This week we will be focusing on NLL breakout players for the 2015 season. We begin with Calgary transition player Karsen Leung.
Leading up to the 2013 NLL Draft, the Calgary Roughnecks traded forward Joe Resetarits and the 15th pick overall for the 10th pick and a second round pick in 2015. With that 10th pick, the Roughnecks grabbed transition Karsen Leung.
The decision to let go of a talented kid about to enter his second season in exchange for a shot at the highly touted Leung was a bit of a gamble, but it was a gamble that began to pay off almost immediately. Leung nabbed six loose balls in his first regular season game as a Roughneck, then had back-to-back three-point games en route to a solid 29-point rookie campaign (seventh on the team) where he also collected 93 loosies (second on the team) and forced 13 turnovers (sixth on the team).
Over the summer, Leung notched another 17 points in 11 games with the Victoria Shamrocks, helping the team battle all the way to their second straight Mann Cup. Although the Shamrocks came up short against the Six Nations Chiefs once again, Leung contributed two goals and two assists in the six-game series, solidifying himself as a strong presence in the mid-court.
So coming into the 2015 season, it looks like the sophomore rightie is poised to repeat or improve upon his rookie campaign. In fact, with the recent addition Jeff Moleski to the Roughnecks’ defensive unit, Leung might be given the latitude to break out on transition and lead rushes even more than last year, which could translate into even more chances for the youngster to display his big shot and passing touch.
Calgary already has the best offense in the NLL; another year under Leung’s belt and the potential for even more scoring chances could make them even scarier.
