NATIONALS' HOME OPENER FEATURES DEFENDING CHAMPS

Last Game: The Denver Outlaws defeated the Hamilton Nationals, 18-10, on May 14th at INVESCO Field. Denver broke open a 6-5 game with eight goals in the third quarter to hand Hamilton a loss in its inaugural game. Hamilton got a hat trick from Jarrett Davis, a two-goal effort from Jordan Hall, and a two-point goal from Brian Christopher. Geoff Snider also had one goal, one assist and 16 faceoff wins. Denver’s Brendan Mundorf led the way with a 10-point night (6+4).

 

Crowley expected to make debut: Hamilton Nationals’ first overall pick Kevin Crowley is expected to make his professional debut this Thursday. Crowley finished his career among the best players ever to play for Stony Brook. He scored 30 goals and added 26 assists this season, totaling 131 goals and 101 assists in 60 career games. He was the only player in school history to record 100 or more goals and assists, and one of just 40 players in Division I history to accomplish the feat. He was also one of three players in America East history to be a four-time first team selection.

 

Nationals win indoor title: Garrett Billings and Stephan Leblanc captured the National Lacrosse League title last Sunday as members of the Toronto Rock. They combined for three goals and four assists in an 8-7 win.

Snider breaks 700: Faceoff specialist Geoff Snider became the eighth player in MLL history to reach 700 faceoff wins (705).

 

Regy makes his coaching debut: Regy Thorpe made his pro head coaching debut last Saturday. Thorpe returned to the MLL for the first time since the 2008 season when he helped the Rochester Rattlers win the 2008 Steinfeld Cup as an assistant coach with the Rattlers.

 

Chesapeake Notes: The defending champs began their title defense with a 14-10 win over the Rochester Rattlers last Saturday.  Both Brian Carroll and Ben Rubeor recorded hat tricks, while goalkeeper Chris Garrity made 13 saves. The Bayhawks have now won five straight games dating back to last season.

 

A World of Talent: Fourteen members of the Hamilton Nationals will travel to Prague for the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships. The Iroquois team will rely on Nationals Cody Jamieson, Brett Bucktooth, Sid Smith and Craig Point. Team Canada includes Hamilton’s Brodie Merrill, Matt Vinc, John Grant Jr., Jordan Hall, Dan Dawson, Stephan Leblanc, Kyle Rubisch and Jon Sullivan. Team USA features Nats’ Steve Panarelli and Manager of Communications Craig Rybczynski.

 

Next Game: The Hamilton Nationals travel to play the Rochester Rattlers on Saturday, June 10th at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium. The game will be shown live on ESPN3.com.