NLL Insider

Five-year BCJALL goaltender Ray Hodgkinson

We mighta spoke too soon in previous weeks, saying the hardest Junior to NLL gig to land was a starting everyday O spot.

Cuz hands down, and the numbers don’t lie, the position that almost never goes to a junior level player… the keeper. The last junior aged tender to land a regular spot in the NLL (even as a backup)? Hell, you tell us, cuz there sure aren’t many or any in recent seasons.

Six Nations Arrows’ grad Grant Crawley spent a year as Rochester’s backup in ‘06, but few kids still 21 or under have even had that kinda impact on the position in the pros.

Over the next week, we’ll check in with three of this year’s top available keepers, starting today with BC stud tender, Ray Hodgkinson.

Hodgkinson, a rare five year junior in BC, comes off a solid year split between the Langley Thunder and Burnaby Lakers, a trade deadline pickup that bolstered Burnaby’s keeper tandem, almost straight into an unlikely Minto Cup spot.

With good size, experience (has also been called up to the WLA level during his career) and good speed for a big kid, Hodgkinson may be the most NLL ready tender available in next week’s draft.

RAY HODGKINSON

Height: 6′4”
Weight: 225 lbs.
Position: Goaltender
Shoots: Left
From: Victoria B.C.
Junior: Burnaby Lakers

What do you feel your greatest asset is that would allow you to translate your game to the NLL?
My mobility and speed, plus my ability to track the ball with my stick and read shooters are assets I think would help me in the NLL. I’ve also had the opportunity of practicing in 4×4′9” nets with some NLL players which has improved my game, as well as receiving professional strength and conditioning coaching from Lewis Ratcliff.

One (or a couple) word(s) to describe your game?
Determined, improving and hard working.

What role/position do you see yourself playing in the NLL?
I plan on working hard on improving my game, learning as much as possible from players and coaches. The goal is to gain the experience to become a starter one day in the NLL.

What current or former NLLer would you most closely compare or model your game after?
I try to model my game after Marty O’Neill and Dallas Eliuk who I studied growing up. They both were patient and attacked the ball with their stick.

Your greatest accomplishment (team or individual) during your college, junior or even senior lacrosse career?
I’d have to say being able to make the jump from Midget A to playing five years of Jr. A. I’m also proud of the playoff run we accomplished in Burnaby this past season.

Anything else to add?
Playing in the NLL would be a dream come true no matter what team picks me up. I’m willing to relocate to any city in the league. I love coaching and giving back to the game.

Other Hello My Name Is…

• Former Jr. B scoring sensation and Mars Hill attacker Dave Hodgins (Read More)
• Coquitlam Adanacs smash mouth pure defender Brandon Turner (Read More)
• Victoria Shamrocks versatile D/two-way stud Erik Sage (Read More)
• Gritty Peterborough Lakers power forward Kyle Clancy (Read More)
• The spicy yet methodical Brampton Excels off-season pickup Dane Stevens (Read More)
• Nanaimo T-Men Jr. A forward Jon Diplock (Read More)
• Edmonton’s past-first forward Sean Reid (Read More)
• Loyola grad and current MLL defender PT Ricci (Read More)
• Calgary Raiders agreesive, physical defender Garrett Werschke (Read More)
• The Burlington Chiefs timely scoring ace Ryan Learn (Read More)
• Verstaile Burnaby Lakers offensive sniper Shaun Dhaliwal (Read More)
• Syracuse’s most recent #22 and ‘09 MLL rookie of the year Dan Hardy (Read More)
• The RMLL’s versatile offensive transitional force Kiel Donahue (Read More)

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