Atlanta Blaze Publish Roster
April 16, 2018 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
Kennesaw, GA - After two intense weekends of training camp, the Atlanta Blaze coaching staff (Head Coach Liam Banks, General Manager/Assistant Coach Spencer Ford and Defensive Coordinator Jamie Hanford) today finalized the 25-man roster for the start of 2018 season.
The roster features familiar faces to the Atlanta lacrosse scene and also several highly-respected Major League Lacrosse (MLL) veterans.
Representing the local scene on the Blaze roster are high school coaches Scott Ratliff (Greater Atlanta Christian), Liam Byrnes (Centennial High School) and Stephen Ianzito (Roswell High School). They are not only gifted players but they also are deeply invested in the local community. The three will work closely with Liam Banks (also a local coach) to grow not only the Blaze footprint in the Atlanta area, but also local youth lacrosse.
MLL veterans and former New York Lizards attackmen Tom Palasek and Matt Gibson claimed spots on the roster, along with goalie Chris Madalon. Madalon is one of three goalies named to the squad, along with Blaze captain Adam Ghitelman and rookie Jason Weber, who turned heads with a great performance at training camp.
Captains Kevin Rice, Scott Ratliff, and Adam Ghitelman are returning for the 2018 season. Three-year starters for the Blaze, MLL All-Stars, and renowned talents at their respective colleges (Syracuse, Loyola, and UVA), these players were vocal leaders at camp and a positive force in the locker room.
Banks liked what he saw during the two weekends of training camp in Kennesaw.
"We had a very competitive training camp and I was excited about the way all the guys conducted themselves. Our energy level was very high and our staff was pleased with the effort," Banks said. "Our team is anxious to get going next Sunday (for the season opener against the Florida Launch) at the Fire Pit."
Ford also likes his team's potential.
"We are extremely excited about the MLL season. We have a great group of young men, all of whom seem to be on the same page and are hungry to compete. The goal for every team is to hoist the Cup but it takes many steps to do so." Ford said. "We feel good that the roster we put together understands how we will approach each step. We are very excited to host the Launch this Sunday."
25 MAN:
Attack
13 - John Uppgren - A
15 - Sam Llinares - A
17 - Dylan Donahue- A
22 - Kevin Rice - A
66 - Matt Gibson - A
84 - Palasek - A
88 - Jack Bruckner - A
Midfield
3 - Dan Eipp - M
5 - Deemer Class - M
14 - Justin Pennington - M
21 - Jeff Reynolds - M
24 - Stephen Ianzito - M
29 - Mike Begley - M
39 - Matt Mackrides - M
LSM
2 - Scott Ratliff - LSM
80 - James Fahey - LSM
Defense
4 - Nick Gorman - D
10 - Callum Robinson - D
41 - Eddy Glazener - D
45 - Jason Noble - D
55 - Liam Byrnes D
Faceoff
30 - Brent Hiken - FO
Goalie
1 - Jason Weber -G
8 - Adam Ghitelman - G
11 - Chris Madalon - G
PRACTICE SQUAD:
Colin Massa
Frankie Kelly
TJ Kemp
Tate Jozokos
Jeff George
Matt Garziano
NLL INACTIVE:
Jeremy Noble
Graeme Hossack
Jake Withers
Under Head Coach Liam Banks and General Manager Spencer Ford, the Atlanta Blaze are ready to take Major League Lacrosse by storm. Led by returning captains Adam Ghitelman (8), Scott Ratliff (2), and Kevin Rice (22), the Atlanta Blaze will kick off the 2018 season with home games on Sunday, April 22 at 2PM and April 28th at 7:30 PM at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw. Single Game Tickets are on sale now! Visit AtlantaBlaze.com/Tickets to purchase.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from April 16, 2018
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