Queener Will Showcase More Than Talent at All-Star Game
June 28, 2012 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
Brett Queener's 2009 All-Star appearance was replete with spectacular saves and a moonwalk tribute to the late Michael Jackson. In true Queener fashion, he would not divulge his plans for the 2012 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game and Skills Competition set for Saturday in Palm Beach County, Fla. (see video)
"That was a tribute to him after his death," said Queener about the passing of the 'King of Pop'. I will have to do something different, but I will keep that quiet for now."
The outspoken goalie will again take part in the Freestyle contest at halftime as part of the Bud Light Skills Competition. Queener will join five of his Hamilton Nationals' teammates in the All-Star Game, presented by Moe's Southwest Grill, which will take place at FAU Stadium. The contest will be televised live on ESPN2 HD at 7:30 p.m. and feature a Young Guns vs. Old School format.
The players who joined the league between 2001 and 2008 will compete for the Old School team, while players who joined between 2009 and 2012 will play for the Young Guns. Queener, just 27, will play for the Old School team, but had a suggestion about which team he thought fellow teammate 36-year-old Casey Powell should play for.
"We need to make a new level for Casey Powell...Legends of Old School," said Queener in jest.
Queener, Powell and Joe Walters will play for the Old School team, while fellow Nationals Stephen Keogh, Matt Dolente and David Earl will compete on the Young Guns side. Queener will appear in the All-Star Game for the third time in his career.
"It's nice to be recognized. All-Star Games are fun and an exciting weekend to be out there with the best lacrosse players in the world," he said.
Powell, the MLL's all-time leading scorer, and Walters will both be playing in their fifth MLL All-Star Games. Powell has four goals and two assists in three games this season. He is one point away from becoming the first player in MLL history to reach the 400-point plateau.
Walters leads the Nationals with 21 points (10+1+10) in just four games this season. He has reached milestones in consecutive games, reaching 100 points as a National on June 23rd and eclipsing the 200 career point plateau on June 16th. The Rochester native cannot wait to play in the high-profile league event.
"Playing in the MLL All-Star Game is a unique experience because it brings together the best players in the world on one field," said Walters. "It's hard sometimes playing in the game because I find myself in awe of the awesome plays going on.
"Like any competition, you want to win," added Walters. "But at the end of the day, it's all about putting on a good show."
Second-year pros Dolente, Earl and Keogh will make their All-Star debuts with the Young Guns. Keogh takes a four-game point streak into the All-Star Weekend. The Toronto native is third on Hamilton in points with 17 (13+4). Queener will face the three Young Guns on Saturday, but was "playing possum" when asked if was more motivated to stop Keogh.
"I am rooting for all of my teammates to do well," said Queener. "I might say something after I stop him (Keogh)."
Dolente enters the All-Star Break third in the MLL in ground balls (48) and fourth in faceoff wins (113). Earl is fourth on the Nationals with 12 points (8+4) in five games. Queener was asked if anyone from the Nationals deserved to be in Florida that was left off the teams. The obvious choice was Kevin Crowley, who ranked second on the team with 19 points (12+7) in six games, which Queener pointed out along with a personal selection.
"Brice Queener, because he is my older brother and he would beat me up if I didn't say so," he said. But all kidding aside, he is sensitive to the fact that there are many deserving players that could have made the teams. "There are great players across the board. Kevin Crowley is an unbelievable player and there are 50 players that should have been invited, but sometimes that's just how it works."
• Discuss this story on the Major League Lacrosse message board...
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 28, 2012
- Rattlers Acquire M Rob Rotanz from Ohio Machine - Dallas Rattlers
- Denver Outlaws to Collect Cash Donations in Support of the Relief Efforts with the Colorado Wildfire - Denver Outlaws
- Queener Will Showcase More Than Talent at All-Star Game - Hamilton Nationals
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.
