It is not very often that an expansion team does what the Charlotte Hounds have done in Major League Lacrosse this season. The Hounds will have a chance to compete for the league championship in just their second season. “It feels great to make the playoffs this year. Everyone involved has worked extremely hard to get to this point.” first year Hound Ryan Young says.
Young has been just one of the stories for Charlotte this season, who saw a lot of turnover in just their second season. Their mainstay has been team captain Matt Danowski, who brings the Hounds playoff experience.
“I’m very happy for this team, the organization and our fans that we have a chance to compete for another weekend.” says Danowski. “The management has done an amazing job of putting a team together that wants to win above all else. It’s a very exciting time.
“I think we have grown together as a team and that has been our biggest improvement. Our team defense, team face off and team offense have come a long way and in turn we have got some wins.”
The Hounds, despite their turnover, have kept their head coach Mike Cerino who now leads them to a playoff berth. The Hounds faced a lot of hardship all season, but last week they earned their first clincher.
“ It is a very exciting time in the Hounds organization knowing we have qualified for the MLL playoffs with one regular-season game still to play.” says Cerino. “That game is a big one. Playing at Chesapeake for the 3rd place finish on the season certainly gives us plenty to play for this weekend. As for the coaching staff, we have really tried to keep the team focused on small goals weekly which has led to our steady improvement during this season. I am very proud of this group and look forward to challenges that lie ahead Championship weekend.
“There are 3 other great organizations and teams already qualified for the MLL playoffs. With that being said, we have felt that we are good team fighting to become a great team by the end of the season. For the Hounds it starts on the defensive end and builds into our transition game. We certainly look forward to the challenge in Philly in late August.”
Wade Leaphart has also been the Hounds GM since the beginning and made several moves before the start of the season. He traded Stephen Berger back to New York for Young, traded Billy Bitter to Rochester and Jeremy Boltus to Denver. With the Denver trade they added Casey Cittadino and Peet Poillon,
“Any team that makes it is impressive.” says Leaphart. “It’s a proud moment personally. We put so much into building this organization, on and off the field. The roster we’ve assembled is special. Great group of guys who have come together and mesh well.”
Cerino credits the great building of the roster as the team heads into the playoffs with their mind on winning. “It really starts with Jim McPhilliamy (President) and Wade Leaphart (GM) as they set the foundation for the Charlotte Hounds and the growth of the team both on and off the field. That has made it clearer as we build the team to be a competitive group. We will continue to strive to improve in year 3 of building the Charlotte Hounds.”
