The Rockhoppers are one of just two teams from last season’s NALL carrying over to 2013 and they are bringing back nearly their entire roster along with some new faces that have a local flare. Are the Rockhoppers title contenders? Let’s take a look at what they have.
SCHEDULE REVIEW
Boston takes on the Kentucky Stickhorses this Saturday at Freedom Hall, their third game on the road against their rival. They destroyed Kentucky in the last game of the season in 2012, so no doubt they have plenty of confidence.
The next week Boston faces a team who is not Kentucky for the first time ever when the Bombers travel to Boston. On the 19th they face Kentucky at home for the first time.
On the 27th, Boston travels to Baltimore and they open February hosting the Rhode Island Kingfish. They go to Baltimore again the next week.
Boston will host Rhode Island again the next week and they open March against Kentucky on the road, and the next week they host Kentucky at home. Their last game is on the 16th against Baltimore.
RETURNERS
Boston brings back players like Andrew Kirkaldy, Mike Stone, Kevin Gould and Jon Hayes. In net they have two Canadians in Nick Schroeder and Vincent Talbot. Also returning players of note are Malcom Chase and Tim Fallon.
NEW PLAYERS
Ryan Hotaling is one of the best players the Rockhoppers have picked up. They also picked up Mammoth player Matt Leveque, and the twins Cameron and Ramon Lao-Gosney. Hotaling played with the Boston Blazers in the NLL.
STRENGTHS
Boston is a fast team with great transition ability from defense to offense. Last season they showed that speed ability in their win over Kentucky, and they will be sure to use it again.
WEAKNESSES
Boston is playing for the first time against teams that are not Kentucky and have some players without a ton of box lacrosse experience. How will they fare against some new look teams?
PREDICTION
Boston has some good ability and skills and will be a strong team. However, teams like Kentucky and Baltimore might end up with better records.
Comments are closed.