Ryan Hotaling is one of the biggest names on a PLL roster. Playing with the Boston Blazers of the National Lacrosse League, he has plenty of experience. He is going to be on the Charlotte Copperheads in the PLL this season, and he has played this summer with the Vermont Voyageurs of the QSLL. Yesterday I talked to him about both.
1. How tough is the transition for you after missing the last series with Vermont?
   ——I don’t think that the transition back will be that hard at all really. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to play every weekend for Vermont this summer. I think the guys understand that it’s hard to make every weekend. Things come up like weddings and what not. All the guys have a good understanding and respect for other obligations as things come up from time to time with them as well.
2. What does the team need to do well to defeat Kahnawake?
——In order for us to beat Kahnawake we are going to have to play extremely smart and high tempo lacrosse.  One thing about Vermont is that they have a lot of athletes who can run and run hard and fast for 60 minutes. If we can come out and run them up and down the floor i think we have a good chance to beat them. They are a good team and they have great sticks. if we come out flat and ball watch… its over before it started.
3. How tough is a five game series?
—–A 5 game series is brutal. It’s tough on the body but I think the biggest thing is after game two or three the other team knows what you’re trying to do and it allows for them to try and game plan for the up coming games. Remember we have already played these guys 4 times splitting 2-2. Should be a wild series. I can see it going to game 5!
4. What are you looking forward to with the Copperheads?
—–with a new season comes new challenges. I am looking forwarding to getting down to Charlotte as I think we have a good group of guys that are going to surprise a lot of people. After the Irish game we played on St. Patties day I was shocked at how well our team came together. TR and Graham did a great job of getting good athletes. One thing TR is noted for is picking the right people to complete his teams. The copperheads is no different. This team is filled with a bunch of good guys!
5. What has the PLL off season been like for you?
—-Well we really haven’t or I guess I really haven’t had an off season. I never really have. If I’m not playing I am working like a mad man at my regular job. however, the summer has been great.  My Vermont team is about to start a 5 game series in the QSLL. Depending on how that goes, I guess I’ll let you know how the summer turned or turns out.
6. What is your take on the league?
—- I think the league is heading in the right direction. I think after a few hick-ups things are ready and everyone in the PLL is on board and ready to go.  From what I hear after this season they are looking to take on a few new teams with a lot of potential for the following years. In a perfect world, I wish the PLL and the NALL would combine today as then it would be one league with 8 teams….. if you ask me it sounds like a great start. However the world isn’t perfect now is it. I’ll throw this out there…. PLL champs vs NALL champs….. would be interesting.
7. What are your thoughts on the Copperheads roster?
—–Well our roster was good prior to  the two drafts…. now….. it;s even better…. I think people will be surprised with the product (talent) that we are going to put on the floor. Its going to be a good few months coming up. There are only a so many spots on the team left.  Unfortunately there are going to be some players who don’t make it who prior to the draft may have had a spot. training camp should be interesting.
