Yesterday was a big step for the newly acquired MLL franchise in Florida as the Supplemental Draft took place at 2:30 p.m.n The Florida Launch added twelve new faces to their already strong squad that will consist of many Hamilton Nationals from 2013 with the accession of Casey Powell who was part of the Joe Walters trade with Chesapeake.
Florida has added good talent to their ranks with guys who have been around a while and some that are just starting their young careers. Joining Powell in the veteran leadership role is Chazz Woodson. The high flying attackman has been nothing but jaw dropping with his athleticism, ability to stop on a dime and fly through the air at every angle possible to score a goal. Chazz, who was picked up in the fourth round (29th Overall) has been around the league since 2005, where he was drafted by then Long Island and eventually playing for Boston. One thing particular about Woodson’s career is that he seems to be part of new expansion teams a lot. first it was the Los Angeles Riptide, followed by the Chicago Machine, both who folded and just these past two seasons, he was a leader for the newly formed Ohio Machine. This is his fourth expansion team and he will surely make an impact for the Launch. It also helps that he’s a coach over at Ransom Everglades.
In the first round, Florida chose to go young with their choice of Billy Eisenreich from Bucknell. The young attackman has been in the league since 2012, where he was drafted by Ohio. Unfortunately, Billy only played in one game in 2013, tallying a goal and assist against Denver. He had a strong career at Bucknell and will find his place in Florida having the ability to learn from Powell and others.
Brett Garber was selected with heir second pick of the first round. Garber who was also part of the Ohio Machine franchise, was drafted by Boston in 2007. He played in six games last season, scoring one goal. With his understanding of the way the MLL is played, he’s a good asset to have for the younger guys.
Kyle Wimer will dawn a Launch jersey this season after being drafted in the second round in the 13th overall slot. The midfielder out of UMBC was drafted by Chesapeake in 2010 and has been with Charlotte the past two seasons. Wimer has only played in seven games during his time in the league, all with Charlotte, scoring six goals and adding three assists. He has great vision on the field, including speed. With Team USA playing this summer, expect Wimer to get some more playing time.
Going 21st overall in the third round was Delaware Blue Hen Grant Kaleikau. Left off the 23-man protected roster, Grant was picked up by the Bayhawks in the 2013 Collegiate draft playing in two games recording one assist. At 5’7″, Kaleikau will have a chance to learn from one of the best players in the history of the sport in Powell that will hopefully give him a boost in field time. He may be small, but he’s shifty with great vision which will work in his favor.
Chris Mattes is the only FOGO the Launch picked up in this draft. He was with the Boston Cannons last year, learning from Chris Eck. He will duke it out at the X with Mike Poppleton and hopefully improve on his 7-28 season/one game last year with Boston.
Nick O’Hara is a great addition defensively for the Launch. Not surprised to see him down in the sunshine state since he’s been down there coaching. Local coach at Jupiter High School. The former 2008 NCAA Defenseman of the Year is a big guy and has a lot to offer.
He’s short but he’s feisty. Zach Palmer will get another shot at making the roster as the 61st overall selection in the eighth round. The former Rochester Rattler saw limited to no time last year as he had to sit behind the likes of Ned Crotty, Kevin Leveille and Steven Boyle. His canadian style of play could help his chances as well.
Trevor Timmerberg was taken in the ninth round at the 69th overall spot. The SSDM has good size but will have to battle for a roster spot. See him as a project for the Launch coaching staff.
Veteran defender/LSM Steve Panarelli went 77th overall in the tenth round. He was picked up by Chicago in 2007 and sat out the 2013 season. Steve ha splayed along side Nicky Polanco and Brian Spallina while with the lizards and will probably bring some fire with him to get the defense going. he understand his assignments well and dictates to help out himself, his goalie and other defenders. It will be interesting to see what Panarelli can do after sitting out 2013.
Mario Ventiquattro is a former Ohio Machine guy with limited playing experience in the MLL. He’s seen action in one game against Denver last season scooping up 12 ground balls. Standing at 5’8″, he’s obviously not the biggest guy on the field at attack, but will scrap for the ball. Another hopeful project for the Launch.
Scott Kahoe sat out last year as well. He’s a resident of Palm Beach, FL so no surprise the team went with a local pick. Eager to see what Kahoe can bring to the table.
With a few local hopefuls on the roster, the Launch will get a good look at who may have the possibility of putting on their jersey. Also, with some of the guys as local coaches it gives the coaching staff the ability to call up someone if they’re in need of a player. Florida did not do bad in the Supplemental Draft, however, this is only the first stop. January holds a true testament of skill with the collegiate draft still to come.
Florida has a lot of talent heading into the 2014 season. It will be interesting to see how they fare with Team USA and the new NLL season style coming into play.
Florida Launch 2014 Supplemental Draft Results:
Round 1 (5th Overall) – Billy Eisenreich, Attack, Bucknell
Round 1 (8th Overall) – Brett Garber, Midfield, UMass
Round 2 (13th Overall) – Kyle Wimer, Midfield, UMBC
Round 3 (21st Overall) – Grant Kaleikau, Attack, Delaware
Round 4 (29th Overall) – Chazz Woodson, Attack, Brown
Round 6 (45th Overall) – Chris Mattes, FOGO, Rutgers
Round 7 (53rd Overall) – Nick O’Hara, Defense, Duke
Round 8 (61st Overall) – Zach Palmer, Attack, Johns Hopkins
Round 9 (69th Overall) – Trevor Timmerberg, Midfield, Bellarmine
Round 10 (77th Overall) – Steve Panarelli, Defense, Syracuse
Round 11 (85th Overall) – Mario Ventiquattro, Attack, Ohio State
Round 12 (93rd Overall) – Scott Kahoe, Midfield, Syracuse
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