Toronto Rock Head Coach John Lovell has decided on the three players that will wear an “A” on their jerseys in 2014 as alternate captains. Colin Doyle will wear the “C” as the captain for the fifth consecutive season.
“We are looking for guys that lead by example,” said Lovell. “Leaders are not necessarily the most vocal players, but are definitely players that have a strong voice in the room and most importantly care about the team and their teammates.”
Defender Sandy Chapman will be an alternate captain both at home and on the road. Chapman has played 8 seasons during his 12-year career with Toronto and has won four Champion’s Cup titles with the Rock.
Two veterans will split the duties at home and on the road. The first of which is forward Josh Sanderson who will serve as an alternate captain at home during 2014. The 16-year pro from Orangeville, Ontario has played six of those seasons with Toronto and was a member of the 2005 Toronto Rock championship team.
Another long-time member of the Rock, Patrick Merrill will be the other alternate captain on the road. Merrill, a veteran of 11 NLL campaigns, has hoisted the Champion’s Cup on four occasions throughout his 8 seasons with the Rock.
“I think all four players are not only good players but outstanding teammates,” explained Lovell. “While Colin, Josh and Patrick are hard working and probably more vocal in the room, ‘Chappy’ is the ultimate lead by example type of player. These guys are solid pros and four of many that will lead the 2014 Rock.”
Despite not having a letter on their jersey, Lovell says there will be several others that will be counted on for leadership this season. “In some ways it was a difficult decision because there were many strong candidates. Veteran players like Rob Marshall, Bill Greer, Kasey Beirnes and Stephen Hoar as well as players like Garrett Billings, Stephan Leblanc and Jesse Gamble that are already leaders and will wear letters for this team in the future.”
The Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) have designated ninth-year transition player Brodie Merrill as the team captain for 2014. Defender Brett Manney and forward Jordan Hall will serve as assistant captains.
The trio forms a dynamic leadership committee representing all aspects of the game. Combined, they share their championship insight by having played in four NLL Champion’s Cups spanning their careers.
“Brodie [Merrill], Brett [Manney], and Jordan [Hall] are all great examples of commitment and dedication to the sport of lacrosse,” said Head Coach Blane Harrison. “We are fortunate to have strong leadership from these three and others on the team to point us in the right direction for 2014.”
Merrill will don the captain’s “C” for his third consecutive season with the Wings. Last season he contributed 28 points and recovered 128 loose balls while appearing in 15 games. He won Transition Player of the Week honors two separate times in 2013.
Manney, a Philadelphia local, enters his sixth season in the league and fourth with the Wings. He finished the 2013 season with 39 loose balls and seven forced turnovers.
Hall returns for his second season with the Wings and seventh in the NLL. Last season he appeared in 16 games and recorded 43 points (29 assists, 14 goals). A graduate of the University of Delaware, Hall factors to be a main contributor on offense.
The Philadelphia Wings will host the Buffalo Bandits at Wells Fargo Center for their 2014 season home opener on Sunday, January 12, at 4 p.m.
Single game tickets for the Philadelphia Wings 2014 NLL season are available now. Call 215-389-WING (9464) or visit WingsLAX.com to purchase.
