The 2015 season went about as well as it can go for the relocated team that the New England Black Wolves were. The team showed flashes, starting the season 2-0, but ultimately lacked the talent needed to contend in the deep eastern division in the National Lacrosse League.
New England already has a much different roster than they had when they started last season… or when they finished it. Kevin Crowley returns, reflecting the roster that began last season, but not the one that ended the year. Crowley was traded to the Toronto Rock at last season’s trade deadline for Garrett Billings, but Crowley returns to New England now in exchange for the Wolves’ first round draft selection, Dan Lintner.
Billings has since been traded away to the Vancouver Stealth, where the Black Wolves acquired third year player Tyler Digby. However, just days later Digby was traded to the Calgary Roughnecks for multiple-time MVP winner Shawn Evans.
Evans and Crowley in the fold create an already dynamic New England offense. Kyle Buchanan and Brett Bucktooth both return to round out a right handed shooting offense that might be the best in the league. Pat Saunders is returning from a breakout season on a new contract. He leads a left handed offense that is a bit weaker only because of inexperience, and they will have to rely on Mark Cockerton stepping up.
The Achilles heel of the Wolves’ last season was their defense. They return Brett Manney and Craig England, their top two defenseman from last season, and also added Buffalo Bandits veteran d-man Derek Suddons. The addition of Suddons helps a primarily young defense core that boasts second year player Sheldon Burns and an interesting compilation of Bill O’Brien, Brian Megill, and Mike Manley.
The duo of Evan Kirk and Tye Belanger returns in the crease, and it is a solid combination. Kirk had his moments where he struggled last season behind a weaker defense but he also stole some games. Kirk was 10th in qualifying goalies in goals against average (out of a nine team league) but he also playe the fourth most minutes out of any goaltender with 943. He also made the third most saves with 571.
New England has one preseason game on tap in December when they will face Buffalo in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in a game that is likely there to test out Pennsylvania as a market for the NLL to return to long term. The roster is far from set, which means a few players should get looks to crack an NLL roster.
One of those players is transition man Wenster Green, who was drafted by Rochester and spent a short stint in Vancouver. Transition is a thin position for New England so he will have a chance to make an impact. Additionally, draft picks from 2014 Jayson Crawford and Matt Crough will get looks. Crough performed well when needed in 2015 but is a right handed forward, where New England is deepest.
Crawford will have a shot at the roster if he plays well since defense is thin. Brent Adams is a fast transition-like defenseman who will also get a chance to remain with the team.
Rookies Mike MacDonald, Jordi Jones-Smith and Philip Caputo will also get their first looks at NLL action.
New England does not have a third goalie but it would be expected they would sign one before preseason begins to have at least on their practice roster.
