The National Lacrosse League kicked off its 2024-25 season this past weekend, and a number of Lakers (current and former) played integral roles for their teams.
Toronto Rock 5 @ Ottawa Black Bears 11
Former Jr. A Laker Tyler Hendrycks of the Rock made his pro debut in his hometown, garnering one assist, This wasn't a great game for the Rock, and Corey Small was held pointless while Mark Matthews was limited to a single assist.
In the Black Bears' inaugural game, Kiel Matisz scored once and added two assists. Jay Thorimbert won the faceoff battle and scooped up four loose balls.
Vancouver Warriors 7 @ Colorado Mammoth 11
There are no Laker connections on the Warriors. Lame.
Eli McLaughlin contributed three assists, while also picking up six loose balls. Captain Robert Hope one assist, nine loose balls and one caused turnover, while getting into a scrum at the end of the game and suffering a bloody nose.
Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12 @ Rochester Knighthawks 14
Landon Kells made 58 saves as the Vegas netminder was peppered with 72 shots in this game. Defender Dylan Hutchison contributed a pair of assists and a pair of loose balls. Peterborough native Kyle Killen score twice and assisted once.
Rochester had five Laker connections on the floor, including Turner Evans, who scored once and assisted once. Taylor Jensen took the face-offs for Rochester and scooped 10 loosies, Matt Gilray had one assist and eight loose balls, and Chad Tutton and Ian Llord had three and two loose ball scoops, respectively.
Saskatchewan Rush 10 @ Albany FireWolves 9 OT
There is not one single Laker connection on Saskatchewan's roster. Rude.
Ethan Walker had a goal and three assists for Albany, who are expecting another big season after making it to the Finals last season. Former Laker Zach Young had two loose ball scoops.
Philadelphia Wings 15 @ San Diego Seals 18
Holden Cattoni went on a tear for Philadelphia the Sunday, scoring four times and adding two assists, while Joe Resetarits contributed a pair of goals and three assists. On the back end, Alex Pace picked up one assist and scooped six loose balls, and Jordan Stouros scooped a pair of loose balls. Deacan Knott stopped all six shots he faced in 8:28 of relief action in goal.
Rob Hellyer, who signed with San Diego as a free agent, was a leader for his new team with three goals and three assists. Zach Currier, acquired in a trade with Calgary, scored once, added two assists and picked up 12 loose balls as he played a dual role out both the front and back doors in his Seals' debut. Former Laker Matt Wright picked up three loose balls in his first NLL game. Mike Poulin made seven saves in 19:09 of relief action.
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Cover image of Landon Kells by Jon Tenca/NLL
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