As the 2012 NLL Draft winded down to a close many surprise picks popped up in the late rounds. A surprise to some may be defender/transition player Chris Cudmore, but to many who know him, this does not exactly come as a shock.
The Whitby, ON native was an absolute defensive force his four years at Mars Hill College. Cudmore started 51 games in his four years as a Lion and finished his Mars Hill career with nine goals, 22 assists, 228 ground balls and 114 caused turnovers.
Cudmore is an athletic defender with outstanding stick skills, great speed and a high lacrosse IQ. The Mars Hill Lion brings intensity to the field every shift and is a surgeon with his stick checks.
Being an Ontario born player, Cudmore is very familiar with the indoor game. He spent his junior box lacrosse career with the Clarington Green Gaels Jr.B, posting 69 points in 63 games in his four seasons of Jr.B ball. Cudmore’s indoor game is very similar to his field game as he is tenacious yet smart. Cudmore’s stick skills and athletic ability shines on the box floor just as it does in his field game.
Cudmore took the 2012 summer off represent  USA in the Down Under Cup. Cudmore was selected for the team for his performance on and off the field.
Although the fact he stayed out of the arenas in the summer did not effect his draft status, it may keep him off the Swarm roster.
At 6’2 180 pounds, Cudmore has good height but could bulk up to improve his chances of making the pros. Cudmore may be a long shot to crack the Minnesota Swarm this year, but with his physical tools and great knowledge for the game, he could find himself in the blue and yellow in the near future.
Q: How does it feel to be drafted into the NLL?
A: Being selected to the NLL is an unreal feeling. It’s great knowing that I have an opportunity to continue playing lacrosse at such a high level, especially with a team like Minnesota that fits my style if play perfectly.
Q: Does this come as a shock at all?
A: It does come as a bit of a shock. I spoke to the GM of the swarm a couple of times and he expressed interest in me, but I didnt want to get my hopes up in case things didnt turn out the way i was hoping.
Q: What can you bring to the Swarm to help their success?
A: Minnesota is a team that plays fast, which is what i feel is my greatest asset. I plan on doing everything in my power to pick up loose balls and transition up the floor.
Q: How does it feel to get drafted in the same year as your cousin Mike?
A: It’s a cool feeling knowing that we both got selected in the same draft. He’s a great player. I always tried to be as good of a player as he was when we were young, and being selected into the NLL at the same time as him feels unreal.
