The Bandits’ Cinderella Man

With both teams riding a three game win streak, the Buffalo Bandits (3-1) will host the undefeated back-to-back NLL champion Rochester Knighthawks (3-0) at the First Niagara Center Saturday night at 7:30 pm for the first of four “Thruway Rivalry” matchups. What makes this game that much more special is the fact that the team that emerges victorious will take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division. One…

January 24, 2014
Read More >>

Mammoth v Roughnecks: The Fight For a Win

The Colorado Mammoth are set to take on the Calgary Roughnecks in Calgary at the Scotiabank Saddledome tonight. This will be the second meeting of the two teams within 15 days. Both games have been played in Calgary and the Mammoth are looking for their second win of the season and are hoping to come out victorious against the Rougnecks who currently sit in second place in the NLL West…

January 24, 2014
Read More >>

Stevens is Swarmin’: Rush Trade Forward to Minnesota

The Minnesota Swarm and Edmonton Rush announced that they have swapped Minnesota’s 2014 fourth round draft pick for Rush left-handed forward Dane Stevens.  According to the Swarm website the trade is still pending league approval. Stevens has yet to play a game for the Rush due to a combination of family and work commitments and even though Head Coach Derek Keenan was excited to see him as part of his offence this season, the…

January 23, 2014
Read More >>

MLL Preseason Predictions: January

The MLL is unpredictable. Yes, the Outlaws have been very good during the regular season, along with the Bayhawks to round out the top two teams. Number three and four spots over the past couple seasons have varied. Hamilton moving, FIL on the horizon and the new NLL format will all effect this year’s outcome. Last year, we saw Charlotte take down the undefeated Outlaws in a spectacular performance as…

January 22, 2014
Read More >>

NLL Three Stars: Week Four

Week 4 of the National Lacrosse League was the busiest week yet as it featured seven games over three days and all nine teams in action. Several players stood out including Calgary Roughnecks Shawn Evans (three goals, nine assists in two games), Cody Bremner of the Vancouver Stealth (3 G, 3 A in one game) and Buffalo Bandits Dhane Smith (4 G, 2 A in one game). Minnesota Swarm goaltender…

January 22, 2014
Read More >>

Net Impact: The Effect of Power Plays and Penalty Killing

When a team in the National Lacrosse League goes on the power play, the typical outcome is a goal. In 2013 the power play success rate across the league was 51.4 percent on 712 total attempts; so far this season, the league is at exactly 50 percent success rate on 184 power plays. With such high risks associated with taking penalties, getting into frequent penalty trouble can easily be the…

January 21, 2014
Read More >>

Power Rankings: Knighthawks Fly High Again

The busiest week in the NLL has come and gone. Another overtime thriller is making this season very exciting. Only three games on the schedule this week, including the battle for the Beast of the East.   Power Rankings   Week 5 (1) 1—Rochester Knighthawks (3-0)  Knighthawks stay atop as they claim a 12-8 victory over the Toronto Rock.  Knighthawks built a 10-4 halftime lead. Hawks were led by Cody Jamieson’s…

January 21, 2014
Read More >>

Knighthawks Stay Hot, Start Season 3-0

The back-to-back defending National Lacrosse League champion Rochester Knighthawks (3-0) continued their 2014 dominance as they defeated the Toronto Rock (1-2) 12-8 to remain unbeaten in their first three games, doing so for the first time since 1998. Reigning NLL Goaltender of the Year Matt Vinc was solid in net making 38 saves, but the defense of the Knighthawks was outstanding all night, breaking up passes, blocking shots and forcing…

January 21, 2014
Read More >>

2014 Major Series Lacrosse Draft Results

With several big name Junior A players left unprotected by their Senior affiliates, Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) held its 2014 Entry Draft on Sunday from the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby, Ontario and it was no surprise that Orangeville Northmen alumni Rob Hellyer was selected first overall by the Oakville Rock. Hellyer is currently a member of the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Toronto Rock where he has six goals, three…

January 20, 2014
Read More >>

NLL League Leaders: Week 4

At the conclusion of Week 3, some things change, but some things remain the same. Leading the league in points once again is Adam Jones with 29. Close on his heels are Jordan Hall and John Grant Jr. with 28. Adam Jones leads the way in goals as well with 16. Jordan Hall has 15 and Dane Dobbie has 14. Ryan Ward and Shawn Evans share the lead in assists…

January 20, 2014
Read More >>