The National Lacrosse League has announced Player of the Week awards for Week #1 after the Washington Stealth opened the 2013 NLL regular season with a 13-12 home win over the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks last weekend.
The Stealth took home three of the four positional awards, as two rookies Kyle Buchanan and Mitch McMichael were recognized for their efforts in their NLL debuts while veteran forward Cliff Smith had a career night.
Offensive Player of the Week
WSH – Cliff Smith (3G, 5A, 2 LB): Smith recorded a game-high eight points (3+5) and recovered two loose balls in Washington’s 13-12 season-opening win over Rochester on Saturday.
Transition Player of the Week
WSH – Mitch McMichael (1G, 4 LB): McMichael scored the go-ahead goal with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter and recovered four loose balls in his NLL debut in Washington’s 13-12 season-opening win over Rochester on Saturday.
Defensive Player of the Week
ROC – Matt Vinc (13.00 GAA, .797 SV %): Vinc made 51 saves on 64 shots in Rochester’s 13-12 season-opening loss at Washington on Saturday.
Rookie Player of the Week
WSH – Kyle Buchanan (4A, 2 LB): Buchanan registered four assists and recovered two loose balls in his NLL debut in Washington’s 13-12 season-opening win over Rochester on Saturday.
The NLL Player Awards are determined by a weekly vote of the league’s general managers and head coaches.
