Major League Lacrosse has announced Hamilton Nationals’ midfielder, Kevin Crowley was named 2013 Brine Offensive Player of the Year, as voted on by MLL coaches and general manager. Crowley has exhibited all the qualities of an offensively dominant player, leading the League and his team in several categories while contributing to key wins.
WATCH: Kevin Crowley Highlights
“This is a big honor,” said Crowley. “To have the respect of the MLL coaches and GMs is a huge compliment. A lot of it, though, comes down to playing on a great team where my teammates are making me a better player. If you look at the stats they have there are a lot of career-highs. Personal accolades are great achievements but right now I am focused on holding that trophy after the Championship game on Sunday.”
The 2013 MLL All-Star MVP received six first place votes to earn the coveted award. He edged out Denver’s Chris Bocklet who grabbed three first place and seven second place votes, while Charlotte’s Matt Danowski came in third with three first place and two second place votes. A full voting breakdown can be found below.
“Kevin has had an impressive season,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “He has been an important part in the Nationals success this year and I wish to congratulate him for a well-deserved award.”
Crowley’s outstanding season was a bit unexpected but certainly welcomed by the Nationals. His 55 points on the season are only two less than what he had totaled over his previous two seasons combined. Crowley has done everything right this season. Tied for first in the League in points, along with Bocklet, he has been a key part of a strong Hamilton offense.
Crowley’s 38 goals, 55 points, and 14 assists are all career highs. He also leads the Nationals in two point goals this season, totaling three and tying rookie Garrett Thul. His three two-pointers are also tied for seventh best in the League. Crowley is always a threat on the field, staying open for feeds from teammates Joe Walters and Kevin Cunningham. This allows him to score in several different situations, but he also returns the favor, as shown with his fourteen assists on the season. Crowley finds a way to ensure the Nationals score, even if he must feed the ball to another teammate.
Opening the season with a seven point, four-goal performance, Crowley set the tone for the rest of 2013. He has posted six or more points in four games this season, and has at least one goal in each of his fourteen appearances. He currently holds a club record with a 29-game point streak, continuing from 2012.
Crowley has become untouchable with the ball. His 38 goals put him second in the League, making him a very dangerous part of the Hamilton midfield. As a first time All-Star he was even named All-Star Game MVP, posting three goals and two assists off the best defenseman in MLL.
Undoubtedly, Crowley has made great strides in 2013, and still has Championship Weekend to prove himself to the Nationals and the League. He’s not expected to disappoint, as he has shown all season, he consistently produces goals and points for a very strong team. Crowley has exhibited all the attributes one would expect and want from the 2013 Brine Offensive Player of the Year.
MLL Offensive Player of the Year voting breakdown
|
Name |
Team |
1st Place Votes |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
|
Kevin |
Crowley |
Hamilton |
6 |
3 |
5 |
|
Chris |
Bocklet |
Denver |
3 |
7 |
2 |
|
Matt |
Danowski |
Charlotte |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Paul |
Rabil |
Boston |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Brendan |
Mundorf |
Denver |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Drew |
Snider |
Denver |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Drew |
Westervelt |
Chesapeake |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Joe |
Walters |
Hamilton |
0 |
0 |
1 |
