This Saturday, Major League Lacrosse will be holding it’s annual All Star game presented by Moe’s Southwest grill. For the second time, it will be held in Charlotte at American Legion Memorial Stadium, the home field for the MLL’s Charlotte Hounds.
New York is sending five players down to represent the black and green. For the first time in his strong career, veteran Greg Gurenlian will be one of two face-off men headed to the ASG. The Beast has been in the league since 2006 where he was drafted by Rochester. Since then he has been on the roster for San Francisco, Toronto, Chicago and for the past four years has worn a Lizards jersey. At 6’0″ and 203 pounds, Gurenlian has been one of the most dominant face-off men in the MLL, even with his leg injuries. Greg has won 157-256 face-offs this season, helping his team to .603 FOPCT, the best in the league. All while picking up 66 ground balls and tallying seven points. Him and Anthony Kelly, two of the biggest face-off men, will provide the fans with a show at the face-off X.
Stepping in as goaltender in the MLL is a very respectful and insane move. Players at the professional level have a game above and beyond that of which college players bring. Entering his third All Star game is Lizards goalie Drew Adams. He was drafted by the lizards in 2009 and has been the organizations starting goalie since 2010. So far this season, Drew has made 141 saves, let in 123 goals, six of which were two pointers and has averaged 12.34 goals against giving him a save percentage of .534. Adams is ranked as the fifth best goalie in goals against and save percentage behind fellow all stars Brett Queener, jesse Schwartzman and kip Turner who all rank in the top three.
Brian Karalunas is the only close defender coming out of New York, making his second appearance at the MLL All Star weekend. He has recorded 21 ground balls. Does many little things right, communicates well, has speed in the open field and closes off the adjacent pass very well. Is physical when going one on one and plays very well when opponent is dodging from X by opening his hips and closing the gate. Will give his assignment a hard time come Saturday.
The next player to be voted into All Star weekend came as no surprise. After his huge year with Cornell and joining the Lizards after four games into the season, Rob Pannell is one of the few rookies to participate this Saturday. He is leading the Lizards with 24 points in six games with 14 goals and ten assists, recording at least two points every game. He has perfected the question mark dodge and will more than likely use it in the ASG. Look for Rob to give the crowd a show.
With the All Star game, players are selected but may have to opt out due to unforeseen circumstances. This year proved as no surprise that players had to withdraw. About two weeks ago, Drew Westervelt informed the league that he was unable to attend. His replacement was a much deserving Lizard in Tommy Palasek. The sophomore attackman will be taking part in his first MLL ASG. Palasek, a Syracuse alum, is one of the top finishers in the league. He led New York for a while until Pannell took over recently. “Pally”, as Coach Spallina called him in a tweet, has recorded 20 points with 15 goals and five assists, shooting .366 percent. If there’s one player that will finish goals this weekend, it will be him.
Fans that are not attending will be able to catch the game that will be aired at 7pm on ESPN2.
