Nationals Battle Lizards in Home Opener
Published on May 9, 2013 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
The Hamilton Nationals (1-0) make their home debut on Saturday, May 11th with a 7:00 p.m. contest against the New York Lizards (1-1) at Ron Joyce Stadium at McMaster University. For ticket information, contact the Nationals Ticket Office at (905) 525-NATS.
Scouting the Nationals: Kevin Crowley had a career-high seven points to lead the Hamilton Nationals to a 15-8 victory over the Boston Cannons on May 4th. The Nationals earned the second opening-night victory in their franchise history. The Nats won their only other opener on May 15, 2009, which was the first game in team history. Hamilton got seven points (4+3) from Crowley and hat tricks from Kevin Ross and Martin Cahill. Kevin Cunningham also chipped in one goal and one assist in his MLL debut. Brett Queener made 18 saves to help keep 2012 MLL scoring champion Paul Rabil and the Cannons to just three goals in the first half. Kevin Ross completed his first career MLL hat trick to make it 14-8 at the end of the third quarter. He was appearing in his first MLL game since July 24, 2010, when he played for the Toronto Nationals. MJ Kiekebelt finished off the scoring with the only goal of the fourth quarter. The goal was the first of his career.
Nationals add duo from NLL: The Hamilton Nationals have added goalie Evan Kirk and attackman Joe Resetarits to the roster. Both players had their seasons ended in the National Lacrosse League divisional finals. Kirk is a rookie in the NLL, but has experience playing field lacrosse with Team Canada and Hobart College. Resetarits, University at Albany, scored 11 goals and added three assists in 10 games last season with Hamilton. He was the Nationals' fifth-round selection (39th overall) in the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft.
Milestones within reach:
- Kevin Crowley (42) needs three goals to move into second all-time on the team's all-time list;
- Brett Queener is 24 saves away from 400 as a National;
- After Saturday, Jordan Hall will need just one more game to reach 50 in his career.
One Week, One Award: Brodie Merrill was named the Warrior Defensive Player of the Week after Hamilton's opening-night victory. Merrill collected one assist and seven ground balls against Boston.
Very Odd Nat Stat: The Nationals have advanced to the MLL Finals the last two odd years (2009, 2011). During even years, the Nats have failed to make the playoffs. Only time will tell if 2013 produces another trip to the MLL Championship Weekend.
Still indoors: The Hamilton Nationals still have six players in the National Lacrosse League Playoffs, including Cody Jamieson, Joe Walters, Stephen Keogh, Matt Vinc and Sid Smith of the Rochester Knighthawks. The Knighthawks will battle Rhys Duch and the Washington Stealth on Saturday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m. for the NLL Championship.
Scouting New York: The Lizards fell to 1-1 after dropping a 9-3 decision to the defending MLL Champion Chesapeake Bayhawks Saturday night. Stephen Berger, Justin Smith and Tommy Palasek scored for the Lizards. Palasek leads New York with six points (4+2) in two games. Midfielder Greg Gurenlian enters the game with the second-most faceoff wins in the MLL with 31. Goalie Drew Adams also ranks second in the MLL, making 35 saves in the team's two games.
Next Home Game: Hamilton hosts the Charlotte Hounds on Friday, May 17th at 11:00 a.m. in the annual Kids Day Game. The Nationals will promote anti-bullying at the game to all the school children and their parents in attendance. For ticket information, contact the Nationals Ticket Office at (905) 525-NATS. The game will be carried live on the league's YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/MLL.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 9, 2013
- Nationals Battle Lizards in Home Opener - Hamilton Nationals
- Grant, Jr. Returns to Lineup as Unbeaten Chesapeake Hosts Ohio - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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