It wasn’t hard to pick out the best player in the 2013 NLL Prospect’s Game at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Sunday afternoon. He scored six goals on route to a 15-12 win for Team White. His name is James Delaney. The Port Coquiltlam, BC native who plays for Nanaimo Sr A in the Summer, impressed many scouts with his offensive outburst and made a name for himself in the most important day in his lacrosse career. Delaney and many others helped improved their draft standing with their play on Sunday.
Six Nation’s Jr A goaltender Don Alton was by far the best goalie on the floor during the Prospects Game on Sunday. Alton only allowed one goal in his one period of play, making several breakaway saves and looking very confident in net. Toronto Rock starting goaltender; Nick Rose said Alton “was pretty good out there and was the one goalie that stood out”. Rose also gave some advice for the goalies that are looking to be drafted Monday night saying “ you never know what to expect during the draft, but enjoy the day and goodluck”.
Other players that stood out were American Kyle Smith; the Longmeadow, Massachusetts native scored three goals and added a pair of assists. He has great hands, big body and quick feet. Smith and his father played for the University of Massachusetts and is the only father – son duo to score 100 plus points each, in their NCAA careers.
Charlotte Hounds midfielder; Jerry Ragonese was dominant on face-offs all afternoon and also picked up one goal. Zach Tomkinson out of Barrie, ON and also a member of Mars Hill College, stood out on several plays including a 2 on 1 and when he bounced off two checks to score his third goal of the game. Brampton Excelsior Sr A transition player Ethan O’Connor showed his offensive skills by notching two goals. Finally, Nick Diachenko; a member of the Brooklin Redmen (MSL) showed his determination in powering through three defenders on transition to score. He picked up numerous loose balls and moved the ball up the floor smoothly. Look for the Courtice, ON native to be drafted late in the first round on Monday night.
One of the many free agents looking to catch the attention of the NLL scouts at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, was Brock University Alumni 13’ and Oakville Rock (MSL) player Roscoe Smith. Roscoe attended his first NLL combine this weekend and said he “played pretty well, felt in shape and liked playing both ends of the floor. When asked what he could bring to an NLL team, he replied “I’m a good role player, who will play any position, offense or defense and will bring a positive energy on and off the floor.
To top the afternoon off, a spirited fight took place between Peterborough Junior A Laker graduate Curtis Perry and Merchyhurst Laker midfielder Zac Reid, the only two to drop the mitts on the afternoon. Both players were battling hard during the play and after a few words with each other they decided to throw a few punches. Perry said “it was just two guys battling, started chirping and it’s a part of the game”. Reid said “it got a bit chippy and we both wanted to go”. It appears Perry accomplished what he wanted to out on the floor as he describes himself as a “pest, smart player and is gritty”. This was evident in his ability to get underneath the opponents skin on several occasions, even drawing a penalty mid way through the game after a scuffle ensued.
Several other players that impressed scouts were:
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Jason Noble –Kitchner – Waterloo Kodiaks (MSL)
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Robert Church –Burnaby Lakers (WLA)
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Craig Wende – Burlington Chiefs (OLA Jr A)
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Todd Kozak – Brampton Excelsiors (MSL)
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Alex Lubczuk – Kitchener – Waterloo Kodiaks
Follow @LacrosseWeTrust Monday night starting at 7 PM to find out who gets drafted first overall in the 2013 NLL Draft.
