NLL Colorado Mammoth

Mammoth Make Moves NLL Entry Draft and Open Tryouts

Published on October 25, 2003 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Mammoth traded Matt Ogelsby and selected players for its defense in Saturday's National Lacrosse League entry draft, then announced that three players with strong local ties have been invited to the team's training camp following last weekend's open tryouts.

Ogelsby was traded to the San Jose Stealth for the number 31 selection in the draft. Ogelsby, a defenseman from Duke University now living in the Bay Area, tallied two goals and six assists with the Mammoth last season. "We appreciate the effort Matt made in the Mammoth's inaugural season," said Steve Govett, Colorado Mammoth general manager. "This trade accommodates his personal and business goals and we look forward to meeting him as an opponent.

"This is a terrific group of athletes with the potential to make huge contributions to the Mammoth," said Steve Govett, Colorado Mammoth general manager. "Between the entry draft, the open tryouts, and our upcoming free agency moves, we've got a good selection of new talent."

The Mammoth started with the 24th pick in the draft, having traded earlier selections in the acquisition of Ben Prepchuk midway through last season. "We started lower than usual, but we believe it was worth it to get Ben's talents," Govett said. Prepchuk scored 21 goals and 19 assists in 12 games after joining the Mammoth last year.

The Mammoth chose former Ohio State midfielder and Saanichton, BC native Curtis Smith with its first draft pick at number 24. Smith is currently a student at The Ohio State University, having lived part-time in New Zealand for the past two years. He led the Buckeyes in goals and points during the past two seasons.

"Curtis was a steal at this position," said Govett. "He's a quality ballplayer and he's absolutely thrilled to be joining us at camp."

With the #31 pick, the Mammoth chose Brian Potter. The 6'1", 185-pound Potter played for the Victoria Junior "A" Shamrocks last season.

Top-ranked Towson University's Danny Cocchi was picked by the Mammoth at #35. Cocchi was the Colonial Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-American.

Also from the Junior "A" Shamrocks, Graham Palmer was selected with the Mammoth's 43rd pick.

"Potter and Palmer are both young, solid players," according to Govett. "Potter is a little more defensive and Palmer is a little more offensive but they're both good athletes and we look forward to seeing them work to make it to the next level."

Drafted at #55 by the Mammoth was top-ranked Division II attackman Devon Spilker. Spilker is a former All-American and two-time national champion with Limestone College.

Check out the Colorado Mammoth Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from October 25, 2003


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