Luke Wiles hasn’t played in the NLL in several years, but when he was around, he was one of the better scorers in the league. This season he will be a part of the New England Black Wolves after signing on with them. The last season he played in the NLL was in 2013 with the Buffalo Bandits where in 12 games he put up 21 points.
“Love the opportunity to play for a new club,” Wiles told us. “The ownership seems very excited about having a lacrosse team in their beautiful facility and the players are pretty stoked to get started.”
In 2012 Wiles had a full time role with 16 games played where he had 70 points with Buffalo for the second highest total of his career. Before that in Washington, he had 60.
“My role will be to lead this club,” Wiles said of what he will do in New England. “I’m coming into my ninth season and I have never been more physically and mentally prepared to help our team create a winning culture.”
Wiles’ career high in points came in 2007 when he scored 82 for the San Jose Stealth. After struggling in 2013, he found his way onto the Philadelphia practice squad last year, but did not play.
“I missed it like crazy last season and I’m a proud husband and father of two beautiful little girls who are supporting my return to the game,” Wiles said. “I’m very motivated to return to top form.”
When asked what he can bring to a roster, Wiles mentioned the energy he can bring to the new team.
“When I have played my best it is because I have had fun. I will be serious between the whistles but sports are about having fun, living in the moment and honoring the great men who have put me in this position. I intend to make them proud.”
The Black Wolves, being a relocated team, have a tough task at hand building their roster. Thus far it seems they will rely heavily on rookies and a few free agents they acquired in the off season, including Wiles.
“We have a nice roster,” Wiles commented. “It’s young and raw but that’s never a bad thing. The league is heading in a direction that caters to being athletic so it will benefit us to push the ball, be creative and outscore our opposition.
“I’m not coming back for personal goals although I have high expectations; I am coming back to add a couple more titles to my trophy case.”
