With the approaching start to the NLL regular season soon upon us, it is interesting to see the names and movement of players as training camp hits its full swing. The regular household names are still holding strong to their position on the depth chart, but it looks like a few might have slipped through the cracks.
Take Philadelphia for example. They are a team usually made up of a solid mix of Canadian players and Americans trying to break into the ranks. When I was a member of the Wings staff, almost every player was living in the Mid Atlantic, craving out their own niche in the world. In fact, if I remember right, only Ian Iannucci and one other were imported for the season. All the others were at the most a short flight to the City of Brotherly Love.
With the World Games on the horizon, there are some Americans deciding to focus on health and the outdoor game. As we know Rabil and Mundorf, both Wings, have decided to stay on the mend for Denver this summer rather than mix it up indoors. If you are thinking, “why not play as much as possible before the World Games,” think about this. Garrett Billings, a great performer for the Toronto Rock, was not even invited to the Canadian National Camp for the World Games. Likely reason is that he has been playing a lot of indoor lacrosse and refrained from taking part in the MLL during the summers. If you don’t believe me, look at the tryout list, all names that have had as much field experience in the last few years as they could garner.
But this article is intended to talk about those on the cusp of making it onto the 2014 roster right away with their selected teams. Easiest place for me to start is with my hometown Wings. The longest running team in the league has to cut the roster down to 20 and my guess is that some familiar names are going to be left outside looking in.
Even though his game is one that I like to see, it goes relatively unnoticed. If the Wings have a guy who will also drop the gloves, I think Steve Holmes will be left off opening day. What he certainly has going for him is that he is a hometown boy, so that could way heavily given the cost to fly guys in week to week to play.
Another guy who has always been productive, but hasn’t made headlines lately is Pat Heim. The Penn State Alumnus with the do-it-all mentality might be a casualty as well. His game is between the lines. He can face off, pick up ground balls, and run transition but there are others on the roster that do as well like Jeff Reynolds. I think since both are local to the area, only one will survive the cut down to 20.
The Bandits parted ways with Hominuck and Harasym since last season. Harasym was quietly a very effective player for the team. Replacing that type of “sandpaper” on your roster is a tricky move. Between Bromwell, D. Smith, and H. Smith, the Bandits are going to have to compliment there regular transition players likely with a guy or two that will eventually replace there guys like Steenhius. I think two of those will be cut depending on how Brock and Watt have played in the coach’s eyes.
I think with the Minnesota Swarm, they have the youth coming in to make a splash in the league this year. There are five rookies on the roster right now that I think will be impact players for them. Zach Palmer is going to be a player that makes waves if he makes it. His impact on the roster will likely find a player like Teeter or Jackson on the outs. I mean how many 5’ 8” Forwards can a team keep on their left side? David Earl from Notre Dame might be on the outside as well. Cam Flint is a pure athlete and he will be garnering time on the floor easily, so there is someone that needs to find their way off the roster like Tyler Haas. Scott Jones has likely proved he is ready to play with his performance so far, same with their number one overall in Logan Schuss.
As for the Champions in Rochester, I do not think their roster needs any additions to it. The remainder of the newbies on the roster are going to be cut this time tomorrow as they get down to the leagues required 20. The Champs are looking for another run at the title and they have the legs to do so.
The Toronto Rock have one special case that I am looking at intently. Eric Law, who had an amazing run in the MLL this summer and with Denver going to the Final Four, is looking for a roster spot. His build is going to get pushed around. Kind of reminds me of a Ryan Boyle type player. Will he be successful, yes I believe so, but it requires the right role. Is that a role he can fill in Toronto? I guess the GMs will be letting us know here soon.
I have seen Tor Reinholdt play for Limestone before and in the outdoor game, he is pretty dynamic. Will he work out in Calgary? Again, we will find out soon. What I do remember of the Calgary’s roster is that it needs to get an infusion of younger talent. The likes of Snider and Veltman will not be there much longer, so the roster needs to develop and quickly.
Colorado made this easy for me. They didn’t add almost anyone to their pre season roster. The known quantity they have is Dillion Ward, the goalie who was at his best last season. He had a great run in the NCAA and he will be a developing professional for sure in the NLL. How long it takes him to take over will likely dictate how the Mammoth work their goalie situation this season. I think the job will end up being his.
For Edmonton, I cannot see much work on their roster either. Seems like they are intent on keeping the status quo to build on their past successes. Vancouver is going to have to get Alex Gajic on the roster by eliminating one of their former regulars. That is a welcome addition. I am sure they are hoping this works out like the Sedin twins in Vancouver.
The rosters will be cut down to 20 by Monday evening and by then you will be able to welcome your favorite team to the starting line for the 2014 season. The infusion of youth seems to be a pattern staying east, but the talent leaving Juniors being added during the season like a Vitale was a couple of years ago could boost a western roster toward the top.
Good luck to all those trying to live the fantasy.
– Brian Davies
@briandavies15
