With the 2014 NLL season officially underway, the latest wave of rookie talent made their presence felt Saturday night. Out of the six squads to begin action over the weekend, all but the Rochester Knighthawks and Buffalo Bandits featured at least one rookie in the lineup.
Minnesota
The youthful Swarm dressed a trio of signees from their recent draft class in Saturday’s loss to Rochester. Leading the way for the freshman core was first overall selection Logan Schuss. The Ladner, B.C. native finished his debut with one goal and one assist for two points. Schuss saw prominent time during man-up situations, with his lone assist coming on the power-play. Fellow B.C. native Scott Jones also saw his first NLL action versus the Knighthawks. Jones, who led the Swarm to a preseason victory over Rochester with three goals including the game-winner, was held goalless in his debut while notching one assist. Both Schuss and Jones showed little hesitation in transitioning to the professional game, taking just under 20 shots combined. Defender Jason Noble saw a regular shift on the back end and showcased his athleticism with strong transitional play in the fast break.
Edmonton
After 5th overall selection Robert Church was a last minute scratch from the lineup due to illness, Riley Loewen became the sole rookie to dress for the Rush. The Limestone alum was impressive, registering two goals on just four shots. Lowen’s pair of tallies proved timely; coming in the form of back-to-back markers to give Edmonton the advantage heading into halftime, a lead the Rush would uphold for the final half. Recent second-round draft pick Adrian Sorichetti did not dress.
Colorado
Rookie goaltender Dillon Ward made an unscheduled NLL debut against the Rush, coming in during the third quarter to relieve starter Tye Belanger. The third overall draft pick was stellar stopping 10 of 12 shots faced, while holding Edmonton scoreless through his first fifteen minutes of action. Defender Cameron Mann, who joins Ward as one of two rookies on the Mammoth roster, registered six loose-balls for Colorado.
Philadelphia
A crop of American field stars made their first foray into NLL action in a Wings uniform, with Garret Thul, and Brian Megill all dressing in Philadelphia’s season opening road win. Thul, who was extremely impressive during pre-season play, had one goal in the win. Former Syracuse defender Brian Megill notched an assist and two loose-balls. John Ranagan, who is coming off of an impressive 18 goal rookie campaign in the MLL, had three loose-balls in the win.
Rookies with potential to make their first NLL appearance in Week 2 of NLL action include Tor Reinholdt, Karsen Leung, Cody Hawkins and Garret McIntosh (Calgary), Tyler Digby, Cody Bremner and Sean Lundstrom (Vancouver), and Ethan O’Connor (Toronto).
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