Monday, December 13, 2010
Moving
Fans of The Lacrosse Blog, TLB will be moving to a new address tomorrow morning. The new site will be Inlaxwetrust.com as we move to SBNation. Thanks for all the support for the last few months and we hope you will continue to read the blog.
NLL Scrimmages Continue
The NLL continues its scrimmages season as the season fast approaches. With the season less than four weeks away, several teams in the National Lacrosse League prepare.
The Colorado Mammoth were defeated in their final pre-season game to the Washington Stealth, 15-13. Ned Crotty was able to score the hat-trick along with two assists on the night. Rhys Duch, Luke Wiles and Jeff Zywicki each had two goals. Kory Kowalyk also record four goals for the Stealth.
The Mammoth surrendered ten out of twelve goals after holding a 3-1 first quarter lead. The Mammoth were able to cut the lead to one late, but could not jump ahead. Matt King started in net for the Mammoth, and exited it the game for Curtis Palidwor and Rob Blasdell.
"Tonight was good for us," said Washington coach Chris Hall following the scrimmage. "It gave the guys an opportunity to get more comfortable with one another and gave the coaches the chance to see the new guys in a game situation. We have a better sense of what we need to work on before the season gets underway."
"The players put forth a great effort," said Mammoth Head Coach Bob Hamley. "It was much better than last week."
In other pre-season news, the Buffalo Bandits defeated the Philadelphia Wings 10-6. Chris Corebeil and Rusty Kruger had two goals apiece for the Bandits. There was no scoring in the first, though Buffalo jumped out 2-0 in the second. The Wings took the lead with four straight goals, But after a few goals, one from Kruger, Buffalo had a power play opportunity. Jay Thorimbert scored on the PP, giving Buffalo the lead back.
The Wings were able to tie it one more time before the Bandits pulled away.
The Colorado Mammoth were defeated in their final pre-season game to the Washington Stealth, 15-13. Ned Crotty was able to score the hat-trick along with two assists on the night. Rhys Duch, Luke Wiles and Jeff Zywicki each had two goals. Kory Kowalyk also record four goals for the Stealth.
The Mammoth surrendered ten out of twelve goals after holding a 3-1 first quarter lead. The Mammoth were able to cut the lead to one late, but could not jump ahead. Matt King started in net for the Mammoth, and exited it the game for Curtis Palidwor and Rob Blasdell.
"Tonight was good for us," said Washington coach Chris Hall following the scrimmage. "It gave the guys an opportunity to get more comfortable with one another and gave the coaches the chance to see the new guys in a game situation. We have a better sense of what we need to work on before the season gets underway."
"The players put forth a great effort," said Mammoth Head Coach Bob Hamley. "It was much better than last week."
In other pre-season news, the Buffalo Bandits defeated the Philadelphia Wings 10-6. Chris Corebeil and Rusty Kruger had two goals apiece for the Bandits. There was no scoring in the first, though Buffalo jumped out 2-0 in the second. The Wings took the lead with four straight goals, But after a few goals, one from Kruger, Buffalo had a power play opportunity. Jay Thorimbert scored on the PP, giving Buffalo the lead back.
The Wings were able to tie it one more time before the Bandits pulled away.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Training Camp News
A lot to talk about in the world of lacrosse yesterday. First off, the Washington Stealth signed transition player Paul Rabil to a three year extension. “Paul is truly developing into a fantastic indoor lacrosse player,” said Stealth Head Coach Chris Hall. “He’s an explosive player and virtually impossible to handle one-on-one. He really adds another dimension to our team and in just his third NLL season, he is on the verge of becoming one of the best in the game.”
Meanwhile the Calgary Roughnecks are having their problems. Hours after learning they will not hold training camp due to disciplinary behavior, they announced camp was back on in Calgary. Here is the statement from the Roughnecks: " Yesterday an alleged incident was brought to the attention of the Calgary Roughnecks organization that may have occurred during last weekend’s training camp. The conduct alleged was not of a criminal nature but would have violated team policy and expectations. In order to emphasize to the team that their behavior is expected to represent the Roughnecks properly at all times, management determined that the proportionate response was to cancel training camp this weekend.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that cancellation of camp would be a disproportionate response to the conduct that may have actually occurred. As a result training camp has been reinstated for this weekend.
Upon the conclusion of the continuing investigation, the one player involved will be appropriately disciplined if found to be at fault. The Roughnecks will not tolerate objectionable conduct by players, staff or management."
Meanwhile, top Roughnecks player Curtis Manning will miss the entire 2011 season. The reason behind this is he will be attending a medical school. The Roughnecks will also be without Rob Van Beek, who is pursuing a career as a firefighter.
One final transaction in the NLL world; The Rochester Knighthawks traded Matt Danowski to the Philadelphia Wings for a conditional draft pick. Danowski dressed for just one game with Rochester last season, after playing nine for the Mammoth the year before.
Meanwhile the Calgary Roughnecks are having their problems. Hours after learning they will not hold training camp due to disciplinary behavior, they announced camp was back on in Calgary. Here is the statement from the Roughnecks: " Yesterday an alleged incident was brought to the attention of the Calgary Roughnecks organization that may have occurred during last weekend’s training camp. The conduct alleged was not of a criminal nature but would have violated team policy and expectations. In order to emphasize to the team that their behavior is expected to represent the Roughnecks properly at all times, management determined that the proportionate response was to cancel training camp this weekend.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that cancellation of camp would be a disproportionate response to the conduct that may have actually occurred. As a result training camp has been reinstated for this weekend.
Upon the conclusion of the continuing investigation, the one player involved will be appropriately disciplined if found to be at fault. The Roughnecks will not tolerate objectionable conduct by players, staff or management."
Meanwhile, top Roughnecks player Curtis Manning will miss the entire 2011 season. The reason behind this is he will be attending a medical school. The Roughnecks will also be without Rob Van Beek, who is pursuing a career as a firefighter.
One final transaction in the NLL world; The Rochester Knighthawks traded Matt Danowski to the Philadelphia Wings for a conditional draft pick. Danowski dressed for just one game with Rochester last season, after playing nine for the Mammoth the year before.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Hall out Four Games
Rochester Knighthawks transition player Jordan Hall will miss eight weeks with hernia surgery. Hall is expected to miss four regular season starts.
Hall was acquired by Rochester in the Orlando Titans dispersal.
Hall was acquired by Rochester in the Orlando Titans dispersal.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Training Camp Update
The Boston Blazers, who started up training camp over the weekend, have signed goaltender Anthony Cosmo to a two year deal. Cosmo, a three-time NLL All-Star and the 2007 NLL Goaltender of the Year, has been one of the best goaltenders in the NLL since breaking in with Toronto. "With the signings of Dan Dawson, Josh Sanderson, Casey Powell, and now Cosmo we have a core of veterans who know what it takes to win in the NLL," said Doug Reffue, Blazers President and General Manager. "Having this nucleus of players all signed for two years places us in a great position. Now it's up to them to learn how to play as a unit and teach our younger players what it takes to compete for a Champions Cup."
Two veteran defenesmen also retired from the NLL yesterday. Regy Thorpe of the Rochester Knighthawks "I understand that the team is getting bigger, faster and stronger," said Thorpe. "I think it's the best for the organization and my family that I officially retire. Who knows what the future will hold." Thorpe is known as one of the best athletes in Rochester sports history.
Meanwhile Bruce Alexander who retired with the Rush had this to say. "Lacrosse has given me the opportunity to make many lifelong friends, ultimately I have played as long as I have because of the guys, the coaches, and the first class organizations I was able to play for," said Alexander. "I will keep lots of great memories close to my heart and look forward to seeing the game continue to grow and the quality of play improve." Alexander played for seven different teams in his eleven year career. The teams he played for were Syracuse, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Portland, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Two veteran defenesmen also retired from the NLL yesterday. Regy Thorpe of the Rochester Knighthawks "I understand that the team is getting bigger, faster and stronger," said Thorpe. "I think it's the best for the organization and my family that I officially retire. Who knows what the future will hold." Thorpe is known as one of the best athletes in Rochester sports history.
Meanwhile Bruce Alexander who retired with the Rush had this to say. "Lacrosse has given me the opportunity to make many lifelong friends, ultimately I have played as long as I have because of the guys, the coaches, and the first class organizations I was able to play for," said Alexander. "I will keep lots of great memories close to my heart and look forward to seeing the game continue to grow and the quality of play improve." Alexander played for seven different teams in his eleven year career. The teams he played for were Syracuse, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Portland, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
NLL Experiments This Pre-season
If you watched the pre-season game between Colorado and Toronto, you may have noticed something different. The National Lacrosse League will use orange lacrosse balls over the course of the pre-season for experimental reasons. The orange ball experiment was issued by the NLL Competition Committee. The experiment reason is that the orange balls may help fans follow the action better than the traditional white balls. “The Competition Committee is always exploring new ways to improve the game for the fans and the players”, said Brian Lemon, NLL Vice President of Operations. “We are experimenting with the orange lacrosse ball to find out if it’s easier for our fans to see and follow than the white ball. We’ll also monitor how the players adapt to it as well"
The NLL is also testing out another potential rule change. The league has also scaled back where players’ sticks will be positioned during face-offs. The reasoning there was to increase play speed coming out of the face-off. During all preseason face offs, the referees require the two opposing players in the face off circle to begin in a set position with the heads of their sticks eight inches apart. This would presumably help the flow of the game with more fast break opportunities.
The NLL is also testing out another potential rule change. The league has also scaled back where players’ sticks will be positioned during face-offs. The reasoning there was to increase play speed coming out of the face-off. During all preseason face offs, the referees require the two opposing players in the face off circle to begin in a set position with the heads of their sticks eight inches apart. This would presumably help the flow of the game with more fast break opportunities.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Edmonton falls to Rochester in Scrimmage
In an affair not televised on NLL Network, the Edmonton Rush were defeated by the Rochester Knighthawks, 15-11. There will be a series of scrimmages in the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. The scoring started for Edmonton three minutes in with Brodie Merrill beating new K-Hawks goaltender Matt Vinc. Gavin Prout, Andy Secore, and Alex Kehoe Hill scored goals to extend the Rush first quarter lead by four goals.
The Knighthawks rushed right back into the game, with three unanswered goals by Shawn Evans, Joel McCready and Marty Hill. At the 4:05 mark of the second quarter, Pat O'Tooke entered the game for Rochester.
Edmonton greeted the new goaltender with two straight short handed goals from Scott Tining and Merill to make the score 7-3. Evans trimmed the lead with a delayed penalty, but Edmonton did not sit still.
Edmonton was able to score four straight goals by Dane Stevens, Prout, Hill, and Dean Hill. Bobby McBride got a late goal for Rochester, but it wasn't enough as Edmonton went to halftime with twelve goals.
Aaron Bold entered the game for Rochester after the half, and they also changed their lineup. Craig Point entered the game and scored. But Stevens and Hill were able to extend the Rush lead.
Point scored again for Rochester, but it was all for naught. Edmonton continued their scoring attack on the Knighthawks goaltenders, and came home with a win.
Notes-
- Matt Vinc appeared in a K'Hawks uniform for the first time.
- Alex Kehoe Hill had a hat trick for the Rush.
- Rochester did not dress Jordon Hall, Cody Jaimeson, Shawn Williams, or Chris Schiller.
- Marty Hill registered four points for Rochester.
- Brodie Merrill scored two goals for Edmonton.
- Brandon Atherton served as the Edmonton backup goaltender for Edmonton.
The Knighthawks rushed right back into the game, with three unanswered goals by Shawn Evans, Joel McCready and Marty Hill. At the 4:05 mark of the second quarter, Pat O'Tooke entered the game for Rochester.
Edmonton greeted the new goaltender with two straight short handed goals from Scott Tining and Merill to make the score 7-3. Evans trimmed the lead with a delayed penalty, but Edmonton did not sit still.
Edmonton was able to score four straight goals by Dane Stevens, Prout, Hill, and Dean Hill. Bobby McBride got a late goal for Rochester, but it wasn't enough as Edmonton went to halftime with twelve goals.
Aaron Bold entered the game for Rochester after the half, and they also changed their lineup. Craig Point entered the game and scored. But Stevens and Hill were able to extend the Rush lead.
Point scored again for Rochester, but it was all for naught. Edmonton continued their scoring attack on the Knighthawks goaltenders, and came home with a win.
Notes-
- Matt Vinc appeared in a K'Hawks uniform for the first time.
- Alex Kehoe Hill had a hat trick for the Rush.
- Rochester did not dress Jordon Hall, Cody Jaimeson, Shawn Williams, or Chris Schiller.
- Marty Hill registered four points for Rochester.
- Brodie Merrill scored two goals for Edmonton.
- Brandon Atherton served as the Edmonton backup goaltender for Edmonton.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Game Recap- Mammoth vs Rock
Last night was the first NLL action since the Champions Cup, with the Rock beating the Mammoth 10-7 in a pre-season game.
Aaron Pascas scored the first goal of the game for Toronto, but Colorado answered quickly with a goal from Bryan Langtry. Toronto's Mat MacLeod took the lead for the Rock. Colorado would do the rest of the scoring in the first quarter, with goals from Jamie Shewchuk and Langtry.
Toronto pulled Pat Campbell from the game and started Gee Nash in net for the second quarter. Rob Hellyer scored for Toronto on a power play, but Shewchuk took the lead again for the Mammoth. However, MacLeod and Hellyer were able to make it 5-4 Rock before the end of the first half.
Andrew Potter and Aaron Pascas scored to give themselves some distance from Colorado to start the third quarter. Connor Martin scored for Colorado to make it 7-5, but Josh Wassen's goal brought the Mammoth crowd back into their seats.
Campbell re-entered the game in the fourth quarter. In the fourth, each team scored twice as Pascas earned the hat trick and Toronto came up with the win.
Game Notes:
- John Grant did not dress for this game.
- Bob Watson did not play in the game. Toronto wanted to see what they had in Nash and Campbell. Hard to judge at the end of the game, but I have a feeling they stick with Nash.
- Rookie Aaron Pascas sure make an impression on the Rock staff.
- There are going to be a few more pre-season games up in New Westminster, so stay tuned to The Lacrosse Blog!
Aaron Pascas scored the first goal of the game for Toronto, but Colorado answered quickly with a goal from Bryan Langtry. Toronto's Mat MacLeod took the lead for the Rock. Colorado would do the rest of the scoring in the first quarter, with goals from Jamie Shewchuk and Langtry.
Toronto pulled Pat Campbell from the game and started Gee Nash in net for the second quarter. Rob Hellyer scored for Toronto on a power play, but Shewchuk took the lead again for the Mammoth. However, MacLeod and Hellyer were able to make it 5-4 Rock before the end of the first half.
Andrew Potter and Aaron Pascas scored to give themselves some distance from Colorado to start the third quarter. Connor Martin scored for Colorado to make it 7-5, but Josh Wassen's goal brought the Mammoth crowd back into their seats.
Campbell re-entered the game in the fourth quarter. In the fourth, each team scored twice as Pascas earned the hat trick and Toronto came up with the win.
Game Notes:
- John Grant did not dress for this game.
- Bob Watson did not play in the game. Toronto wanted to see what they had in Nash and Campbell. Hard to judge at the end of the game, but I have a feeling they stick with Nash.
- Rookie Aaron Pascas sure make an impression on the Rock staff.
- There are going to be a few more pre-season games up in New Westminster, so stay tuned to The Lacrosse Blog!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
GameDay Open Thread
Here is your GameDay Open Thread for the Colorado Mammoth Toronto Rock preseason game tonight.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Game Preview: Toronto Rock vs Colorado Mammoth
(Photo Credit: NLL.com)
Tomorrow night the new-look Colorado Mammoth take on the Toronto Rock in the first pre-season tilt of the NLL season. This will be the first time the two franchises have played each other since 2003, when the Mammoth moved to Colorado. The game will be seen on the National Lacrosse League's online channel, The NLL Network.
Game Notes:
Leading Scorer from last season: COL- Jamie Shewchuk TOR- Colin Doyle
Goaltender: COL- Matt King TOR- Bob Watson
Injuries:COL- Jed Prossner
Notes:
* This will be the first time John Grant jr does not wear a Rochester Knighthawks uniform.
* Former cup winning goaltender Gee Nash will make his return to Colorado as Bob Watson's backup.
* Mammoth head coach Bob Hamley said he wants to win this game, despite it only being in the pre-season.
* Matt King makes his Mammoth debut.
* Ned Crotty will make his NLL debut.
* Come over here tomorrow evening for an Open Game Thread.
Tomorrow night the new-look Colorado Mammoth take on the Toronto Rock in the first pre-season tilt of the NLL season. This will be the first time the two franchises have played each other since 2003, when the Mammoth moved to Colorado. The game will be seen on the National Lacrosse League's online channel, The NLL Network.
Game Notes:
Leading Scorer from last season: COL- Jamie Shewchuk TOR- Colin Doyle
Goaltender: COL- Matt King TOR- Bob Watson
Injuries:COL- Jed Prossner
Notes:
* This will be the first time John Grant jr does not wear a Rochester Knighthawks uniform.
* Former cup winning goaltender Gee Nash will make his return to Colorado as Bob Watson's backup.
* Mammoth head coach Bob Hamley said he wants to win this game, despite it only being in the pre-season.
* Matt King makes his Mammoth debut.
* Ned Crotty will make his NLL debut.
* Come over here tomorrow evening for an Open Game Thread.
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