NLL training camps have opened, and that means we are finally starting to learn how team rosters will take shape. The New England Black Wolves are the newest team in the league going into their first season, so their camp had most fans eyes on it. Here is what we learned.
- Goalie Watch: The Black Wolves not only tried out several goalies, but some are moving on even with Kevin Croswell signed. Joe Evans and Jake Lazore made it on to the second phase of camp, and it remains to be seen if they are back this weekend. Donovan Fleischer and Patrick Crosby were also tried out at camp, so it seems they are in the market for a backup. Rumor has it they are keeping their eyes on if Colorado goalie Tye Belanger is cut.
- Youth Impact: We already knew this, but New England is a very young team and they will rely heavily on rookies. Quinn Powless and Mark Cockerton are going to get a lot of playing time, and it looks like they scored getting defender Sheldon Burns so late.
- Trying Out Every Option: MLL Rochester Rattlers defenseman Mike Lazore and 2013 NLL draft pick Micheal Cudmore got a try out, along with Wayne Van Every. It seems all three have moved on (as far as we know) to the next phase of camp, so the ‘Wolves are looking at every option.
- American Based Team?: Like the Philadelphia Wings before them, New England has much more American players than anyone else. It looks like it will be the same this year, trying out several Americans (including a goalie in Evans, which is rare) at defense. Eric Hoffman, Micheal Diehl, Brett Manney, Mike Manley, among others are a sure thing for the roster.
- Leadership: Head coach Blane Harrison has talked about leadership a lot since Brodie Merrill was traded. He’s mentioned the possibility of Kevin Crowley being a captain, but there hasn’t been talk since. They want him as their leader, and there was even more talk this weekend about who fills in for Merrill on such a young roster.
