Comeau Relies On Veteran Leadership
January 6, 2010 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Orlando Titans News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 6) -- With Friday night's National Lacrosse League home opener with Philadelphia on the horizon, Orlando Titans head coach Ed Comeau believes his 2010 team will go as far as its veteran leadership will take it.
Although the Titans feature some of the top young talent in the league, Comeau has a plethora of veterans returning from last year's 10-6 team that won the Eastern Conference last year and advanced to the Champion's Cup Final where they lost a hard-fought 12-10 game to highly-favored Calgary.
Leading the way is team captain Casey Powell. Entering his eighth season, the four-time NLL All-Star is widely considered one of the greatest lacrosse players in history. He led the Titans in scoring last year 40 goals and 85 points. "It all begins with Casey," Comeau said. "Not only is he an outstanding player, but he's an outstanding role model for our younger players. They see his dedication and professionalism and try to emulate it."
Pat Maddalena (28 Goals - 47 Assists -75 Points) in his 11th year and 5th year forward Mike McLellan (29-24-53) and join ninth-year defenseman Bill Greer to give the Titans a solid veteran presence in the locker room. That presence will get stronger when forwards Brendan Mundorf (28-31-59) and Matt Brown (obtained by Titans in 2009 dispersal draft) report to the team. "Brendan has some physical issues he's dealing with and we are in a wait and see mode with him," Comeau added. "Obviously when a player capable of scoring 60 points joins your team it's a big addition."
Entering his fifth season, goalie Matt Vinc is outstanding player who has at times shown flashes of brilliance. In last year's semifinal against Buffalo, Vinc was incredible in goal - stopping 41 of 44 shots (.931 save percentage). The three goals allowed (9-3 Titans win) was the second lowest in NLL playoff history.
Although pleased with the veteran leadership, Comeau is also excited about several young guns and outstanding rookies on the squad.
Jordan Hall finished second on the team in scoring last year with 81 points in just his third year of play and Jarett Park is one of the game's top transition players. Rory Smith doesn't turn 23 until next month and gives the Titans a tough presence on the defensive end of the field; while newly acquired Mat MacLeod (trade with Rochester for Mike Danowski) is just 20 years old but has two years of NLL experience and could develop into a top-flight offensive threat.
Dan Hardy (Forward - Syracuse) and Michael Evans (Defenseman -Johns Hopkins) were the first two players selected by the Titans in last fall's NLL Draft (both in the second round). Both players are expected to contribute this season, with Hardy providing the Titans with another left-handed shooter.
"Both rookies are going to be outstanding players in this league," Comeau said. "Dan Hardy is a big, strong kid who has really made great strides in training camp. Both guys seem to enjoy the physical nature of the indoor game and should make significant impacts in their first seasons."
Ball drop for Friday's game at Amway Arena is 7:30 p.m.
Game Box
Game: Philadelphia Wings (0-0) at Orlando Titans (0-0)
Where: Amway Arena, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Bright House Sports Network (Channel 47-Orlando)
Radio: ESPN 1080 AM
Internet: Radio Broadcast: http://www.espn1080.com
Live Stream: http://www.nll.com
Tickets: $20-$35, Call 407-601-6516 for information
If You Go: Gates open at 6 p.m.
Significance: This will be the first game in Orlando Titans history and marks the first time a professional lacrosse team has called the state of Florida home.
National Lacrosse League Stories from January 6, 2010
- Scrimmage Game Cancelled - Edmonton Rush
- Amerks, Knighthawks Announce Three-Year Marketing Partnership With Seneca Gaming Corporation - Rochester Knighthawks
- Channel 45 To Televise Minnesota Swarm Opener On January 10 - Minnesota Swarm
- Knighthawks Sign Scott Evans To Five-Year Contract Extension - Rochester Knighthawks
- Comeau Relies On Veteran Leadership - Orlando Titans
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.
