An Electric Debut and Business as Usual NLL Week 1
While winter descends on North America, most are playing hockey. But for a select few, it means professional box lacrosse season. Excitement is in the air and we are thrilled to cheer on all of the players who have passed through the CLL on their way to the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Each week we will take a quick look to see what our talented Alumni are up to in the NLL.
Ottawa Black Bears 11 - Toronto Rock 5
The story of Week 1 in the NLL was the leagues return to the Nation's Capital. Not to be out-done Jacob Dunbar ('19) put on an amazing performance. In scoring the franchise's first goal in history, he accumulated 3 Goals, 3 Assists, leading all scorers in the game with 6 Points, on 8 shots on goal, and collected 9 Loose Balls leading Ottawa in the pickups category —on his way to being named the game's First Star. Generational talent and Ottawa Captain Jeff Teat ('15) recorded 1 Goal, 4 Assists, 13 Shots on Goal, and 5 Loose Balls as he attracted the most attention from the Rock defence. For the Rock Chris Weier ('19) returns on defence, recording 2 Loose Balls and 1 Caused Turn Over.
Colorado Mammoth 11 - Vancouver Warriors 7
Jonathan Peshko ('18, '19) made his long awaited debut in the NLL. Drafted 4th Overall by the Vancouver Warriors, Peshko contributed all over the floor in his first game and recorded 3 Shots on Goal and collected 5 Loose Balls. Returning for the Colorado Mammoth, Sean Kriwokon ('21) continued to use his large frame on defence recording 2 Penalty Minutes, 3 Loose Balls, and 1 Blocked Shot.
[PHOTO Dave Fryer: Jonathan Peshko in the 2019 IIJl World Junior Lacrosse Championship scoring a goal in the Gold Medal Game against the Haudenosaunee.]
Rochester Knighthawks 14 - Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12
In a back and forth game Jake Saunders ('18) was key in transition for Vegas contributing with 2 Assists and 6 Loose Balls. Landon Kells ('19, '21) went the distance in net and played the full 60 Minutes, making 58 Saves in the loss.
Saskatchewan Rush 10 Albany FireWolves 9 (OT)
Thomas Kiazyk ('21 U17) did not play any minutes in net, currently tagged as a backup goaltender for the Rush. Nick Chaykowsky ('15) continues his solid professional career recording 1 Shot on Goal in transition and picked-up 4 Loose Balls for FireWolves.
San Diego Seals 18 - Philadelphia Wings 15
Returning for the Philadelphia Wings, Sam LeClair ('19) contributed off-ball as the Wings try to find their groove on offence with later pre-season additions. Deacan Knott ('22) jumped in net for relief, having played 8:28 Minutes and made 6 Saves. Another long awaited NLL debut was Matthew Wright ('18, '21) for the San Diego Seals. Wright picked up 3 Loose Balls and jumped in front of 1 Blocked Shot out the back-gate and in transition.