We have come to the point in the Major League Lacrosse season where a domino effect is about to happen. The indoor season is finishing up so we will see an influx of stars coming back. We will also see the college draft picks begin their professional careers after they finish their own season. So, where does this leave some of the guys off to hot starts that are place holders until the regulars get back? Let’s call this Lax Purgatory. Some guys have played so well it will be hard for coaches to leave them off the game day rotation once the big boys get back. Here are a few guys to keep an eye on the next few weeks.
Ohio’s Jimmy Dailey has been waiting a few years to get his shot. Originally, a member of the Cannons in 2011 then a one game cameo with Chesapeake in 2012, Dailey is making the most of his time in Central Ohio. Dailey has a pair of hat tricks in two games and is fourth on the team with six points. By comparison, Kyle Harrison only has four goals in four games.
The winner of the Unsung Hero Award while attending North Carolina, David Emalasaw action in two games last season for Charlotte. He was picked up by Boston in the Supplemental Draft in the offseason and is currently leading the Cannons in both goals and points.
Jack Rice has been a big part of the Bayhawks fast start leading Chesapeake with nine goals. The Bayhawks selected Rice off of waivers in 2014 appearing in one game. Rice was originally with the Cannons to start 2014 seeing action in five games recording 5 goals and 2 ground balls.
Mike Bocklet was drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 MLL Supplemental Draft by the then Long Island Lizards, but never saw game action. After nearly a decade away from the league, Bocklet won a job at the Outlaws open tryout in April and is leading the team with 10 goals and second with 12 points.
The Rattlers drafted a few very talented middies. Kyle Denhoff, born and raised in Penfield, NY, just a few miles from downtown Rochester and attended St. John Fisher College in the Rochester suburbs has been solid from the middie spot with four goals, a two-pointer and an assist.
Week 5 Game Balls
Rob Pannell, New York: Pannell led a trio of Lizards with hat tricks (Palasek and Marasco) and also added two assists to help New York stay flawless this season.
Tyler Fiorito, Chesapeake: The Princeton grad recorded a career-high 22 saves to shutdown the Hounds attack. Fiorito continued his soaring start to 2015 as he topped his previous career-high of 18 saves against Florida in the season opener.
Charlie Cipriano, Florida: With Brett Queener tending to his coaching duties, Cipriano got his first career start leading the Launch to their first win of the year. He stopped 18 shots and was just as aggressive as Queener in cage.
John LoCascio, Rochester: The young deep pole caused a lot of havoc for the Denver middies intercepting passes, causing turnovers, scooping up seven ground balls, and getting the Rattlers out in transition.
Mike Bocklet, Denver: Bocklet had four goals and an assist in a loss to Rochester, but after a long hiatus from MLL, Bocklet is playing much younger than his age.
Week 5 MLL Top 8
1- New York (5-0). Who can beat this stacked team?
2- Rochester (3-2). First signature win avenging their loss to Denver in the title game.
3- Chesapeake (3-1). Fiorito has been excellent, Danowski looks good.
4- Denver (2-2). Gave Rochester a good fight despite still missing eight key guys.
5- Boston (1-3). Tough to face New York twice in the first four games.
6- Charlotte (1-3). The Hounds have been in every game, just can’t get enough scoring.
7- Florida (1-3). Powell and McArdle looked great, Cipriano stepped up in cage.
8- Ohio (1-3). The Machine let one slip away.
Brendan McDaniels is a color analyst for the MLL Television broadcasts and can be seen June 7th at 1 p.m. as the Rattlers host the Cannons on ESPN3. Follow Brendan on Twitter @BMcDTWCSports.
