NLL Panther City Lacrosse Club

Game Day: Panther City Lacrosse Club Practice Report at Vancouver

Published on December 1, 2023 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Panther City Lacrosse Club News Release


Vancouver, BC - The Panther City Lacrosse Club will open their third season in the National Lacrosse League Friday night against the Vancouver Warriors. The team is coming off a 10-win campaign in 2022-23 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Panther City returns its core forwards as four (W. Malcom, J. Donville, C. Crawford & P. Caputo) of their five top scorers return from last season. New to the fold this year, the offense will feature two big- body rookies in left-handed forward Jason Knox and right-handed forward Ryan Sheridan.

Defensively, captain Matt Hossack leads the back end as he led the defense last season with 111 loose balls and 28 caused turnovers. Goalie Nick Damude posted the third-best goals against average (GAA) in the NLL among starting goalies at 10.31. Panther City also added some size on the back end with the additions of former Vancouver Warrior defenseman Brandon Goodwin and also acquired defenseman Brent Mitchell via trade with the Albany FireWolves.

The game will be the 'TSN Game of the Week' on TSN in Canada and feature Brad Challoner (PxP), Teddy Jenner (Analyst) and Shantelle Chand (Floor Reporter) on the call. The game will also be streamed on ESPN+.

POST PRACTICE QUOTES

HEAD COACH TRACEY KELUSKY QUOTES

On the emotions entering the first game of the 2023-24 season...

"We are all very excited. It is always a great opportunity for us when we get together. Do we have something to prove? Absolutely. Do we have something to prove every time we play? 100 percent. I know guys are super excited. We brought in some guys. Our young guys are certainly probably a little nervous. Collectively, I think we are excited for the opportunity that is in front of us."

On if his message to the team is any different with the team opening on the road and against a much different looking Vancouver Warrior team from previous seasons...

"I think everyone knows that and I think the thing for me is that it boils down to us. We need to continue to focus on us and worry about what we are doing. The big thing for me is what is our checklist? What are the things that we need to be doing. We certainly need to be able to match that. It is a game of highs and lows. It is certainly a game of momentum. We know they are going to come out guns blazing, so we have to match that energy early and ride the wave."

On what the process of winning the game would look like tonight from his perspective...

"We have a checklist of non-negotiables that guys have to bring to the table every week and that are such things as energy, attitude - those sorts of thing. It is envisioning going out and making sure that you are aware of what your job is. Our coaching staff has done a real good job of identifying those things. It is not a massive list - that list will build as the season goes on. It really is about focusing on the three or four things that the coaches have instilled in us from an offensive and defensive principle standpoint. Then go after it - that is always why I say process. Focus on the little things. Do these little things very well early and collectively we will pick up and go."

FORWARD WILL MALCOM QUOTES

On the emotions entering the first game of the 2023-24 season and specifically for him being back in his hometown in front of family and friends...

"Obviously first game of the season and everyone is super pumped. We have a lot of new guys on the team, so everyone is itching to get out there. For me personally, getting to play in front of friends and family again - I have done it a few times now, but it never gets old. You get that extra fire burning in you because of it, so I am excited."

On what the process of winning the game would look like tonight from his perspective for himself and the offense...

"Process for me is getting my feet under me again and trying to get going early and get into a rhythm. Get the ball moving. We want everyone to feel comfortable out there, especially with our news guys getting into the system. Eventually we all will start meshing and it will out work out."

On what it means to him having been named an assistant captain...

"It is a huge honor. TK [Head Coach Tracey Kelusky] and all of us here have created an [amazing] culture and to be named a guy that will help build on that and keep that culture intact is a huge honor and I am excited to wear it on my jersey."

DEFENSEMAN MATT HOSSACK

On the emotions entering the first game of the 2023-24 season...

"I think like always there is a lot of that nervous energy, but personally for myself, it feels like that Christmas feeling. The best day of the year. Wake up excited. You know a bunch of good stuff is going to happen today and you can't wait to get there."

On what the process of winning the game would look like tonight from his perspective for himself and the defense...

"Starts with the little stuff for us. Keep it simple and start by winning those little battles that we can control and those non-negotiable things. From there we just build off of it and snowball it."

On what it means to him having been named a captain for the second consecutive season...

"It is certainly special to me that the guys feel that they are able to follow me anywhere. I am proud, and certainly humbled by the fact that I get to lead this group again."

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