2008 Roster Announced by Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse
Published on May 12, 2008 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
Chicago, IL -The Chicago Machine announced today their 23-man active roster for the 2008 Major League Lacrosse season. Returning players include three of the Chicago Machine's 2007 top scorers and one of the league's top defensemen. Two late additions from last week's trade with Rochester (NY), and - in a surprise development - a player from the team's open tryouts in early April round out the squad. The Chicago Machine opens the 2008 season at home at 3 pm (CT) on May 18, 2008, at TOYOTA PARK against the San Francisco Dragons. Tickets and information are available at www.chicagomachine.com.
2008 Chicago Machine Season Active Roster
Attack: Scott Falatach, Kevin Leveille, and Eric Pittard.
Goalie: Chris Bluse and Mike Gabel.
Defense: Jeff Bigas, Jake Deane, Mitchell Hendler, Robert Smith, Paul Stansik, and Steve Whittenburg.
Midfield: Brian Clayton, Matt Dasinger, Dan Deckelbaum, Pat Heim, Brad Heritage, Patrick Hogan, Adam Hughes, Dan Kallaugher, Matt Karweck, Greg Rommel, Nicholas Schmidt, and Doug Shanahan.
Adam Miller (Midfield), Zach Gagel (Defense) and Matthew Starker (Midfield) were named to the practice squad.
"I am very excited about this year's team," said Chicago Machine Head Coach John Combs. "The 2008 Chicago Machine team is more experienced with greater strength at all levels of play. In just our third year as a franchise, this is a team that will be competitive all season long and should compete for a spot in the playoffs."
Leading Scorers, Defenders Return
Players on the Active Roster include three of the 2007 Chicago Machine's leading scorers - Kevin Leveille, Doug Shanahan, and Pat Heim. Attackman Kevin Leveille led all Chicago Machine scorers last year and was the 8th leading scorer in Major League Lacrosse. Defenseman Jake Deane also returns to the 2008 Chicago Machine. Deane ranked 2nd last year among MLL Defensemen in "ground balls," a statistic designed to measure game-changing open field acquisition of the lacrosse ball.
Open Tryout Player Makes Roster
Also joining the Chicago Machine is long stick Defenseman Paul Stansik, an Ann Arbor, Michigan, native who competed with 40 other players for a training camp spot and then was one of 35 players competing for a final roster spot. "Paul was a consistent standout in training camp," said Coach John Combs. "It's not common for an open tryout player to make a final roster. In Paul we found a great defender and someone who will probably start games for us." Stansik is a 2007 graduate of Bucknell University (PA) where he played four years of varsity lacrosse.
Midfielders Brian Clayton and Matt Dasinger, acquired in a trade last week with Rochester, were among the last players added to the final roster.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 12, 2008
- 2008 Roster Announced by Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse - Chicago Machine
- Boston Cannons announce 2008 local TV schedule - Boston Cannons
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
