The Mammoth are coming off of a disappointing season, one where their high-power offence, which dominated the competition the year before, just could not perform the same way.
Even with the addition of former league MVP Casey Powell, the Mammoth struggled. So what will they do in the offseason? As it stands now, Colorado has the third overall pick in the 2013 NLL entry draft. They will make player selections at the 3, 12, 31, 40, and 49 spots. So what are their needs?
Clearly the biggest way the Mammoth struggled last season was in goal. The team started, and then released two goalies before settling on Ty Belanger about halfway through the season. If they have a consistent goalie for next season that will help their defense greatly, but Belanger needs to stay healthy.
The Mammoth also are in need of good transition players. Yes, Joey Cupido made the All-Rookie team, and lead Colorado in loose balls and forced turnovers, but he needs help. They moved Jamie Lincoln from forward to transition to try to ease the load, but watching him, he seemed a little out of place, and not as confident at that position as he is at forward.
Last month IlIndoor.com came out with its first mock draft, and they have Colorado picking Tor Reinholdt, a transition player from Limestone and the Langley Thunder. Like Cupido, he is known for his bursts of speed up the floor. Could this be how the Mammoth wants their transition players to be like, able to quickly generate offense after scooping up loose balls? Only time will tell, but Reinholdt would certainly be a good pick at the third spot.
Jason Noble is also available, but most think that the Minnesota Swarm will select the defenseman from Cornell and the Orangeville Northmen. However, if he does slide to number three, the Mammoth should go for him. Last year he was named the OLA Jr A league’s best defender. His teammates have also described him as the perfect player. Colorado wouldn’t go wrong picking him if they get the chance.
As for the rest of the draft, I would like to see the Mammoth not select a single forward this year. Because simply because they have little to no need for one. With Grant, Powell, Jones, Pollock, Macleod, and others returning, why choose another forward that will probably sit on the practice squad along side Alex Demopoulos? Demopoulos was a stand out at the University of Denver a few years ago and would be a pretty good pick to fill in if there is an injury, there is also free agency. It is clear that they need to bolster their defense and transition game.
