During the course of interviewing MLL players, I discovered they have a variety of professions in the offseason. Most of these professions are related to lacrosse in the form of coaching and conducting camps and clinics. Other notable jobs are in the financial sector, strength and conditioning, corporate security, and prison guard. Our guest today, John Ortolani, has perhaps the most unique non-MLL job. John is an MMA fighter. Congratulations…
Defending Champion Rush Take Season Opener 10-8 Over Roughnecks
The Saskatchewan Rush spoiled the Calgary Roughnecks’ home opener on Saturday night, taking a 10-8, come-from-behind victory in front of a crowd of 11,977 fans. The new-look Roughnecks got off to a quick start when defenseman Dan McRae picked up a goal on transition following a forced turnover just 1:21 into the game. And that was the story for much of the first quarter—Calgary’s defense was able to intercept…
Weekend Lacrosse Thoughts: Swarm a Tease Again?
Same Old Swarm Tease? It feels like every year, the Minnesota Georgia Swarm are hyped for their young players. How many prospects have the Swarm produced now? It’s countless. Are the four Swarm rookies this season more of the same? Randy Staats had one of the best NLL debuts in recent memory with a seven-point night on Friday against the Colorado Mammoth. Lyle Thompson scored a hat trick in his first-ever…
2016 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Army West Point Black Knights
OVERVIEW: The Black Knights finished last season ranked 20th in the nation, but failed to make the NCAA Tournament after falling to Colgate in the Patriot League title game. Entering 2016, they lose goaltender Sam Somers, midfielders Alex Newsome, Michael Larrabee, and Will O’Donnell, LSM Jimbo D’Aprile, and the biggest of them all in attackman John Glesener. Many underclassmen will have to pitch in, including John’s brother, Ted, a midfielder. STRENGTHS:…
Grant, Mammoth Open NLL Season With Thrilling Victory
It may be a new year, but that does not mean there will be change. Yes, there was a new team in action in last night’s National Lacrosse League contest, however many things stayed the same. John Grant Jr remains one of the best lacrosse players in the world, and that fact stayed true on Friday night as he scored the game winning goal to lead the Colorado Mammoth past…
2016 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Loyola Greyhounds
Overview: Loyola would like to forget the end of the 2015 season all together if they do not believe in bulletin board material. The end of last season came at the hands of West Point, in the Patriot League Tournament. This was the earliest end to a season at Loyola that one can remember, not making a single game in May. The seniors that won a National Championship during their…
Roughnecks Sign Bob Snider to Practice Roster
The Calgary Roughnecks today announced the team has signed free agent Bob Snider to the club’s practice roster, pending league approval. Snider, 30, has played 85 career games, recording 793 loose balls, a 61.8 faceoff percentage (1295 faceoff wins) and 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) with Philadelphia, Washington and Colorado. The 6-foot, 205-pound transition player from Calgary, Alberta, was selected by the Philadelphia Wings in the second round, 16th…
Rush Open Title Defense Against Roughnecks
The Saskatchewan Rush and the Calgary Roughnecks kick off their 2o16 campaigns today at Scotiabank Saddledome which is a start of a new era for both teams. After starting last season 0-6, but making it to the West finals and being eliminated by the eventual league champion Edmonton Rush, the Roughnecks underwent a drastic overhaul in the offseason. Retiring in the offseason was team captain and defensive staple Andrew McBride….
2016 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Maryland Terrapins
Overview: The Maryland Terrapins made it to the National Championship game, falling to Denver. The Terrapins avenged an earlier loss to Johns Hopkins to get there, which was a happy moment for the Terrapin alumni base. Many key pieces to the championship game run need to be replaced as Maryland looks to finally bring home the title to College Park for the first time since the mid 70s. Strengths: Defense…
Swarm and Mammoth Square Off to Open 2016 NLL Season
The Colorado Mammoth host the Georgia Swarm tonight at 7:30 p.m. MT to kick off the 2016 NLL season. Both teams made some changes during the offseason, so it will be interesting to see how things play out. The Mammoth’s two biggest offseason acquisitions came from the Swarm. Star forward Callum Crawford adds depth and experience to an already-strong offensive unit that includes 90-point men John Grant Jr. and Adam…