By: Joshua Malinowski, Beat Writer Charlotte Hounds
Charlotte Hounds 2016 MLL Collegiate Draft Picks
Going into the 2016 Collegiate Draft the Hounds undoubtedly had their work cut out for them. In 2015 the Hounds finished with an unimpressive 3-11 record. Of the numerous problems within the roster, the most apparent is the offense. With only 160 goals scored last season the Hounds finished dead last in the MLL. This problem was immediately addressed with the Hounds first pick of the 2016 MLL Collegiate draft they selected attackman Syracuse University’s Dylan Donahue second overall.
If you followed college lacrosse this past year you have heard of Donahue. Among his ridiculously long list of accomplishments you will find things like: Tewaaraton Award Nominee; 2015 All-ACC; and last but not least, Donahue currently has the second-longest goal-scoring streak of any player in the NCAA.
Two picks later, the Hounds selected 2015 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year from Johns Hopkins attackman, Ryan Brown. With 61 goals Brown set the JHU single-season record for goals scored. I believe it is safe to say that Charlotte had a first round for fans to applaud.
The second round was also good as the Hounds went to work on the midfield and drafted former America East rookie of the year, the Terps Pat Young; 13th overall. With the fourth pick the team added yet another attackman in Penn State’s Nick Doktor; 18th overall.
In the third round, the Hounds picked 2015 National Champions Denver University midfielder, Colin Woolford. They also picked another midfield in Brendan Caputo (Brown). Charlotte added Tyler White a more than capable goalie from Towson in the fourth round.
The late Round picks were Maryland defenseman Goran Murray (37th overall); Marist attackman Joseph Radin (45th overall); Tarheel defenseman Evan Connell (54th overall); Rutgers defenseman Zach Sikora (61st overall); and lastly Bryant attackman Shane Morrell (63rd overall).
The Hounds added some size as well as some left-handers this year, which should help to keep them from the bottom of the stat sheet this upcoming season. Fans should be excited to see the flare Donahue adds to the offense as well as the firepower Ryan Brown brings. All players the Hounds drafted are going to be added to the team’s Collegiate Inactive Roster. They can be activated once their NCAA season is complete.
The 2016 MLL season is looking to be a great one, with talent spread somewhat equally across the rosters and the addition of a brand new team, I expect to see the most competitive season to date.
The Hounds will open the 2016 season at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, April 23 against the Boston Cannons.
Joshua Malinowski, Beat Writer Charlotte Hounds
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