This is week one of the NLL’s quotes to note, where we look over some of the most interesting things said this week from NLL coaches, general managers and players.
Philadelphia Wings
“By acquiring Tracey [Kelusky] and Ryan [Ward] this offseason, we’ve brought in players with experience and a high lacrosse IQ. This will only help us by having a strong impact on the rest of the team.”- Blaine Harrison
We have been able to incorporate skilled players from our free agent camp and teach them our system. This is a change for me to transition to head coach. There are plenty of expectations for the Wings with such a decorated team history, and we’re ready for the challenge.”- Blaine Harrison
Edmonton Rush
“He [Curtis Knight] got a lot stronger and now he needs to bring that strength into the game and still use his quickness. He had a solid rookie season and he’s very dedicated to the game. I’m confident he’s going to continue to get better.”- Derek Keenan
“The coaches have done a great job teaching the systems and every teammate has been there for one another making sure everyone is comfortable and confident in what is expected this season. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing team and organization.”- Adrian Sorichetti
Calgary Roughnecks
“Champion’s Cup. Period,”- Curt Malwasky
“Did we overuse Mike [Poulin]? Was he tired by the end of the season? Could we have used Frankie Scigliano more? That’s something we should like at, using our backup goalie a bit more instead of throwing Mike into the fire every game,”- Mike Board
“Some people might say it means nothing, but from a coaching staff perspective, we’ve seen everything we needed to see,”- Curt Malwasky
Minnesota Swarm
“If it had been just one of the several things, I would have played. I could have participated in both Team USA and the NLL, no problem, but while no one thing was a deal-breaker, all of them combined forced me to make a tough choice.” – Mitch Belisle
“Every practice, every shootaround means something now. We don’t have time to wait and see if a guy’s head is in the game or if he’s in top shape.”- Joe Sullivan
Colorado Mammoth
“Goaltending was our Achilles’ heel over the last few years so having two solid goalies for the future was the No. 1 priority for us,”- Steve Govett
Buffalo Bandits
“Goaltending was our Achilles’ heel over the last few years so having two solid goalies for the future was the No. 1 priority for us,”- Steve Dietrich
“I would believe that the practice [squad] players are going to be very crucial to this league,”- Troy Cordingley
Toronto Rock
“The league has been changing. Back-end guys are more involved. We drafted some guys who have an upside with their transition game based on how they performed with their summer teams.”- Terry Sanderson
“You’ve got to be on your toes every second and not let your guard down, because here you can get burned by anyone. I’ve been burned thinking the play was over on my side (when it wasn’t),- Ethan O’Connor (Inside Halton)
