With Week 2 of the NLL officially in the books, all nine teams now have one game of the 2014 season on record. A majority of this year’s rookie class have already made their presence known throughout the league, including some standout performances.
Rookie goaltender Dillon Ward has arguably cemented his spot as the Colorado Mammoth’s starting goaltender, earning his first career NLL victory with a 13-12 defeat of Vancouver. After entering the game in relief of Ty Belanger for the second consecutive week, the Orangeville, ON native stopped 30 of 38 shots faced. Ward’s steady play throughout allowed the Mammoth to launch their come from behind effort, including a pair of of clutch saves in the dying moments of regulation. Former Jacksonville Dolphin Cameron Mann made the second appearance of his young career, registering two loose balls.
Despite the Vancouver Stealth losing their inaugural NLL game in disappointing fashion, the loss featured an outstanding performance from rookie Tyler Digby. The Canadian Football League draftee had three goals and three assists for six points and is currently tied with Rhys Duch for second on the Stealth in team scoring. Digby showcased his athleticism by playing both ends of the floor, registering two loose balls and one forced turnover. Eighth overall pick Cody Bremner also saw his first NLL action with Vancouver. The Victoria, B.C. native struggled at times registering just one goal on 11 shots, though still managing to clearly display his first round talent including an impressive solo effort to tie the game in the fourth quarter.
The Toronto Rock’s Ethan O’Connor looked comfortable playing alongside a veteran Rock defensive core. The ninth overall pick dished out two assists in Toronto’s win over Calgary while notching his first career NLL goal on an empty net tally to seal the victory.
For the Calgary Roughnecks, a trio of B.C. natives, Tor Reinholdt, Garret McIntosh and Karsen Leung, made their NLL debut versus the Rock. Both Reinholdt and Leung saw time during special teams situations, while McIntosh played an aggressive game notching one forced turnover and ringing a diving chance off the post on his lone shot.
All nine NLL teams will be in action Week 3. Notable rookie related news includes the debut of Edmonton Rush fifth overall selection Robert Church; while the Minnesota Swarm will be without Jason Noble due to a one-game suspension originally given after receiving a match penalty in exhibition play.
