The Boston Cannons continued to revamp their roster as they took part in last Wednesday’s MLL Supplemental Draft. A total of 96 players were chosen from a pool of over 500 players and the Cannons seems to try and make the most of their picks. All in all, the Cnanons added 11 players, some with high profile names, such as Jack Rice, and others not so much, Michael Maggio. Below is a look at the players that are getting a shot to compete for a roster spot with the Cannons.
No. 3 overall- Jack Rice, Villanova, Attack– Surprised to even see him on the list to be honest. The guy is as pure a goal scorer as you will see. He recorded 132 points at Villanova over four years, 128 of those were goals. While Matt Poskay is the leader of the team and a former MVP, I could see him filling a similar type role for the Cannons down the line.
No. 27 overall- Nick O’ Reilly, Virginia, Attack– O’Reilly is a talented attackman from Virginia and was coached by one of the best college coaches ever. Was a 2013 USILA Honorable Mention All-American last season and is a balanced player. He is also much more of a feeder than a scorer as he set an ACC Tournament record for assists in game as he handed out seven assists in a win over UNC.
No. 35 overall- Dan DiMaria, Duke, D/LSM– Did not play last season and was also picked in the supplemental draft in 2012 by the Hounds before being shipped to the Lizards. The former Harvard defenseman was a Tewaarton Award Watch List in his senior season before getting hurt. He played in 20 games for Duke last season and if fully healthy could be a steal in this draft and maybe contribute to the Cannons rotation.
No. 37 overall- Kevin Kaminski, Delaware, Midfield– The former University of Pennsylvania product is entering his fourth season and rejoins the Cannons after playing just one game during the Cannons 2011 championship season. The year after he was solid contributor putting up 10 points for the Bayhawks and Hounds. Last season, he only appeared in one game though, so maybe he can find his groove from 2012 and contribute to the offense as a second line midfielder.
No. 43 overall- Kyle Smith, Umass, Attack– Joins current Cannons attackman and fellow Umass alum Will Manny on the Cannons attack line. Recorded 125 points over a four year career for the Minutemen. Should boost the extra-man unit as he scored 17 such goals last season at Umass. Maybe the Cannons hope he can rekindle some magic with Manny as well.
No. 51 overall- Tom Celentani, Umass, D-A local product from Umass was actually picked up by Boston last season, however, he only played in a game for the Cannons. He spent the year before with the Denver Outlaws and didn’t see any time. Should be in there for depth and likely see as little time as he did last season.
No. 59 overall- Colin Fleming, Umass, Midfield– Yet another Umass guy who finished his career with 61 points for the Minutemen. Should pitch in some in order to spell some of their top midfield players and maybe find a niche on the man-up unit as he had 10 such tallies during his senior season at college.
No. 67 overall- Gerry Reilly, Ohio Machine, SSDM– Enters his third season in the MLL and previously played for four MLL teams during that span. During the 2012 season, he played eigh combined games for Hamilton, Chesapeake and Charlotte. He appeared in three games last season for those three teams as well as the Ohio Machine. Should find similar time with the Cannons in their SSDM rotation this year.
No. 75 overall- Michael Maggio, Lasell College, Midfield– Hails from nearby Lasell College where he registered 135 points over his four years there and was a first team All Pilgrim selection his junior and senior season. Made the squad as a long shot last season and likely faces the same odds this year.
No. 83 overall- Eric Hagerty, Boston Cannons, Goalie– He was reacquired by the Cannons after appearing in one game for 17 minutes and actually played well in his limited time. He saved seven of the 10 shots he faced. Will likely backup Kevin Burke like he did last season.
No. 91 overall- Thomas Keith, New York Lizards, Defense– Was actually picked by the Lizards last season but did not play at all for them. Was mostly a reserve on the squad. He played for Cornell’s Final Four team so he clearly is talented. Likely picked for depth and will have a tough time making this team.
Don’t forget that the Cannons still have to pick from the pool of players in the MLL Collegiate Draft taking place between January 10-12. Likely, most of the names on this list will not be part of the Cannons roster when the time comes to start the season as there is a maximum of 40 players on each roster and the Cannons are at 34 heading into January’s draft.
