Heading into draft day, the Cyclops had quite a few areas of need. They scored the second fewest goals and allowed the most goals last season, so additions were needed out both the front and backdoor. The Cyclops did a fantastic job in addressing both areas of need, through both the draft and a draft day trade that saw them acquire Kevin Brownell, Jordan Daradick, Bryan Neufeld and goaltender Grant Crawley.
Having been able to acquire potent offensive threats Dan Keane, Brandon Benn, Brady Hesletine, Tyler Ferreira, Shane MacDonald and Brandon Anger in the draft, the Cyclops offensive production is sure to increase. While Keane, Benn, and MacDonald all have legitimate shots at cracking active NLL rosters, I expect only MacDonald to stick in the NLL the whole season. Brandon Benn could crack the Rock’s opening night roster, but I expect him to be sent to the practice roster when Garrett Billings returns from his ACL injury.
While Vancouver third round pick, 23rd overall Dan Keane has the skill to crack the Stealth roster, his size and the team’s depth may see him spending the majority of the season on the team’s practice roster, and eligible to play for the Cyclops. Considering five of the six offensive additions are more then likely to suit up for the club, the club really improved up front.
Defensively, Brandon Clelland will undoubtedly help. He was a third round pick of the Vancouver Stealth, however looks in tough to crack the Stealth roster, so he should see most of his winter lacrosse being played with Southwest. Spencer Allen, Eric Guiltinan, Tom Masterson, Patrick Miles and Connor Campbell should also all suit up for the Cyclops this season. Patrick Miles and Eric Guiltinan will be the biggest additions, as both are both adept at playing an above average transition game, and are blessed with fairly good hands. Considering these guys will be asked to play both ends of the floor during the CLAX season, their ability to be effective in both ends will likely see them have early and impressive success.
The Cyclops also added Grant Crawley in goal. Crawley has had success where ever he has played, and will be an upgrade in goal over the aging Jay Preece. Craig Wende will provide solid relief and has the ability to be an effective starter in the league, however Crawley is an upgrade for Southwest in goal and I expect him to be handed the reigns in goal.
Considering the Cyclops where able to add talent at every position of need, the Cyclops will receive an A rating for me as far as their draft day was concerned. I really liked what they did, selecting tons of NLL drafted players that look to be in tough to crack their respective NLL rosters, which means they’ll likely all report to Southwest this season. Adding that much talent to an already sufficient core is only going to make the Cyclops that much better. With the likely possibility that the team will also get Mike Burke, Jake Crans and Jordan Dance back from the NLL, this team should give Niagara and Oshweken a run for their money as the leagues top team.
