NLL New England Black Wolves

Black Wolves Announce Roster for 2018-19 Season

December 10, 2018 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
New England Black Wolves News Release


UNCASVILLE, Conn. - The New England Black Wolves have finalized the roster for the 2018-19 National Lacrosse League season.

The Black Wolves will be anchored by a core of returning veterans, including forwards Callum Crawford and Stephan Leblanc and defenseman Brett Manney, and bolstered by a group of newcomers.

"This was the toughest camp we have had in the five years of the franchise," Black Wolves general manager Rich Lisk said. "We didn't have a lot of time to evaluate so camp was very intense. We did some moves to help us in the off season and I believe we had a strong draft. When you combine the players we have, mix in our free agent signings, trades and the draft we feel this team is very strong. You will see a young, athletic, push the tempo style from us and we are VERY excited for the season to begin."

Crawford, acquired from the Buffalo Bandits midway through the 2017-18 season, made an immediate impact on the Black Wolves lineup last season. The 13-year NLL veteran had 35 points in just nine games for New England and has 864 for his career. Also joining the team via trade during the season, Leblanc had 70 points in 17 games for the Black Wolves and has 671 in his nine year career. They are joined by Manney, who tied his career-high with 11 points during the 2017-18 season and has anchored the Black Wolves defense since for the past four seasons.

Other returning veterans include David Brock, John LaFontaine, Kevin Buchanan, Reilly O'Connor, Joel Coyle, Seth Oakes, Doug Jamieson and Adam Bomberry. Second year players returning include 2017-18 NLL All-Rookie Team member Colton Watkinson and Nick Chaykowsky.

Newcomers to the Black Wolves roster include two league veteran defensemen in Greg Downing and Andrew Suitor. Downing signed a free agent contract with New England while Suitor, who spent two seasons earlier in his career with the franchise, returned following a trade in August. Also joining the team via trades during the offseason were forwards Tyler Digby and Ryan Fournier as well as goalie Alex Buque. They are joined by NLL Draft selections Jackson Nishimura and Dereck Downs.

Tickets for the 2018-19 season start at just $15 and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase, visit BlackWolves.com or call 844-LAX-WOLF.

Active Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown

10 Adam Bomberry D 6-1 215 Akwesasne, NY

4 David Brock D 6-4 223 Burlington, ON

27 Kevin Buchanan F 5-10 185 Cockeysville, MD

29 Alex Buque G 5-10 230 Whitby, ON

22 Nick Chaykowsky F 6-2 190 Bradford, ON

24 Joel Coyle D 5-11 175 Orangeville, ON

98 Callum Crawford F 6-3 205 Stittsville, ON

23 Tyler Digby F 6-3 265 New Westminster, BC

8 Greg Downing D 6-1 185 Auburn, NY

77 Dereck Downs F 6-3 220 Toronto, ON

81 Ryan Fournier D 5-9 190 Ottawa, ON

30 Doug Jamieson G 6-3 275 Ohsweken, ON

83 JP Kealey F 6-0 188 Ottawa, ON

33 John LaFontaine T 6-1 215 Whitby, ON

86 Stephan Leblanc F 6-1 205 Dundas, ON

13 Brett Manney D 6-3 220 Newtown, PA

26 Jackson Nishimura F 6-1 162 Toronto, ON

12 Seth Oakes F 5-11 190 Akwesane, NY

9 Reilly O'Connor F 6-1 175 Whitby, ON

12 Seth Oakes F 5-11 190 Akwesasne, NY

20 Andrew Suitor D 5-11 190 Orangeville, ON

17 Colton Watkinson T 6-4 195 Burlington, ON

Practice Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown

5 Tal Bruno D 6-1 195 Lutherville, MD

14 Dave Emala F 5-11 195 Baltimore, MD

35 Ethan Woods G 6-4 190 Owen Sound, ON

Check out the New England Black Wolves Statistics



National Lacrosse League Stories from December 10, 2018


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