NLL Insider

With just two weeks left in the 2009 National Lacrosse League (NLL) regular season, I wanted to squeeze this post in on some of the lesser hyped rookies.

Top 3 Unsung

These guys have been over-shadowed by the more offensive rooks. In Colorado, for instance, three times their offensive rookies have won league honors while splitting floor time. Defender Bryan Safarik has quietly contributed all season. Let’s start there…

Bryan Safarik, Colorado (14gp, 10 points, 88 lbs) – Safarik has been a steady force for the Mammoth and he could easily contend for an All-Rookie Team selection at year’s end. A solid, aggressive defender. “Safarik has been a rock; a completely pleasant surprise,” said Mammoth GM Steve Govett. “He is playing outstanding defense and has done everything we need him to do.”

Jeff Gilbert, Toronto (14pg, 10 points, 75 lbs) – An athletic 6-foot-4 defender with a lot of pro potential. “Jeff is a steady defenseman that has improved every game this year,” added Rock coach Jamie Batley. “He is able to use his size and strength on defense to match against anyone in the league… and has started scoring regularly. Jeff will have a long career in the NLL.”

Greg Downing, Boston (12gp, 13 points, 80 lbs) – Boston hopes the two goals he scored last weekend are just a prelude of what’s to come. “Greg Downing has become one of our best ground ball men,” said Blazer coach Tom Ryan. “He is so athletic that he can often escape a double or triple team in the corner… His potential is amazing considering he is still learning the game.”

Unsung Cont’d

Benson Erwin, Philadelphia (11gp, 2 points, 32 lbs) – Has grabbed the attention of fellow NLL Insider staff. “Benson has been a solid addition to our defensive group,” says Wings’ coach Dave Huntley. “He plays the ball as well as anyone and as he gets more experience in the indoor game his off ball and transition play get better each week.”

Brett Manney, San Jose (13 gp, 2 points, 31 lbs) – Big 6-foot-3, 225 pound defender with great lateral quickness and toughness. “He has been a pleasant surprise for the Stealth,” added SJ coach Chris Hall. “He possesses great shutdown D skills. He’s big, athletic, fast and intelligent.”

Andrew Watt, Minnesota (13gp, 6 goals, 17 points, 68 lbs) – Drafted in the first round as a forward. Tied for the league lead in short-handed goals for, Watt has been in our Top 10 but under hyped. “We tried Andrew on defense and he seemed to thrive in transition,” added coach Duane Jacobs.

Sean Morris, Boston (4gp, 4 goals, 14 points, 11 lbs) – He has an explosive first step and looked great in his recent return from injury, leading Boston with seven points last Saturday. “He has the speed and composure to create scoring opportunities on his own,” added coach Tom Ryan.

Jamie Floris, Edmonton (12gp, 11 goals, 19 points, 28 lbs) – Floris is a gritty forward with a strong inside game. “Floris is playing fantastic… (He’s) opening holes for Teat and Crawford,” added Rush coach Bob Hamley. “Jamie is very under-rated in our eyes.”

Steve Ammann, New York (3gp, 2 points, 10 lbs) – Collected two points in the Titans’ last win. “He has used his speed to create a number of scoring chances,” added coach Ed Comeau. “He’s played very good defense and has impressed.”

Matt Yager, Portland (8gp, 4 points, 28 lbs) – The speedy transition player deserves extra ink as he has collected three points and 16 lbs in his last two games.

Injury Up-date

Peter McFetridge, Calgary (6gp, 3 points, 19 bs) – Athletic 6-foot-3 defender and transition player with outstanding quickness. Impressed early but dealt with an injury and then sat as the team was/is clicking. He will get another opportunity this weekend, says Calgary coach Troy Cordingley.

Stephen Peyser, New York (13gp, 13 points, 111 lbs, 207-324 FO) – Went head to head with face-off king Geoff Snider last Saturday. He suffered a minor injury that game, and the team decided to rest him during their last match. Peyser will be a game-time decision this weekend, says coach Ed Comeau.

Matt Danowski, Colorado (8gp, 7 goals, 13 points, 17 lbs) – Showed a lot of promise early this season. The last weekend he played, he actually had a four point game. But Danowski has not dressed in the last three Manmoth matches.

The former NCAA stud was in Philly two weekends ago but the team decided not to dress Matt because he had missed some practice time due to the approval process for his thesis; he is completing his Master’s degree at Duke. Then this past weekend, Danowski dealt with an unfortunate family situation that kept him at home. “Circumstances really,” commented GM Steve Govett.

Tyler Crompton, Colorado (12gp, 7 goals, 11 points, 34 lbs) – Has made the most of his opportunities, twice collecting the ‘NLL Rookie of the Week’ award. “He may not score a tremendous amount but his work ethic is amazing,” added Govett. “He creates some great opportunities for everyone around him.”

Top 10

Check back next Tuesday for the latest NLL Rookie Rankings. For a look at last week’s Top 10, click here… Also hit the forums and let us know your favs in the ROY Race and Trophy Chase.

Week 15: Preview | Shanny’s Take

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