The Denver Outlaws posted their best season ever in 2013 with an impressive record of 14-0, the first ever undefeated team in MLL history. They set 21 team records and 10 MLL records during the 2013 season. The team had 226 GF and 136 GA during the regular season. Their leading scorers were Chris Bocklet #10, Attackmen who scored 42 goals for a .429 scoring percentage and Drew Snider #23, Midfield who scored 31 goals for a .344 percentage.
Unfortunately, even with all the talent on the roster, they could not overcome the Charlotte Hounds in the first round of the semi-finals with a loss of 17-14 ending their record breaking season.
So where do the Outlaws go from here? They made some bold changes during the fall. In September they acquired Attackmen John Grant Jr., defenseman Michael Simon and the 16th pick from the Collegiate draft from the Chesapeake Bayhawks in exchange for Attackmen Brendan Mundorf. Coach Stagnita felt the Outlaws had a great opportunity to fill positions while getting two great players for one outstanding player. John Grant Jr., has played in the MLL since its inception in 2001, is ranked 3rd in MLL history with 253 goals, 5th in assists and 3rd in points. Michael Simon could be one of the most dominant defenders in the future. The Outlaws also signed First Round Pick Dom Sebastiani and a first round pick in the 2014 Collegiate draft from the Bayhawks in exchange for Defensemen Brian Megill. Denver now has three draft picks in the first two rounds of the 2014 Collegiate Draft which will take place on January 10, 2014. General Manager Tony Seaman said the Outlaws are looking to make the team younger through the college draft.
Another big trade occurred on December 2nd when the Outlaws signed Roy Lang from the Florida Launch in exchange for Goalie Adam Fullerton. Lang started his career in 2012 with the Rochester Rattlers where he scored 14 goals, had 3 assists and 26 ground balls in his rookie year. Lang is an all around athlete playing well at both ends of the field. This gives the Outlaws the ability to transition the ball from the defensive end to the offensive ends of the field. This also gives the Outlaws another all-around Midfielder with invaluable MLL experience.
In exchange for Will Mangan and a first round pick (8th overall), the Outlaws acquired Cameron Flint a former All-American from the University of Denver and a 6th round collegiate draft choice (43rd overall). Flint’s career while at the University of Denver included 103 goals and 35 assists ranking him 6th in goals and 10th in points at the University of Denver. He was also a four time All-ECAC member and earned him a spot on the Tewaaraton watch list in his senior season.
The Outlaws also announced on September 27th that they promoted former Assistant Head Coach B.J. O’Hara as Head Coach, replacing Jim Stagnita who recently stepped down. This will be O’Hara’s 11th season as an MLL coach and 38th season as a lacrosse coach with a record of 231 wins and 171 losses in his 37 years of coaching.
The Outlaws added Jon Cohen as an Assistant Head Coach. He had been the teams Assistant GM for three years and will continue in that capacity as well as helping with substitutions and advance scouting.
When the 23 Protected Man Roster was announced, some key players were locked in for the Outlaws. Goalie Jesse Schwartzman; Attackmen Eric Law; Midfielder Terry Kimener and Defenseman Lee Zink to name a few.
With the rebuilt coaching staff, acquistions of up and coming collegiate players, and the strength and leadership of the veterans the Outlaws have positioned themselves to strive for another record setting season.
The Supplemental Draft was held on December 4th and I will give you updates on how the Outlaws have further reinforced their squad with new acquisitions in my next article.
