Titans Head North Of Border
Published on December 9, 2009 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Orlando Titans News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 5) -- The Orlando Titans will head to Canada this weekend for a pair of preseason scrimmage games as the team continues its preparations for its season opener against the Philadelphia Wings, Jan. 8, at Amway Arena.
The Titans will take on the Rochester Knighthawks at 8:05 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12; before playing the Toronto Rock in a 4 p.m. game on Sunday afternoon. Both games will be contested at Iroqouis Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, Ontario.
For Titans Head Coach Ed Comeau, the scrimmages will give him an opportunity to evaluate his team under the fire of game-like conditions. "This weekend will give all our players, especially the rookies, a sense for the pace of the game," Comeau said. "No matter how hard you practice and no matter how hard you try to create that, when guys are putting on different colored jerseys the intensity level really raises."
Although both Toronto (6-10) and Rochester (7-9) are coming off somewhat disappointing seasons, both teams are traditional National Lacrosse League (NLL) powers and have accounted for five of the last nine league championships. "They are both outstanding teams with great personnel," Comeau said. "These guys will give us a good idea where we stand heading into our season opener."
Last weekend, the Titans opened camp with three intense practices at Barber Park in Orlando. Comeau noted that although his roster is dotted with players participating in the indoor game for the first time, he was pleased with the opening weekend. "We have some great athletes playing the indoor game for the first time. But as the weekend progressed the improvement was there and the overall attitude, effort and intensity were great. We're real happy with what we saw and we just need to build on that as we approach January 8."
Players making the transition from the outdoor game to the indoor game often need a year or two to make the adjustment. But Comeau had some praise for a few of his new Titans. "Michael Evans (2nd round draft pick from John's Hopkins) looked pretty good and rookie lefty Jessie Guerin had a solid weekend. It's a big step up for some of these guys but they did a great job during the first weekend and may have an opportunity to help us this season."
Orlando's season opener with Philadelphia on Jan. 8 will also be the season opener for the NLL, as no other league games are scheduled for Friday night. It will also be the first time a Florida-based team will play a home game in the state of Florida. Season tickets packages, starting at just $69, along with additional information may be obtained by calling 407-601-6516. Single game seats are available at the Amway Arena Box Office and all TICKETMASTER outlets.
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 9, 2009
- Mammoth Releases Four, Roster Currently At 27 - Colorado Mammoth
- Bandits To Hold Blood Drive This Saturday - Buffalo Bandits
- Titans Head North Of Border - Orlando Titans
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