Photo by Rich Barnes
The 2012 Rochester Rattlers were certainly an improvement over the 2011 team that saw only two wins. They even contended for a playoff spot till the last day of the season, and goaltender John Galloway says to expect a strong 2013.
“Our team is a bunch of blue collar guys that want to get to an MLL championship. People really don’t like believing in us and I believe that is added fuel to the fire!”
Galloway is headed into his third year as the Rattlers goaltender, and says he has been working hard in this off season.
“In the offseason, I try to work on my conditioning and ball handling. It is so much tougher when you have a job to take shots. I try to see shots at least a few times a week and make sure I am fit to endure the season!”
Though Rochester was not exactly a playoff team last year, Galloway says that 2013 is not a bounce back year, but more of a build off year.
“I don’t believe it will be a bounce back, as we were only one goal away from the playoffs. I believe we will continue to incline because of our tremendous coaching and young roster. The guys in our locker room want to be there, and that is such a difference maker in this
league. We have a sincere passion to win, and with leaders like Kevin Leveille and Ned Crotty, and all stars like Joel White, and the Duke trio (Manley, Rotanz, Montelli) we are bound for wins.”
Rochester has made several moves this off season in trades, and Galloway says while it is tough to lose team mates, some of the players brought in by the Rattlers are solid.
“It is always tough to see some of your friends leave the team, especially such impact players. But I believe in what our ownership is trying to build and welcoming guys like Billy Bitter and Kevin Randall are never a disappointment!”
