Nationals Add Firepower for Home Opener
May 16, 2012 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
Traditionally, fireworks are reserved for night games, but the Hamilton Nationals are hoping that Friday afternoon's home opener features plenty of pyrotechnics.
"We need a 'W' and have to put the best field on the team," said Head Coach Regy Thorpe. "It's a huge game for us. We are only one of two teams without a win, so we have to keep pace."
The Nationals will add the MLL's all-time point leader in Casey Powell, plus Garrett Billings and Joe Resetarits for the team's third game of the season. Last season, Powell guided the Nationals to the MLL Finals and led the MLL Playoffs with five goals and eight points. The former Syracuse University star is a two-time MLL Champion, four-time All-Star and is seventh all-time in goals with 199.
"I joined the team late last year and we had a good shot at the championship," said Powell. "I am hopeful we can continue to grow with the players we have returning and get a nice boost from the new guys."
Hamilton also adds Billings, who is coming off one of the greatest single-seasons in National Lacrosse League history. The Toronto Rock forward set the NLL record for assists with 82 and finished with the third highest point total in league history with 114. Billings enters his third season with the Nationals. In 2011, he netted a hat trick in his only game on May 19th. He had his best offensive season in 2011 when he recorded 14 points (9+5) in four games with the Nats.
The final player joining the team Friday is Joe Resetarits from the University at Albany. He finished his career with the Great Danes with 169 points (125+44) in 50 games. Resetarits, who led the America East Conference in scoring this season, was named the conference Player of the Year. He ranked seventh nationally with 4.13 points per game and fourth in goals per game. The three-time First Team All-Conference selection averaged 5.60 points per game.
"We will roll him out of the box to play midfield and play him at attack," said Thorpe. "He will give us someone that can break down a long pole."
The Nats make their home debut on Friday, May 18th with an 11:00 a.m. contest against the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Ron Joyce Stadium at McMaster University. The game will air locally on Sunday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. on Cable 14. For ticket information, contact the Nationals Ticket Office at (905) 768-2225.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 16, 2012
- Nationals Add Firepower for Home Opener - Hamilton Nationals
- BayHawks Partner with Zachary's Jewelers - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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