The 2014 NLL combine took place today one day before the draft. Several top prospects and free agents attended, and for the prospects, some stood out that might raise their draft stock. One such player was Peterborough defenseman Robert Hope. Hope, projected to go in the fourth-seventh spot, has been linked to the fourth overall pick with the Colorado Mammoth, if they keep that pick. Of note is the fact…
As the NLL season approaches many offensive players are getting attention. One player to watch this year though will be Damon Edwards who plays defensive for the Toronto Rock. Coming up with Toronto, Edwards went to the Boston Blazers in his rookie year before moving on to CLax. He signed back with Toronto and has emerged as a potential breakout player. Edwards played this summer with the Coquitlam Adanacs before…
10. Minnesota: Alexis Buque- Buque was never ranked because he just declared for the draft. But he is far and away the best goalie in the draft and the Swarm might be looking to add goaltending depth as they go into the season with Zach Higgins as their starter. 11. Vancouver: Paul Brebber- Ranked at #14, he Nanaimo defender is the third ranked defender on the list. He can score a bit for…
In his rookie season, Riley Loewen made an immediate impact on the Edmonton Rush’s offense. He contributed 17 goals and 19 assists to a team that needed help after the loss of Corey Small to a knee injury in the offseason. Small had been third on the team in scoring in 2013 with 64 points so there were question marks about whether Edmonton’s offense could remain competitive in 2014 without…
When the Roughnecks open the 2015 season they won’t look very different roster wise with a lot of players already signed to the team for next season but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any holes in their line up to fill. They are without Andrew McBride and Scott Ranger as of now, but that might change. To crack the Roughnecks roster in recent years, junior stars have learned to…
THIRD ROUND 20. New England: Shane MacDonald—Ranked at #18, MacDonald has put up 199 career points in Jr A. He is a guy who could sneak into the second round or even the first if a team reaches. If he’s still on the board New England will take him. 21. Vancouver: Andrew Smistad—Ranked at #16, Smistad is a top three or four defender in the draft. Based out of Calgary…
This off season we plan on going one on one with every general manager in the National Lacrosse League to discuss the latest news. We spoke with Blane Harrison of the New England Black Wolves this week. Below are notes on four main areas of preseason talk with NLL teams. Trades: [Jamie] Lincoln brings quality depth to our left side. We are expecting that he will compete for a regular spot and contribute goals. We want to…
Many NLL fans have probably never heard his name but they will want to remember it as Hopcroft looks to be a breakout payer for the Knighthawks in the 2015 season. Hopcroft started his career with the Calgary Roughnecks in 2011 where he put up three points in three games. The Roughnecks would trade Hopcroft to Colorado in 2012 where he posted 26 points in 11 games. Hopcroft would then…
I had the opportunity to welcome back and discuss with Colorado Mammoth Forward Athan Iannucci his thoughts about the upcoming NLL season and what he brings to the Mammoth on offense. During our interview, I also asked him about his career; the coaching staff; the new talent signed by the Mammoth; and his “beard” among other things. Most of you know who Athan Iannucci is, but for those of you…
FIFTH ROUND 38. Minnesota: Peyton Lupul: Ranked at #39, Lupul is one of the later round prospects who might be able to stick. A west coast player with Burnaby and Maple Ridge, He has 60 points this season to put him on the map. Minnesota is a team who could see him some playing time even. 39. Vancouver: Randy Jones: Ranked at #44, Jones is a sleeper pick to become a decent pro…