With the NLL season opening this weekend and next, its time to take a look at whom is likely to have big seasons this year. There is a theme that is going come across is that the stars are going to remain the stars. Cody Jamieson will have a big season, so will Garrett Billings, Ryan Benesch, Shawn Evans, and Rhys Duch should all too. The complimentary scoring is going to be where the money is on the table in the early season. The teams that can balance their star with some solid complimentary scoring will have an early advantage this season.
Adam Jones, F, Colorado is going to be asked for another seventy-point season. Since he came out of college, Jones has been building an impressive resume and with Grant back to close his career out in Colorado, the two can really build on earlier success. His numbers were relatively even last season, which is great for the team’s success. Does he take over the reigns to the offense this season is left to be seen when the doors open.
Dan Dawson, F, Rochester is someone that I have enjoyed watching over the last few seasons since before Philadelphia picked him up. After the dispersal draft a few years ago, he has been a staple of his team’s offense and a leader in points in the league. With Jamieson having the green light to produce, can Dawson keep those numbers up with the best in the league? It is always fun having your brother on your team, but I am sure a good natured family chirping is in order from Paul if the numbers sink a little. I think the offense will benefit a great deal if Stephen Keough can find that scoring touch again to get him above thirty-points in a season.
My most influential move has to be with the Wings and their number one pick in Kevin Crowley. Having a top ten scorer in the league will do the team wonders in development. The organization is used to be one of the tops in the league and has fallen on hard times recently. If they can develop a scorer, like Crowley naturally is, they will be pushing for a longer life in the playoffs. Finding a complimentary scorer will be a huge asset as well. The Wings have the transition players to get the possessions for the offense, but they really need Crowley, and a plus one, to do some major scoring to reach their potential.
Jeff Shattler, F, Calgary is another runner up on the team in scoring, but can he continue his success to balance the line up? Here is the nice part for the Roughnecks. There is potential all over the floor. Dickson led the team in goals, Evans in points, and they had two seventy-point scorers that are yet to be mentioned. Who will keep their production at least matched for 2014? I believe that Dickson will continue his march towards fifty-goals and Evans will be the leader in points, but who will be there to continue there production for the offense?
Lastly, I think Vancouver Forward Lewis Ratcliff will be one to watch. His point production has been consistent for the Stealth. Certainly not questioning that, but what I have to ask is if you are the coach, would his shooting percentage work for you? Led the team in shots with 173, but ended the season with just over thirty-goals. Here is the good news; his shot production means that the team is getting there runs at goals. With a new city and a newer crowd, there is a lot of pressure for the team to do well. I know the players put pressure on themselves, but does his shooting percentage warrant that production or do you expect more? I know this, when 42 gets the ball there will be shots coming.
Fans of the NLL, enjoy your team opening the season this weekend or next. It will be a fun season with new realignment and a few new faces. Good luck to your team and make sure to get out to a game to root them on. The NLL is certainly an experience in sports that all fans of lacrosse should take in at least once.
