NLL

Some of the top picks in the National Lacrosse League draft this season were not earned from a team’s play on the turf. In fact, some of the best picks have come from trades. Where have all of these picks come from? Let’s take a look. 1. Edmonton Rush The Rush acquired this draft pick from the Washington Stealth in the Athan Iannucci trade. After getting three first rounders and…

The Washington Stealth completed a trade today that sends fifth-year transition player Kyle Hartzell to the Philadelphia Wings in exchange for the 23rd pick in the upcoming 2012 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. The acquisition of the third round pick gives the Stealth five of the first 23 selections in the draft, which will be held on October 1 in Toronto. “This is a good trade for all parties,” said Stealth General…

Buffalo Bandits General Manager Steve Dietrich today announced that the Bandits have signed transition players David Brock and Jay Thorimbert, and goaltenders Angus Goodleaf and Kurtis Wagar. Brock (6’3″, 215 lbs., 8/13/86) joins the Bandits after splitting his first two NLL seasons between Boston and Philadelphia. In 2012, Brock appeared in 15 games for the Wings, recording five points (3+2) and 66 loose balls. He was acquired by the Bandits from Philadelphia in a trade in August. Thorimbert…

Defense has always been something the Toronto Rock pride themselves in. It’s part of the reason they dominated the early 200os, and why they won it all in 2011. This season, they are bringing in what is a bit of a new look defense. First off, they lost Bruce Codd to a coaching gig with the Calgary Roughnecks. Second, they signed former Buffalo Bandits captain Chris White to be a defensive cog….

Last season, Minnesota Swarm goaltender Anthony Cosmo was traded to the Buffalo Bandits. Both teams made the playoffs but lost in the first round. Cosmo struggled at times with the Bandits, while the Swarm brought in two rookies, Tyler Carlson and Evan Kirk, who helped lead the Swarm to a surprisingly good season. The Bandits gave up two first round draft picks to get Cosmo, who will be their goaltender…

It was reported yesterday that Mark Matthews will be the first overall pick to the Edmonton Rush in the 2012 National Lacrosse League entry draft, to no one’s surprise. #Rush GM Derek Keenan confirmed today Mark Matthews will be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 #NLL Entry Draft and suit up for the Edmonton Rush. — Gerry Moddejonge (@SunModdejonge) September 18, 2012   Matthews has been predicted as a…

Toronto Rock General Manager Terry Sanderson has announced the signing of forward Stephan Leblanc to a one-year contract.  Leblanc was the NLL’s rookie of the year in 2010 and returns for his fourth season in a Rock uniform. “Stephan is the prototypical power forward in this league,” said Sanderson.  “He made an immediate impact when he entered the league, but I think he has teased us a bit over his…

According to IL Indoor, National Lacrosse League journyman Pat Maddalena will retire from the NLL. Maddalena last played with the Toronto Rock, where he helped the team to the 2011 Champions Cup. He played on several different teams; the Rock, Buffalo Bandits, Arizona Sting, Columbus Landsharks, Orlando Titans and the New York Titans. The two time all star scored 625 career points in his twelve year career. Now 34 years…