, Dane Sorensen may provide some solid transition ability for a team who wasn’t exactly elite in that regard. Sorensen has produced at over a point per game over the past three seasons in the BCJALL, splitting his junior career with the Victoria Shamrocks , Nanaimo Timbermen and most recently the New Westminster Salmonbellies. While Sorensen will be considered a long shot to crack the Stealth roster, he should open some eyes through training camp.
40. Saskatchewan Rush – Jeremy Roe (D) – Nanaimo Timbermen (BCJALL) / Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
As the case is with many teams at this point in the draft, Saskatchewan will be looking to add a player with the best chance at pushing for a roster spot, and while the Rush defense was arguably the top unit in the NLL last season, Jeremy Roe possesses some excellent attributes that may allow him to push for a roster spot. Roe spent the majority of this season with the Nanaimo Timbermen before being dealt to the Brampton Excelsiors for an extended playoff run.
Round 5
41. New England Black Wolves – Riley Campbell (D) – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
42. Vancouver Stealth – Brandon Bull (O) – Coquitlam Adanacs (WLA)
43. Georgia Swarm – Quintan Martin (G) – Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
44. Calgary Roughnecks – Matt Kristiansen (O) – Langley Thunder (WLA)
45. Colorado Mammoth – Cole Kryworuchka (D) – Nanaimo Timbermen (BCJALL)/Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
46. Vancouver Stealth – Robin Lowenberger (D) – Coquitlam Adanancs (BCJALL) *2014
47. Saskatchewan Rush – Reagan Harding (O) – Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)
Round 6
48. New England Black Wolves – Ryan MacSpayden (D) – Toronto Beaches (OLA Jr. A)
49. Vancouver Stealth – Ryan Sage (O) – Nanaimo Timbermen (WLA)
50. Georgia Swarm – Andrew Kelly (D) – Barrie Lakeshores (OLA Jr. A)
51. Calgary Roughnecks – Thomas Moffat (O) – Victoria Shamrocks (BCJALL)
52. Colorado Mammoth – Brendan Mykle-Winkler (T) – Langley Thunder (WLA)
53. Toronto Rock – Brandon Slade (O) – Orangeville Northmen (OLA Jr. A)
54. Toronto Rock – Brett Ulbikas (T) – Burlington Chiefs (OLA Jr. A)
55. Saskatchewan Rush – Brandon Staal (O) – Clarington Green Gaels (OLA Jr. B)
