Hounds vs. Cannons Game Preview
April 19, 2018 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
The Hounds host the Boston Cannons at Memorial Stadium on Saturday night to open the 2018 Major League Lacrosse regular season. The game marks the seventh consecutive year that the Hounds have begun the season at home. Charlotte hosted and defeated the Cannons, 15-12, on the league's opening night in 2016. Of the Hounds seven seasons in MLL, it remains the only Week 1 win in the franchise's history.
LAST TIME OUT
Last season, the Hounds hosted the Cannons at Memorial Stadium and secured their sixth and final win of the season in a 16-12 final. Tied 3-3 after the first quarter, the Hounds erupted with six goals in the second stanza and held off the Cannons in the final two periods. Kevin Crowley, Ryan Brown and Mike Chanenchuk each scored three goals in the meeting while Charlie Cipriano only allowed three goals in each quarter. The 12 goals against marked the lowest tally the Hounds allowed at home all season. The Hounds carry a three game win streak against the Cannons into the season opener against a revamped Boston squad.
HOUNDS' PUSH FOR THE PLAYOFFS BEGINS
In 2017, the Hounds started the season 0-3 thanks to two meetings with the defending champion Outlaws. However, Charlotte would go on to win five of their next seven games, positioning themselves within the top four in the league, but dropped three of their last four falling out of playoff contention. The Hounds posted a 6-8 record in their 2017 campaign, finishing in seventh place, wrapping up the third pick in 2018 MLL Collegiate Draft.
That third pick turned into attacker Matt Rambo, who is suiting up for his first full MLL season, after appearing in six games in 2017, totaling 15 points on nine goals and six assists.
"Rambo had a great camp and our World team players are playing at a real high level," head coach Jim Stagnitta said. "I really like the quality of offensive players we have been able to obtain over the past few years. I believe our top 8 are as good as any in the league."
BOSTON CANNONS SCOUTING REPORT
The Cannons are looking to rebound in the 2018, after finishing the 2017 season with the worst record in the league. Their finish earned them the first overall pick in the MLL Collegiate Draft, in which they selected standout faceoff specialist Trevor Baptiste. While Baptiste will not join the Cannons until after his college season, Boston added several key players in the offseason. The Cannons signed former Rattler Kyle Denhoff and convinced midfielder Max Seibald, who scored 15 goals last season, not to retire. The Cannons also received commitments from several core players including defenseman Mitch Belisle, attackman Davey Emala, and midfielder Justin Turri.
Parking Advisory The CPCC Parking Deck at E. 7th Street and Charlottetowne Avenue has been closed for renovations. Please consider parking at the alternate parking deck on the corner of Charlottetowne Avenue and East Fourth Street until further notice.
The surface lots at the corner of N. Kings Drive and East 7th Street will be open for parking and tailgating, but note, these lots fill up quickly. Parking lots will open at 3 p.m.
Parking remains $5.00/car.
Box Office/Will Call opens at 5 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Hounds' home opener against the Boston Cannons are available at ticketmaster.com .
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from April 19, 2018
- Atlanta Blaze Come out on Top in 2018 Collegiate Draft - Atlanta Blaze
- Dallas Rattlers Announce 25-Man Roster Ahead of Season Opener - Dallas Rattlers
- Hounds vs. Cannons Game Preview - Charlotte Hounds
- Ohio Machine Announces Partnership with Columbus Coach - Ohio Machine
- Machine Select Seven Players in 2018 MLL Draft - Ohio Machine
- Cannons Select Trevor Baptiste First Overall in the 2018 MLL Collegiate Draft - MLL
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