Justin Ivey, Beat Writer & Co-Editor NE Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome
Team Caption Photo Courtesy of New England Black Wolves
The New England Black Wolves ended last season on a down note. After squeaking into the playoffs as the three seed in the East Division, they went one and done, losing the play in game to the Toronto Rock.
A lot of changes were made to the roster this year, in hopes of bolstering a defense that gave up way too many goals last season. In a trade that surprised the whole league, goalie Evan Kirk was sent away to the Saskatchewan Rush for veteran goalie Aaron Bold and transition player John LaFontaine. Bold brings champion level pedigree and leadership to the defense. In another surprising move, defenseman Bill O’Brien was released as close to the roster release as possible. While O’Brien did not show up on the stat sheet much over the past three seasons, he was a leader to the fans and many considered him the face of the franchise. Defensemen David Brock (free agent) and Adam Bomberry (acquired in a trade with Rochester) are the other newcomers on defense hoping to make a difference. A healthy Brett Manney, co-assistant captain, starts the year with a group that will hopefully mesh quickly.
The offensive side for the Black Wolves is poised for a huge year. Captain Shawn Evans and Kevin Crowley continue to hold down the right side, after both having career years in 2017.
Evans led the team in points (103) and assists (65), on way to his league record fifth consecutive 100-point season. Crowley scored 45 goals last year, a career high. Reilly O’Connor will have more minutes on the left side after the retirement of Chad Culp. Last year’s 51 points prove that he is up to the task. Kevin Buchanan and Kyle Buchanan (NOT brothers for those still wondering) have proven to be consistent cogs in the machine when on the field. Second year player Seth Oakes had some flashes of brilliance last year, and management must believe he can make a difference as they kept him around. Lefty JP Kealy, the 10th overall selection in the draft, is the lone rookie forward to make the final cuts. To wrap up the offense, Mark Cockerton is making a return to the NLL, after winning an MLL Championship with the Ohio Machine this past year.
Face-off wizard Jay Thorimbert returns to the team on the last year of his contract and is joined on transition by veteran LaFontaine, and rookie 7th overall pick Colton Watkinson. Watkinson won three Division II National Championships with Limstone, and played in the MSL with the Brooklin Redmen during the 2017 season. His speed and lacrosse IQ should prove very beneficial.
With the roster changes, it is expected that it will take a few games for the team to mesh consistently. To the Black Wolves benefit, a lot of teams made changes this year and hopefully the returning veterans can make an impact early and often. The Black Wolves open the NLL season with a tough test at home as they host last year’s champion Georgia Swarm, Friday December 8 at 7:30 PM.
Justin Ivey, Beat Writer & Co-Editor New England Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome