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MLL Ohio Machine

Machine Finishes Expansion Draft With 10 Substantial Players For 2012 Season Roster

December 7, 2011 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Ohio Machine News Release


COLUMBUS, OH (December 7, 2011) - The Ohio Machine, which begins its inaugural season in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in May 2012, drafted 10 MLL players to the 2012 inaugural season roster during the MLL Expansion Draft this afternoon.

The Machine acquired attackman Connor Martin with its first pick (3rd overall) and Columbus natives Brett Hughes and Max Schmidt in the draft, as well as attackman Jim Connolly, midfielders Dan Groot, Jordan Levine, Matt Casey and Scott Kocis, defenseman Kevin Ridgway and goalkeeper Brian Phipps. The Machine drafted defenseman Brian Spallina but traded him and the Machine's fourth round MLL Collegiate Draft pick to the Chesapeake Bayhawks for the Bayhawks' third round pick in the MLL Collegiate Draft.

"After today's draft, we now have two great MLL caliber goaltenders and a great defense. We also have midfielders who can play both ends of the fields," said Machine President and General Manager John Algie. "We targeted players who we felt could contribute on the field right away and that some players have local ties is an added bonus."

Connor Martin enters his third MLL season with the Machine after spending the past two seasons with the Denver Outlaws. While with Denver, Martin scored 13 goals and recorded four assists in seven games. In his MLL debut, Martin netted a hat trick and recorded one assist earning him the MLL Rookie of the Week. Martin was drafted in the 2010 MLL Collegiate Draft by Denver after playing at Chapman University in MCLA, making him the only field player from a MCLA school to see playing time in the MLL. While at Chapman, Martin earned First-Team All-American as a junior and senior, and was also named MCLA Player of the Year his junior year.

"Connor is an exciting, dynamic player that will bring a lot of positive energy to the team on and off the field," said Head Coach Ted Garber. "Fans will definitely be excited to see him play next season."

Defenseman Brett Hughes, an Upper Arlington native, joins the Machine as a six-year MLL veteran and MLL All-Star after playing for the New Jersey, Los Angeles and Denver teams. Hughes was drafted into the MLL after playing four years for University of Virginia. While at UVA, Hughes started every game from 2001-2005, including the 2003 NCAA Championship, and was a two-time All-American.

Max Schmidt will play defense in his first MLL season with the Machine after being drafted by Chesapeake in 2011. Schmidt played for University of Maryland from 2008-2011, where he received 2011 USILA Honorable Mention All-American, 2011 Preseason Honorable Mention All-American, 2010 Preseason Third Team All-American, 2010 Preseason All-ACC, 2009 All-ACC and 2009 Preseason Honorable Mention All-American. While attending Maryland, Schmidt played for the U.S. U-19 team at the 2008 IFL World Championships where he won a gold medal. Schmidt attended Upper Arlington High School, playing all four seasons where he helped the Golden Bears to four straight state titles and two Midwest Championships.

"Brett brings a great veteran presence to our back line and his familiarity with Central Ohio makes him a great addition for us," said Algie. "And Max had a great college career at the University of Maryland and brings a mixture of talent and athleticism to our defense."

Ohio Machine MLL Expansion Draft Picks:

Pick # - Position - Player (Overall Pick) - University/College

1st - A Connor Martin (3rd overall) - Chapman

2nd - D Kevin Ridgway (5th overall) - Notre Dame

3rd - M Dan Groot (7th overall) - Maryland

4th - A Jim Connolly (9th overall) - Massachusetts

5th - M Jordan Levine (15th overall) - Albany

6th - GK Brian Phipps (17th overall) - Maryland

7th - D Brett Hughes (19th overall) - Virginia

8th - M Matt Casey (21st overall) - Ithaca

9th - D Max Schmidt (23rd overall) - Maryland

10th - M Scott Kocis (27th overall) - Georgetown

11th - D Brian Spallina (29th overall) - Hofstra - traded

The Machine will have more opportunities to acquire players during the MLL Supplemental Draft on December 14 and the MLL Collegiate Draft on January 13.

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