Photo credit: Ryan Pfeiffer/Metroland
Although he may have had to wait longer than expected, Sheldon Burns was just happy to be selected in the NLL draft.
“It’s going to sound cliche, but it’s truly a dream come true,” said the 22nd overall pick of the New England Blackwolves. “I grew up wanting to play in the highest level I can and to be apart of this and a new organization it’s very exciting.”
The Dowling College graduate was pegged to go as early as the first round in many mock drafts, but due to some trades, Burns found himself slipping into the third round. The Brooklin Redmen defender didn’t look into the mock draft too much.
“It’s just a hypothesis, it’s not anything to be taken too seriously,” said Burns. “It didn’t matter when I went, as long as I found a new home, I was going to be happy.”
Although he slipped in the draft, there is no reason Burns should not be considered an elite prospect in the NLL. At 6’1 210 lbs, Burns is a big defender with athletic ability to transition the ball up the floor. Burns has netted 10 points(3G,7A) in 31 games over two seasons with the Brooklin Redmen.
Burns plays an aggressive style of defense, breaking up plays, constantly causing turnovers, knocking down and picking off passes. In his senior year at Dowling, Burns was second in the Nation in caused turnovers with 45.
Burns is a proven winner with a Minto Cup and NCAA Division II title to his resume. In 2011, Burns won a Canadian Jr. A Box Lacrosse championship with the Whitby Warriors. The next year, Burns captured a National title with the Dowling Golden Lions.
Burns believes he is capable of playing at the next level, but knows he has some work to do to become an impact NLL defender.
“I want to be as strong and athletic as I can be to help stand out and not blend in at training camp,” said Burns. “I’m going to focus on foot speed and strength training to help me be the best athlete I can be heading into camp.”
Burns next chapter in his young NLL career begins on November 15th as New England opens up training camp. Burns will hope to impress head coach Blane Harrison and the Black Wolves coaching staff with the franchise’s first exhibition game on November 20th against the Toronto Rock at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre.
Not only can Burns be a great value pick at 22, but his winning pedigree, skill and athletic ability is a great formula for future success in the NLL as a defender.
