Once again the popular catchphrase rings true—the rich get richer. With the 32nd pick in the 2014 MLL Supplemental Draft, the 2012 & 2013 MLL Champion Chesapeake Bayhawks selected defenseman Kyle Rubisch.
Rubisch, a Brampton, Ontario native who played collegiately at Dowling College, was the second overall selection in the 2010 NLL Entry Draft. Despite his success in the NLL, he still has something to prove in the MLL. Rubisch’s transition to the outdoor game will be an interesting storyline to follow as the Bayhawks prepare for 2014. Although he has some MLL experience and was even part of the 2011 Hamilton squad that made it to the MLL finals, Rubisch has only played 15 games in his 4 years in the MLL. Understandably, critics have doubted his commitment to Major League Lacrosse.
That being said, the Bayhawks expect this two-time defending (2012-13) NLL Defensive Player of the Year to quickly step in and bolster a defensive unit that usually takes a back seat to the offensively-minded Bayhawks. Head Coach Dave Cottle and Defensive Coordinator Tony Resch will look to use Rubisch’s energetic, aggressive style of play to complement an otherwise aging defense in Chesapeake. Last season with the Edmonton Rush, Rubisch led all NLL defenseman with 128 loose balls and finished first in the league with 44 forced turnovers, breaking the NLL single-season record of 43 that was set in 2012 by yes, you guessed it, Kyle Rubisch.
All things considered, Rubisch figures to be an integral part of the Chesapeake roster in 2014, suggesting that the time is now for him to make his mark on the outdoor game. If Rubisch’s forceful style of play can rub off onto his line mates, the Bayhawks defense may be able to keep up with that dynamic, fast-paced offense this season, making for an even scarier scenario for the opposition in 2014.
The Chesapeake Bayhawks kick off their season Saturday, August 26th when they travel to Boston to play the Cannons.
