With three pre season NLL games now in the books, we learned plenty about several players and teams. One game is left to go next week, but here are ten things NLL fans learned this week in the exhibition action.
Jordan McBride is the Real Deal
After scoring two goals against Minnesota last week we thought that Jordan McBride looked like an improved player. But after scoring four goals against Calgary, we now know he is going to be an important player in the Colorado offense. The team was without their offensive leader John Grant Jr, but even with him back, McBride should see a bigger role this year.
Jovan Miller Has Some Box Skill
For all the talk of Miller against Minnesota last week, he looked pretty solid against Calgary. On offense he showed good skill on fakes and drawing defenders away, and his offensive fades gave Alex Demopolous one of the prettiest goals of the night. He might be able to stick as a practice squad player with a chance to improve his game.
Colorado Needs to Hope Belanger Comes Back
Last night Chris Levis and Matt Roik gave up a combined twenty goals to Calgary. Meanwhile, last seasons backup Tye Beleanger is still on the shelf. Dan Lewis is their other guy in camp, but with no NLL game experience, Colorado has to hope Belanger comes back strong, or that one of Levis and Roik emerges as a viable option.
Curtis Dickson is Elite
Five goals last night for the former NLL rookie of the year solidifies what a lot of us already thought; Curtis Dickson is an elite lacrosse player. Some of his goals made the Colorado defense look silly last night, and while he and Jeff Shattler combined for half of the Calgary goals, it has to be said that Dickson is one of the best in the league.
Mark Matthews is Going to be a Star
When Mark Matthews scored his first quarter goal, it was a note of interest to see the rookie score. But he just completely took over the game and helped the Rush defeat the Rock. His four goals were the difference in their 12-8 win over Toronto, and Rush fans are hoping there is more of that to come.
Sam Bradman Can Play
The former Salisbury star was not looked at as a viable NLL threat by some box fans, but after he signed on Friday afternoon, he was right in the lineup on Saturday. Bradman scored two goals in his first ever box lacrosse action, causing some Minnesota fans to turn their heads.
Calgary’s Offense is Deep
Calgary got ten combined goals from Dickson and Shattler. Just when you think those guys are the best the Roughnecks have to offer, you remember they also have Scott Ranger, Dane Dobbie, Joe Resetarits, Daryl Veltman and Shawn Evans. Think they might score some goals this year?
Casey Powell is Back
Powell had been in action at Rochester camp, but for the first time since 2011 NLL fans got a chance to see the best ever American boxla player. He scored two goals in the Knighthawks win and was on the floor for other goals. He will have another chance to play a pre season game next week in Montreal.
Rory Smith Takes Too Many Penalties
Indoor lacrosse fans already know about the undisciplined play of Rory Smith, but it was as bad as ever last night. He took an unsportsmanlike penalty and then took a five minute major just a minute and a half later. Calgary would score three times on that major, something that Colorado head coach Bob Hamley could not be happy about.
Is Johnny Powless the Next Elite Player?
He opened eyes last season as a 19 year old rookie, and after three goals last night including the game winner, Powless might be ready to become the next National Lacrosse League star.
