MLL Players to Watch in NLL
November 23, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Boston, MA - The Major League Lacrosse stars of summer are soon going to turn into the National Lacrosse League stars of winter. Dozens of MLL players are taking their talents indoors to play box lacrosse in the NLL starting on November 29th. Here are some guys to watch this winter in the NLL.
Lyle Thomspon / MLL: Chesapeake Bayhawks / NLL: Georgia Swarm
Chesapeake Bayhawks attack and reigning MLL MVP Lyle Thompson will play for the Georgia Swarm in the NLL this season. Thompson is just as good indoors as he is out, scoring 43 goals to go along with 62 assists for the Swarm last season. His 105 total points was tied for third in the NLL last season. Thompson is just the fourth player in history to be named MVP in both the MLL and NLL. Thompson was named NLL MVP in 2017 before being named MLL MVP following the 2019 season. Thompson was also named the Champion's Cup MVP after leading the Swarm to a title in 2017. In 72 career games indoors, Thompson has scored 161 goals to go along with 206 assists.
Follow Lyle Thompson this NLL Season: @lyle4thompson
Mark Matthews / MLL: Atlanta Blaze / NLL: Saskatchewan Rush
Mark Matthews, who played for the Atlanta Blaze in the MLL this season, will play indoors for the Saskatchewan Rush of the NLL. Like Thompson, Matthews is highly decorated when it comes to indoor lacrosse. Matthews was named NLL MVP following the 2018 season and was tied for third in the league last year with 105 points. Over the past two seasons, Matthews has accumulated 221 points, averaging over six points-per-game in that span. Like Thompson, Matthews is a recipient of the Champion's Cup MVP award after winning the title with the then Edmonton Rush in 2015.
Follow Mark Matthews this NLL Season: @markmatthews42
Zach Currier / MLL: Denver Outlaws / NLL: Calgary Roughnecks
Zach Currier has proven he is one of the best lacrosse players in the world whether that be indoors or out. Currier has been named an MLL All-Star in each of his first three seasons outdoors, while being named All-Pro in his first two seasons indoors. Currier's ability to play all over the field is reflected in the NLL, as he has more of a defensive presence. In 36 career NLLÃÂ games, Currier has scooped up 399 loose balls compared to just 106 in the MLL. Watching Currier play in the NLL is a great change for fans to see Currier's versatility on display.
Follow Zach Currier this NLL Season: @cachzurrier
Bryan Cole / MLL: Atlanta Blaze / NLL: Georgia Swarm
Bryan Cole and Lyle Thompson on the same team is the lacrosse equivalent to having Michael Jordan and Lebron James on a basketball court. The two stars will join forces this winter on the Georgia Swarm. Cole is coming off his best professional season with the Atlanta Blaze after tallying 39 goals, good enough for fourth in Major League Lacrosse. Much like Currier, Cole plays more of a defensive role in the NLL. Playing transition last year, Cole picked up 63 loose balls and caused 11 turnovers. Offensively, Cole scored ten goals and added 14 assists. The Cole/Thompson duo has the potential to be dominant following the pair's outstanding MLL seasons.
Follow Bryan Cole this NLL Season: @bryancole55
Dillon Ward / MLL: Denver Outlaws / NLL: Colorado Monmouth
Dillon Ward is staying close to home this winter, playing for the Colorado Monmouth in the NLL. Ward, who starred in between the pipes for the Denver Outlaws this season, was second in the MLL in save percentage. Ward has been solid throughout his six-year NLL career. In 2017, Ward was named NLL Goalie of the Year.
Follow Dillon Ward this NLL Season: @dillward37
Rookie to Watch: Andrew Kew /ÃÂ MLL: Chesapeake Bayhawks / NLL: NE Black Wolves
Andrew Kew burst onto the professional lacrosse scene this year with the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Kew was selected by the Bayhawks 40th overall in the 2019 MLL Draft, but not even Head Coach, Dave Cottle, could have expected the season the University of Tampa product would have. Kew finished fourth on the team in goals (21) and points (41) only behind established veterans Lyle Thompson, Colin Heacock and Steele Stanwick. Kew doesn't have the element of surprise on his side in the NLL as he was picked 3rd overall in their draft by the New England Black Wolves. It will be interesting to see if Kew can carry his outdoor success indoors this winter.
Follow Andrew Kew this NLL Season: @kewball42
Other MLL Players in the NLL: Kyle Marr, Ryan Lee, Mikie Schlosser, Matt Gilray, Taylor Stuart, Kyle Killen, Eli Gobrecht, Zach Greer, Eli Salama, Cody Radziewicz, Bradley Voigt, Jacob Pulver, Adam Osika, Kyle Buchanan, Shane Simpson, John Wagner, Brendan Bomberry, Warren Jeffery, Colton Watkinson, Nick Mariano, Isaiah Davis- Allen, Kevin Crowley, Zed Williams, Tim Edwards, Kyle Jackson, Shawn Evans, Challen Rogers, Ryland Rees, Zach Goodrich.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from November 23, 2019
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.
