The Washington Stealth were the only team to not make the National Lacrosse League playoffs in 2012. In 2013, their roster has only slight modifications, but they are hoping to get back to the team that brought them to two straight championship games.
The most noticeable move of the off season is the departure of Jeff Zywicki who has been a prolific playmaker for Washington. However, last season he missed a lot of time due to various injuries.
Washington also did lose their captain Jason Bloom, who retired, and transition man Kyle Hartzell who they sent to Philadelphia for draft picks. Eric Martin was also released to the surprise of many people around the league. The defense still has studs such as Kyle Sorensen and Jeff Moleski to lead them along with Mike Grimes for a solid D unit.
In net they have Tyler Richards, one of the best young goalies in lacrosse, along with new back up Nick Patterson who is an NLL veteran and former Minnesota starter. He will bring some solid stability to the back up position.
Even through their struggles, Washington is a team known for their offensive output. Even as a non playoff team they scored more than two other teams in the playoffs.
Veterans Cliff Smith, Lewis Ratcliff and Athan Iannucci return this year along with a healthy Rhys Duch. This team shot on net more than any team in the league last season. Also back are Dean Hill and Brett Bucktooth, two mid-2012 pick ups who produced, and Kyle Buchanan, a rookie.
Rookie Drew Snider currently sits on the Injured Reserve but could be back at some point this season. Overall, Washington is a team that can contend in the NLL. But can they get back to their 2010-2011 form?
