For the Denver Outlaws, Chris Bocklet, Drew Snider, and Lee Zink will do damage for their team. Bocklet and Snider have been dominating in their positions. Bocklet leads the MLL in points with 42 goals and 13 assists. He will be an offensive threat that will create opportunities for himself and the Outlaws. Snider has come a long way in just his second year in the league. He’s done a lot more offensively and has stepped up defensively for Coach Stagnitta. His role going into Championship Weekend will double with production at both ends of the field. Zink has been a nightmare for teams’ top attackman. He is an all around great player, communicating well, plays physical, and can read offenses like a book. His assignment will have a hard day trying to get to the net come Saturday.
The defending champions, Chesapeake Bayhawks, have a lot of talent everywhere on the field. Three guys to keep your eye on will be Matt Abbott, Drew Westervelt and Michael Evans. Westervelt is the big man at attack, standing at 6’4″, and is first on team with 48 points. He’s having the best season of his career this year, making him one of the most dangerous players on the field. One of the most dynamic speedsters in the game today is Abbott. This guy can clear the ball with no worries, play great defense and create offensive opportunities as well. If there’s one weapon in the Bayhawk arsenal that will be a major factor this weekend, it’s Matt. If you’re a defender, you will want to keep eyes out for Evans. Michael does to want to get beat and will physically wear you down. Great communicator, one of the best one on one defenders in the league and will battle from start to finish.
Hamilton Nationals are the surprise of the season. They’ve come together as a team and will leave everything they have on the field. Everyone already knows that Joe Walters and Kevon Crowley will put up numbers.The three I have for the Nationals are Brett Queener, Kevin Cunningham, and Cody Jamieson. Cunningham has been stellar all season long. He is second in points for rookies this year, tallying 39 with 17 goals and 22 assists. He was only blanked once, versus Ohio, but has recorded a point in every game other than that. Kevin knew tom the beginning that his team needed him and he has given, and will give, everything he’s got. There’s not enough time to talk about Queener. The guy does everything, from making a save, to pushing transition, assisting and scoring and is one of the fastest guys on the field. Since he returned to a full time goaltender, Brett’s game has gotten increasingly better. It’s helped him and his defense find a groove and build a fortress. Not to mention he’s one of the, if not THE, most entertaining guys in the MLL on and off the field. Jamieson has not had such a great year. However, his time to shine is now as he has always stepped up during the post-season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some fireworks come from number 22 this Saturday, especially now that he is a father! Congrats Jammer!
What a cinderella story coming out of Charlotte. In only their second year of competition, thee Hounds make it the the MLL post-season. There’s no surprise that fans are going to see a lot of production from Matt Danowski. He’s a leader and coach on the field, making everyone around him that much better. With 49 points, Dino is having a career season and won’t want to see it end on Saturday. Rookie’s have helped the Hounds tremendously since they put on their practice pennies. Mike Sawyer, Jake Tripucka, Matt White, John Haus, Josh Hawkins and Mason Poli are the “Third Guy(s) To Watch” for Charlotte. They’re all in double digits for points and create havoc on the field. Sawyer has a rocket of a shot. Tripucka uses his size and speed to his advantage. White’s invert skills will come in handy. Not to forget about John Haus out of Maryland, who has picked up five points but works hard off ball. Josh Hawkins and LSM Mason Poli have given the Hounds a huge step up in their wing play, defense and transition. The best rookie class is coming to Philly from Charlotte.
