http://thestealthdragon.com NLL lacrosse fan blog posterous.com Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:09:14 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/NiAv-YNe-2s/cliff-smith-where-are-you http://thestealthdragon.com/cliff-smith-where-are-you <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="27_cliff_smith_large" height="250" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-08/iobmlbckGgyJphmzEwdFrdoJdowrotmhfihtCFhHeHDeCshzpklCFsaFsnmh/27_Cliff_Smith_large.png.scaled500.png" width="179" /> </div> </p> <p>Everyone, this is Cliff Smith.&nbsp; You may not have noticed him out on the floor.&nbsp; I have noticed him, but unfortunately I've been noticing what he isn't doing.&nbsp; It's very difficult for me.&nbsp; How difficult? I'm blogging for the first time in two years because I need to say this.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I look at you and I see two men: the man you are and the man you oughtta be. Someday those two men will meet, and it should make for one hell of a football *cough*lacrosse*cough* player."<span>&nbsp; </span>Gene Hackman as Coach Jimmy McGinty in "The Replacements"</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">When the Stealth traded for Cliff Smith from Colorado this is the guy I expected to show up.&nbsp; "Mean Cliff" from the 2010 New Westminster Salmonbellies Mann Cup team playing in Peterborough, Ontario.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>GP<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>SH<span>&nbsp; </span>GO<span>&nbsp; </span>ASS PTS<span>&nbsp; </span>PIM<span>&nbsp; </span>HT<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>WON LOST<br /> <span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>ALEX GAJIC<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>6<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>27<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>6<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>16<span>&nbsp; </span>22<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>4<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<br /> <span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>JORDAN HALL<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>6<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>25<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>8<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>13<span>&nbsp; </span>21<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>9<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>1<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<br /> <span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>CLIFF SMITH<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>6<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>54<span>&nbsp; </span>12<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>7<span>&nbsp; </span>19<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>16<span>&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>3<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>0</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">"Mean Cliff" averaged 2 goals a game, all on the road in a hostile environment.&nbsp; How hostile?&nbsp; Stealth defender Curtis Hodgson is Cliff's teammate in New West and Curtis told me that he was in Peterborough for just 5 mins before some truck stopped at corner and colorfully told Curtis he didn't have a chance and needed to pack up and go home already.&nbsp; And "Mean Cliff" goes out and gets 2 goals a game to lead the Salmonbellies in goal scoring.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Alas, here I am a year and a half later and all I've seen in a Stealth jersey is "Cliffy" the nice guy who shows up and doesn't really make any mistakes, but also doesn't do anything else either.&nbsp; This is Cliffy's stat line from last half-season while in Everett.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <div style="direction: ltr;"> <table border="1" style="direction: ltr; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakdown</span></p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GP</span></p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">G</span></p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PTS</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">2011 Totals</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">8</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">5</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">6</p> </td> <td style="vertical-align: top; padding: 4pt; border: 1pt solid #a3a3a3;"> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">11</p> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">What happened "Cliffy"?&nbsp; I understand there were new faces, new systems, etc, but that was half the season and it wasn't pretty.&nbsp; I'm expecting Mann Cup numbers.&nbsp; Every game in the NLL matters.&nbsp; Especially when the team has the slow 0-3 start.&nbsp; I saw you march through Calgary's defense last year and win a game for the Mammoth.&nbsp; You've got what it takes.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">I want "Mean Cliff", no actually I <em><strong>NEED</strong></em> "Mean Cliff" to come out and play for the Stealth.&nbsp; It's okay.&nbsp; I'll like it.&nbsp; So will the rest of the fans.&nbsp; You can do it.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Cliff, lean in and listen closely.<span>&nbsp; </span>I'm going to give you some advice one of my coaches gave me growing up.<span>&nbsp; </span>"You're a big guy, play like it!".<span>&nbsp; </span>You are 6'3" 200 pounds.<span>&nbsp; </span>You're tied for being the tallest player on the Stealth roster - but I see you disappearing out there.&nbsp; Josh "he's 5'7" in 4" heels" Sanderson plays bigger than you - it's kinda messed up.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">You're physically bigger than the 80% defenders guarding you or your teammates.<span>&nbsp; </span>If you set a screen, it should be lights out, they're open or you're open.&nbsp; If you take a shot, the goalie should be left shaking their head.<span>&nbsp; </span>Either way, the Stealth are scoring.<span>&nbsp; </span>Make this happen please.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">See you Friday - have a <strong>BIG</strong> game.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/cliff-smith-where-are-you">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/cliff-smith-where-are-you#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/NiAv-YNe-2s" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/cliff-smith-where-are-you Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:58:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/sKSdPNpOdzg/back-to-school-being-a-stealth-fan-201 http://thestealthdragon.com/back-to-school-being-a-stealth-fan-201 <p> <p>This is going to be a cross-posted article with the <a href="http://www.everettwablog.com" target="_new">Everett WA blog</a> to help grow Stealth fan awareness. Now to today's topic. We've survived the five week break without a <a href="http://www.stealthlax.com">Washington Stealth</a> home game in Everett. It was no easy task, but thanks to the free live video steams on NLL.com we made it. If you missed any of the action be sure to checked out highlights on the <a href="http://www.nll.com/live-stealth.htm">Stealth channel</a>. Hopefully everyone has completed their Stealth Fan 101 work. It was pretty simple (so simple that it is not even written down anywhere), all you had to do was go to a Stealth home game at the Comcast Arena in Everett. You've now seen the boys play between 1 and 5 games and are getting comfortable with the flow of game play and can recognize players on the floor maybe even by their position on the floor, if they're tall or short and if they're left or right handed, not just their name or number. It's a big step. If you're really good, you might even recognize them in the Ice Box after the game without the name and number on their back. Now lets look at the three steps that comprise the "Being a Stealth Fan 201" course. <strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Step 1: If you have a favorite player, let them know it! Get to know them!</strong> Hopefully you've got a favorite player by now. This is one of the prerequisites for completing the Stealth Fan 201 course work. Or you've maybe narrowed your list down to a couple of favorites, possibly one on Offense and one on Defense so you can always have a favorite on the floor no matter which team has the ball. This is the plan I agree with, plus it is too hard to pick just one. <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_qhwnb" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/GpHloCjrCklvHdsJebyalpBgAxCeaAHjpsiHeyjJgzgrduuGiwzAwuuarcit/media_httpwwwthesteal_qhwnB.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> For my example I'll say that Matt Beers is your favorite player on defense. Does Matt know that he is your favorite player? You'll make his night if you come up to the Ice Box after the game and let him know that he's your favorite and you love watching him play. The same goes for all the other players on the team. If you go up and tell them that they are your favorite you will make their night, especially if your favorite player is a defender because they all tend to think that nobody is really watching them. All the players are very approachable. Do not be intimidated by their size or the fact that they are pro athletes, they are just guys that love lacrosse like you do. You've already got that in common. If you see your favorite player huddled together with the rest of the team don't take that as a sign they don't want to talk to you. They are probably only doing that because they don't know you're there to say hello. Just walk right up to them, tap them on the shoulder (or tug at their arm if you're a shorter/younger fan) and get their attention and let them know that their play matters to you. If you've got a question for them like "What do you do when you're not playing?" now is the time to ask and start a conversation or get an autograph. <strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Step 2: LOUD ON OFFENSE and quiet on defense</strong> The Comcast Arena in Everett is primed to be a great home field advantage for the Stealth. It's a smaller arena and the noise the fans make can't escape up to the rafters, it all goes down on to the floor. Bring your cow bells or other noise makers and be loud and proud. The rule for optimal noisemaking in lacrosse is as follows. LOUD ON OFFENSE, quiet on defense. This is the exact opposite of other sports we're more familiar with like football where the quarterback needs to audible so being quiet helps on offense. In lacrosse the players that need to communicate are the defenders to call out screens and slides. When we are LOUD ON OFFENSE then the opposing defense can't hear the calls and it is good for the Stealth offense. So say it with me, LOUD ON OFFENSE, quiet on defense. <strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Step 3: Be Proud and and a little bit Crazy</strong> Check out the first 15 minutes of video from a Rochester at Buffalo game from earlier this season. Watch the crowd from the opening shots, at the 10 minute mark during a timeout and again at the 15 minute mark after a fight. The crowd is covered in orange and/or Buffalo Bandits gear. If you ran a store in Buffalo and sold anything orange I have to think you must do well. The Stealth game on Saturday March 27th is against arguably our biggest rival, the Colorado Mammoth, so as fans we need to be prepared to make the Woolies feel very unwelcome in Everett. If you don't have <a href="http://www.stealthlax.com/articles/view/418/">pink to wear</a> then dig out your red. <object height="303" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="500"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="src" value="http://cdn.livestream.com/grid/LSPlayer.swf?channel=nll&amp;clip=pla_72535be1-1990-49c8-8633-494b78b8c205&amp;autoPlay=false" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <embed src="http://cdn.livestream.com/grid/LSPlayer.swf?channel=nll&amp;clip=pla_72535be1-1990-49c8-8633-494b78b8c205&amp;autoPlay=false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="303" width="500"></embed> </object> </p> <div style="font-size: 11px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;">Watch <a href="http://www.livestream.com/?utm_source=lsplayer&amp;utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_campaign=footerlinks" title="live streaming video">live streaming video</a> from <a href="http://www.livestream.com/nll?utm_source=lsplayer&amp;utm_medium=embed&amp;utm_campaign=footerlinks" title="Watch nll at livestream.com">nll</a> at livestream.com</div> <p>That concludes class for today! Thanks for attending and I'll see you on Saturday in Everett to watch the boys beat the Mammoth! Go Stealth!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/back-to-school-being-a-stealth-fan-201">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/back-to-school-being-a-stealth-fan-201#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/sKSdPNpOdzg" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/back-to-school-being-a-stealth-fan-201 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:45:22 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/pUAccv85YWc/quick-look-down http://thestealthdragon.com/quick-look-down <p> Do you know what you are looking at?&nbsp; If you answered your shoes you got it wrong.&nbsp; The correct answer is "Everyone else in the West!" and even "<a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2010/01/24/national-lacrosse-league-power-rankings-week-3/" target="_blank">Everyone else in the NLL!</a>".&nbsp; Thanks to a 4-0 start the Washington Stealth have first place all to themselves.&nbsp; That is not the only place they're sitting on top of the league.&nbsp; The Stealth offense has averaged just over 15.25 goals per game, more than goal higher than the next closest team, <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2010/01/27/week-3-colin-doyle-still-leads-ryan-ward-lewis-ratcliff-climb/" target="_blank">Colin Doyle's</a> Toronto Rock who are averaging 14.0 goals per game.&nbsp; Defensively the Stealth are in second place with 10.25 goals against per game, behind the Toronto Rock who have incredibly allowed only 6.6 goals against per game in their three wins over the Boston Blazers (twice) and the Rochester Knighthawks. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Up on Top"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpfarm4static_epzxr" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/piAicvdidsqynJbeecumHIyADuqhGzvcBBDvAHrEJicCpJpzpIkGCzIoGwaq/media_httpfarm4static_Epzxr.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> [/caption] It feels great to be on top of things after the first four games of the 2010 season.&nbsp; Saturday's early season rematch with the Colorado Mammoth, in Colorado, will be a good barometer for the Stealth.&nbsp; The Mammoth won two games last week and their offense looks improved from their first two games (losses to the Stealth and Edmonton Rush).&nbsp; But the defense is still the same defense that let the Stealth run around them and scored 17 goals on opening night.&nbsp; So my prediction for Saturday's match up is Stealth 17 and the Mammoth 10.&nbsp; The Mammoth are better on offense than they were but the Stealth are still just as good as they were on opening night, if not better after a few more games playing together. If you have the Altitude TV network you can watch the game live this Saturday January 30th at 6pm Pacific Time. <strong>Random NLL Notes:</strong> After watching the first two Stealth opponents, the Colorado Mammoth and Edmonton Rush, play themselves the night after the Rush lost to the Stealth I felt like I had just watched two bad defenses play against two mediocre offenses.&nbsp; Two days later it was not all that surprising when Bob McMahon's was fired as the Mammoth head coach.&nbsp; Mammoth President and GM Steve Govett (he's a dual Canadian and US citizen as well as the all time leading goal scorer at some university named Radford, <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2010/01/19/colorado-mammoth-coaching-change-made-official-i-have-a-standard-and-a-vision-for-this-team-steve-govett/" target="_blank">scroll to the bottom for his resume</a> for some unintentional comedy) replaced McMahon as the head coach and scared the Mammoth players in to two overtime wins against Minnesota and Philadelphia last weekend.&nbsp; Some try to argue that the coach in the NLL doesn't really do that much to which I will present Chris Hall and Troy Cordingley as my counter arguments to that any day of the week.&nbsp; Coach Hall has done masterful jobs in game planning and preparing the Stealth for all their games this season.&nbsp; Troy Cordingley has taken his D system that has won the past two Mann Cups for Brampton and the NLL Championship in Calgary to Toronto and got that team off to a 3-0 start, meanwhile Calgary which has most all of it's players back from last season are now 1-2 without Cordingley.&nbsp; So the immediate "success" of Govett is probably just the players playing for their jobs because the coach has been fired, so they're next if stuff isn't working. Even though they're 0-4, the Buffalo Bandits defense was a much greater challenge to the Stealth than anything the Mammoth or Rush showed during the first two games in Everett.&nbsp; The Bandits consistently stepped out and pressured the ball and forced the Stealth in to sloppy passing for most of the first quarter until the Stealth forwards got their heads on straight and started focusing.&nbsp; Without playing against the Bandits defense I do not think the Stealth could have gone in Calgary and won the following night if the Stealth forwards had only played against the low pressure, non-disruptive systems the Mammoth and Rush brought to the first two Stealth games of the season.&nbsp; Thank you Buffalo. Matt Beers can fight and fight well. <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2010/01/27/national-lacrosse-league-rookie-rankings/" target="_blank">Garrett Billings</a> in Toronto is on his way to being Colin Doyle's next Rookie of the Year.&nbsp; No offense to <a href="http://twitter.com/DucheeLAX10" target="_blank">Rhys Duch</a>, but seeing Garrett Billings production with Colin leading the offense shows how influential Colin was in Rhys success in 2009.&nbsp; Thankfully Rhys can stand on his own as well, as shown by his continued success last summer in Victoria and complete lack of a "Sophomore Slump" to start this season.&nbsp; But I'm going to pick an alternate reality, the true interpretation of what we're seeing in Toronto is that Rhys Duch taught Colin Doyle how to trust in a rookie and Garrett Billings is the beneficiary of this.&nbsp; Good work Rhys!&nbsp; That is all you. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/quick-look-down">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/quick-look-down#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/pUAccv85YWc" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/quick-look-down Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:58:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/8rQ5OoN0_2o/2010-opening-weekend-recap http://thestealthdragon.com/2010-opening-weekend-recap <p> <strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_sqidv" height="126" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/FBitqDtvBCxnfBCdHypswoxojGikAamplbHuGeDvfxIFemJecjDAAsjeezAw/media_httpwwwthesteal_sqidv.png.scaled500.png" width="333" /> </div> </strong> <strong>What a great opening night for the Washington Stealth!</strong> A <a href="http://www.stealthlax.com/articles/view/381/" target="_blank">17-8 drubbing</a> of the Stealth's long-time Western Conference rival the <a href="http://www.coloradomammoth.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Colorado Mammoth</a> was the perfect beginning to the season.&nbsp; Both teams retooled their line ups during the off season.&nbsp; One team's changes appears to be working and one is not (yet) working.&nbsp; In my opinion, the Mammoth's issues are not just on the floor; I think Colorado's Coach McMahon is the wrong guy for the job.&nbsp; McMahon has had head coaching success in the NLL and was actually a former NLL Coach of the Year when he was with the Albany Attack in the early 2000's.&nbsp; (Why is that interesting?&nbsp; Because the Washington Stealth <em><strong>are</strong></em> the Albany Attack, just two cities and one team name down the line in the franchise history.)&nbsp; Back to the point, McMahon's success came when he was paired with fellow coach Bob Hamley and vice versa.&nbsp; McMahon has guided the Mammoth to roughly a .500 record after taking over for the legend, Gary Gait, who led the Mammoth to the NLL Championship in 2006.&nbsp; The Colorado fans expect a winner and McMahon is not providing the Mammoth fans with this and <a href="http://www.coloradomammoth.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2262" target="_blank">they are getting restless</a>.&nbsp; Now, having said all that, it was just one game.&nbsp; They still have 15 more games to work everything out. Enough about the other team, let's talk about the home team!&nbsp; The Stealth played a total team game and aside from Jeff Zywicki's (#67) 5 goals really spread the ball around with no other player scoring more than 2 goals.&nbsp; It is very comforting to me when the Stealth do not need one man to do all the work.&nbsp; Everyone just kept passing from one open guy to the next open guy and he buried the ball in the back of the next and it didn't matter who "he" was.&nbsp; I'm not going to be expecting 17 goals in every game, that output may have been tied to the Mammoth goalie situation and the Stealth players being jacked up for the first game in the new barn.&nbsp; I am also not going to be expecting 17 goals against the more mature defense the <a href="http://www.edmontonrush.com/" target="_blank">Edmonton Lumberjax</a> will be bringing to the Comcast Arena on Friday night.&nbsp; There are a lot less rookies on the Jax (I mean Rush or do I?) squad than the Mammoth, but veteran Matt Disher is constantly on the verge of blowing his knee out which may open the way for another backup goalie (in this case the largely untested Brandon Atherton) coming in again. Defensively, this is the most athletic Stealth squad I have seen since I started going to their games in 2005.&nbsp; The defense also had an abnormal amount of passes they picked off from the Mammoth offense.&nbsp; This is a situation where the game being a blowout can skew things.&nbsp; The Mammoth may have been forcing passes they wouldn't normally make to try to get back in the game, but in general the Stealth were picking passes in all quarters of the game. Finally, how great is the new barn, <a href="http://www.comcastarenaeverett.com/" target="_blank">The Comcast Arena of Everett</a>?&nbsp; They serve Mountain Dew!&nbsp; So it's just like we are still in San Jose and light years better than Portland with their Coke products.&nbsp; Also, the fresh mini donuts were a big win.&nbsp; Seriously though, every seat in the new barn has a great view and the crowd was really into it. <strong>Questionable Mammoth Roster Changes:</strong> Similar to the Stealth, the Colorado Mammoth made a number of roster changes involving key players from their 2009 rosters.&nbsp; After watching the Mammoth play, the one move that sticks in my mind is how on earth the Mammoth let Josh Sims go for free yet they kept Bruce Murray who allowed Lewis Ratcliff (#42) and other Stealth forwards run around him and score.&nbsp; The Philadelphia Wings then <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/12/29/wings-sign-former-all-star-transition-player-josh-sims/" target="_blank">picked up Sims</a> and he played with them in their first game.&nbsp; Sims had trade value that was passed up for an older, slower defender.&nbsp; As an outsider looking in, it appears the Mammoth front office may be too loyal to some of their roster. <strong> </strong> [caption id="attachment_295" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Stealth Rookie Matt Beers"]<strong><strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_lydtj" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/voxyhDmDjnFjJkDyjEmmnpBkfIwmitjuesBlfJpxrAzJqhIabuDdpabfjCCz/media_httpwwwthesteal_lydtj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> </strong></strong>[/caption] <strong>Rookie Welcomings:</strong> How about Stealth rookie Matt Beers (#2) bursting onto the scene.&nbsp; To quote a certain teammate late after the game "1 goal and 2 fights.&nbsp; Worst.&nbsp; Rookie.&nbsp; Ever!".&nbsp; Thankfully that joke is far from the truth.&nbsp; It wasn't a 5 goal debut like <a href="http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3951183" target="_self">Garrett Billings of Toronto</a>, but Beers isn't a forward either.&nbsp; Beers went out and played his defense <em><strong>and</strong></em> scored a goal, going above and beyond.&nbsp; The bar has been set high for Friday's game against the Edmonton Lumberjax, personally I'm expecting 2 goals (and 2 fights).&nbsp; The only other Stealth rookie on the floor was forward Kory Kowalyk (#19)who failed to score a couple of goals because his feet are too big.&nbsp; My size 14 feet can totally relate to him, so I forgive him.&nbsp; He'll get it next time out. The Colorado Mammoth played with five rookies on the floor.&nbsp; The <a href="http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/newwestminsternewsleader/sports/58574502.html" target="_blank">Gajic brothers</a> who are really only rookies in name because they've been playing successful lacrosse at the highest levels in Canada for a couple of years, Cliff Smith who is their teammate on New Westminster, Brad Richardson who I'm pretty sure is a rookie (and fought Eric Martin (#25)) and finally Ryan McFadyen who is a whole lot bigger in person than he looked on TV while playing for Duke. [caption id="attachment_291" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Stealth Goalie Tyler Richards"]<strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_dczjy" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/tIrjJhfyvmHBpfcgJxvrsiqHDgrAtbCaEFeGrdvzJfrdxxvgzIeqcGDgGBzc/media_httpwwwthesteal_dczjy.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> </strong>[/caption] <strong>Game MVP:</strong> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/12/18/nll-insider-top-50-jeff-zywicki-27/" target="_blank">Jeff Zywicki</a> had a marvelous game with 5 goals and an assist.&nbsp; Wick really stuck it to Paul Tutka and his <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2010/01/08/nll-insider-top-50-the-final-five/" target="_blank">NLL Top 50 players rankings</a>.&nbsp; But I am sorry, he did not end up being my game MVP.&nbsp; Tyler "The Ghost" Richards (#00) and his ~84% save percentage and first quarter shutout of the Colorado Mammoth was the real difference maker in Saturday's game.&nbsp; The defense in front of Richards helped prevent the Mammoth from walking in on Richards all night, but 7 goals is well below the average goals scored output for an NLL team. <strong>Special Player Quiz:</strong> Which player's father camped out and lied about his son's age to get him registered to play hockey when he was just a "3 foot tall 4 year old with a 2 inch fuse" instead of waiting until he was 5 in accordance with the hockey association's rules? </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/2010-opening-weekend-recap">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/2010-opening-weekend-recap#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/8rQ5OoN0_2o" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/2010-opening-weekend-recap Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:44:07 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/lYfATJT4-10/well-endorsed-players http://thestealthdragon.com/well-endorsed-players <p> [caption id="attachment_279" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Reebok<br />The only gear on the turf"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_jhmrr" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/GknsuuGucmIpsvCiCxxEvspiHirzddCoafckyBIGcDlkFnxChChevgoxEewA/media_httpwwwthesteal_jhmrr.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] In both the NLL and the NFL, Reebok is the official equipment sponsor.&nbsp; Like the NLL the NFL requires players to wear Reebok gear, but in the NFL if a player has an endorsement deal with Nike then the player can wear Nike shoes.&nbsp; Currently, the NLL players must use all Reebok gear all the time. I was thinking about <a href="http://www.rabilslacrosse.com/" target="_new">Paul Rabil</a>, as well as <a href="http://rhinolacrosse.com/" target="_new">Ryan Powell</a>.&nbsp; They have endorsement contracts with Under Armour and Nike respectively, but they are required to go out on the floor wearing clunky Reebok shoes when they are paid to represent much better gear.&nbsp; Heck, even Reebok socks are pitiful compared to the Nike and Under Armour offerings.&nbsp; I don't know what you wear, but I love my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZEB062?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=tylfit-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002ZEB062">Nike Dri-Fit socks</a>. Does anyone know why the NFL players can wear their own endorsed gear but the NLL players cannot? I am guessing it comes down to dollars and cents in Reebok's contract with the NLL.&nbsp; But I cannot believe anyone watching NLL players thinks the players are successful because of their Reebok *shoes*.&nbsp; I guess the inverse argument to that is the players also are n0t successful because of their Nike or Under Armour shoes. I imagine that an exception for shoes would then lead to players wanting an exception for sticks and gloves.&nbsp; This equipment does matter to the players, but also matters to Reebok as Reebok is getting into the sticks and gloves market and having all the NLL players using Reebok sticks and gloves showcases their products. For me, the real issue here is that this is an opportunity for the players to make a little extra money with some endorsement deals.&nbsp; They make so little money actually playing lacrosse that it is a shame more endorsement opportunities do not exist for them while they are playing.&nbsp; These are professional athletes, they can and should be getting endorsement deals! </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/well-endorsed-players">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/well-endorsed-players#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/lYfATJT4-10" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/well-endorsed-players Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:41:08 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/vA72zSL7eZ8/attention-nll-teams-this-is-your-warning http://thestealthdragon.com/attention-nll-teams-this-is-your-warning <p> [caption id="attachment_275" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Paul Rabil (image from nll.com)"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_efyur" height="250" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/nyEfeqqEgzuigzGGgJCtayBhCApbIFcBFxyDGeFikgmkecklzHepJggqJfAB/media_httpwwwthesteal_efyur.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="200" /> </div> [/caption] The Stealth have a player on the team that fans may not recognize from last season. After watching him last season and now in training camp heading in to this season he looks like a completely different player.&nbsp; Not just an improved player, but a different player.&nbsp; So watch out. The Colorado Mammoth will find out first during the Stealth home opener.&nbsp; Watch the game Saturday to see who I'm talking about and then come back here Sunday when I fill in the picture. <strong>Ding! Ding! Ding!</strong> Brian is the winner!&nbsp; You've just won, ummm, the privilege of hanging out last night?! Paul Rabil did not disappoint in his season debut.&nbsp; Two goals and three assists against the Mammoth in the Stealth 17-8 win was a great outting and a career high single game point total in the NLL for Rabil.&nbsp; Rabil didn't take it to the cage yet like he has in practice, but he still produced five points and did his role. Keep up the great work Rabes. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/attention-nll-teams-this-is-your-warning">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/attention-nll-teams-this-is-your-warning#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/vA72zSL7eZ8" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/attention-nll-teams-this-is-your-warning Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:18:10 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/CvYp_pROWZ4/its-happened-before http://thestealthdragon.com/its-happened-before <p> [caption id="attachment_161" align="alignright" width="248" caption="Colin Doyle"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_qchna" height="300" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/kHviDfhfHmHkbpviwfyxrFyjHqgBHsHDrpwHDonmqxJmdqljvHmaxHqenByz/media_httpwwwthesteal_qchnA.png.scaled500.png" width="248" /> </div> [/caption] Cam Woods did it first, followed by <a href="http://www.thestealthdragon.com/?p=84" target="_blank">Anthony Cosmo</a>.&nbsp; Now Colin Doyle joins the list of star Stealth players that returned East because they have a life outside of lacrosse and lacrosse doesn't pay the bills.&nbsp; I'm kind of glad that they did because I can finally stop worrying about when this will happen.&nbsp; The players and the fans can move on and great ready for the season. Ted Jenner again breaks the news coming out of the West.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/12/14/breaking-colin-doyle-swapped-for-lewis-ratcliff-tyler-codron-and-joel-dalgarno/" target="_blank">Colin Doyle traded back to Toronto</a>. The full deal is Colin Doyle and a conditional 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft to Toronto for Lewis Ratcliff, Tyler Codron and Joel Dalgarno.&nbsp; The condition is if Tyler Codron plays at least 7 games this season after returning from his knee injury then the draft pick kicks in.&nbsp; If Codron can't return this season then it is just all three for Doyle. My initial thought is that Toronto paid a great deal to get Doyle back.&nbsp; I mean, he's one great player traded for 3 good, even All Star level, players.&nbsp; I'm not positive that the Rock are necessarily better because of this trade.&nbsp; I'm going to think about it a little more.&nbsp; There's a big void in the Stealth locker room and offense right now. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/its-happened-before">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/its-happened-before#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/CvYp_pROWZ4" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/its-happened-before Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:18:05 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/aTXfLmzw5G4/coach-walt-is-back http://thestealthdragon.com/coach-walt-is-back <p> [caption id="attachment_258" align="alignright" width="93" caption="Walt Christianson (picture from victoriashamrocks.ca)"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_wnejb" height="125" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/uerAobzsedpBIyjqrxwlfAbcEHtjefgdBjiBozlnFEvCcfwkImlamuHnsAac/media_httpwwwthesteal_wnEjb.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="93" /> </div> [/caption] ... in Victoria. As reported by Ted Jenner <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/12/11/shamrocks-look-to-past-for-future-success/" target="_blank">over on NLL Insider</a>, along with <a href="http://www.victoriashamrocks.ca/news.php" target="_blank">the Victoria Shamrocks website</a>, Coach Walt Christianson is back as head coach with the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA.&nbsp; Coach Walt replaces long time Stealth defensive coordinator Art Webster as the coach in Victoria.&nbsp; Nothing is mentioned on if Coach Art will stay on to assist Coach Walt as he has in the past. Coach Walt is my favorite former Stealth head coach.&nbsp; I liked him and the players seemed to like him.&nbsp; He knows a lot about box lacrosse and how to coach it to the players.&nbsp; It was a damn shame that he was fired after the 2008 season when the Stealth ran into a red hot Lumberjax team/Dan Dawson in the first round of the playoffs. In time Coach Hall might take the "Favorite Stealth Coach" title away, but not yet.&nbsp; Keep up the good work Coach Walt, but don't return to the NLL.&nbsp; I'd hate to play against your teams. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/coach-walt-is-back">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/coach-walt-is-back#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/aTXfLmzw5G4" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/coach-walt-is-back Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:42:34 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/9Qf28oUCSVc/twice-is-nice http://thestealthdragon.com/twice-is-nice <p> What's better than getting to watch one Stealth practice after a six month off season?&nbsp; Watching two Stealth practices! Not much to report tonight.&nbsp; Everyone who was playing this morning was playing this evening.&nbsp; A quick chat with new <a href="http://www.stealthlax.com/team/front-office" target="_blank">GM Doug Locker</a> tells us that all the players not in camp today are planning on playing, they're just working out their various contracts.&nbsp; I am confidently looking forward to watching these players in <a href="http://www.stealthlax.com/gameday/schedule" target="_blank">the upcoming 2010 season</a>. Here are a few photos from this evening.&nbsp; I've got some videos too, but didn't bring the all hardware to work with them.&nbsp; Look for those to go up later. [gallery] </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/twice-is-nice">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/twice-is-nice#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/9Qf28oUCSVc" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/twice-is-nice Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:56:59 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/6h76OsCecAQ/were-not-in-california-anymore http://thestealthdragon.com/were-not-in-california-anymore <p> [caption id="attachment_236" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Stealth Mobile"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_qngib" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/jIjnpEyidkIhhdvlCGJBthCyubsbFvkJpJveffeaFGuqfaqywudyhvCChqoC/media_httpwwwthesteal_qnGib.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] [caption id="attachment_237" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Frost outside the Comcast Arena"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_eytij" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/rIBclGzAjDiqaeqaJaHnzyAbrCvopzigggrjgkkAjJGhqwoDDlwetCIltdfy/media_httpwwwthesteal_eytIj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] The 2010 NLL season for the Washington Stealth kicked off at 8:30am today. Here are a couple of pictures and my notes from the morning session at the Comcast Arena in Everett.&nbsp; The new arena is nice, obviously it is a smaller than the other NLL arenas and pretty unassuming from the outside, but there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the place. [caption id="attachment_238" align="alignright" width="300" caption="2009 NLL Rookie of the Year Rhys Duch, Paul Rabil and the Ninja"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_jxccv" height="199" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/DjgepbajkrfEFgcFrpBFsDIAxlnidIGebficJIegorsGIIxIhgfxugssnkmf/media_httpwwwthesteal_jxcCv.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" /> </div> [/caption] First up, I've got the answer to the question on everyone's mind - is the turf new? Nope, it is the turf from San Jose and the Ninja lives on! Maybe it'll be changed before the season starts, but that sounds expensive, so I doubt it. Curtis Hodgson submitted his application to be the team enforcer this year by having one of this front teeth removed this summer. He doesn't have the full Tim Campeau going on, but it looks tough. [caption id="attachment_240" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Stealth forward Tom Johnson cutting threw the middle during a drill"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_awocp" height="199" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/miFofJsucEtIFuwByIEceEgkzFvbrJCnzmbogjAHdtuxfwqqzbuctlbqIiHa/media_httpwwwthesteal_AwoCp.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" /> </div> [/caption] A few very key faces were missing on the offensive side of the ball this morning. Colin Doyle, Jeff Zywicki and Luke Wiles were not present. Out the back door the faces I couldn't find were goalie Matt Roik and defenders Brett Manney and Shaydon Santos. The absence of Shaydon didn't surprise me too much because he didn't join the Stealth until March last year. The others I would have liked to have seen there. I'm missing a couple of names, but there were no numbers or names on the practice jerseys so I didn't really know who's who of the new guys. The Stealth expected 34 guys in camp and we counted about 25 this morning, so there were approximately 10 guys missing. [caption id="attachment_239" align="alignright" width="199" caption="Coach Chris Hall taking charge"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_gccbb" height="300" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/tkgktHycHugBwwvdIecrErejIBhkawjCEJjfgjjHdjnlDJhjqprlpwnwmACx/media_httpwwwthesteal_GcCBB.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="199" /> </div> [/caption] Maybe they'll pick up some players for tonight's session. Time to rest up for the evening go around. More later. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/were-not-in-california-anymore">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/were-not-in-california-anymore#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/6h76OsCecAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/were-not-in-california-anymore Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:17:24 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/DXPucERmjcI/derek-keenan-weve-got-your-jax http://thestealthdragon.com/derek-keenan-weve-got-your-jax <p> [caption id="attachment_223" align="alignright" width="116" caption="Former (and hopefully future) Stealth defender Ian Hawksbee"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_jdppj" height="116" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/ncubpEHyCEqjvJjizCzDjeBHJtJaxDBizvlEsHikugpbGpEJdFBByhvtaxaH/media_httpwwwthesteal_jDppJ.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="116" /> </div> [/caption] Dear Coach Keenan: I've noticed you've been reassembling several of your former Portland Lumberjax players up in Edmonton over the summer. I've also noticed that there are a couple that you have not yet picked up.&nbsp; Training camp is about 10 days away, time to get moving on this. You just need to call up Johnny Mouradian and tell him that you want to give the Stealth Ian Hawksbee and you would like the Stealth will give you Peter Morgan and Brad MacDonald.&nbsp; Morgan and MacDonald don't suck and I really miss Hawks from when he played with the Stealth back in 2007.&nbsp; This totally works in my mind. Do it!&nbsp; Do it now!!! Thanks for your time, Tyler </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/derek-keenan-weve-got-your-jax">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/derek-keenan-weve-got-your-jax#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/DXPucERmjcI" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/derek-keenan-weve-got-your-jax Tue, 05 May 2009 17:13:29 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/xaURL4IjR84/lets-be-frank http://thestealthdragon.com/lets-be-frank <p> [caption id="attachment_220" align="alignright" width="150" caption="San Jose Stealth Forward<br />Frank Resetarits"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_oedkh" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/gzdpenjkazreJzChjgzAxDukAFHCGydIjraFbbufrdcxkgHekruhnEbsbHaq/media_httpwwwthesteal_oeDkh.png.scaled500.png" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] How many other pro sports have players be a part of every practice only dress once in a two months span and then have that same player come out and score 3 goals with 2 assists in a one and done playoff game?&nbsp; I'm guessing zero. I've <a href="http://www.thestealthdragon.com/?p=196">personally said</a> that Frank needed to stay on the bench because he had not been producing and I appreciate Frank proving me wrong.&nbsp; Resetarits rested up during the regular season and really took it to the Lumberjax on Friday night. So here's to Frank Resetarits!&nbsp; In my opinion, he defines the ultimate "team player" after this effort. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/lets-be-frank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/lets-be-frank#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/xaURL4IjR84" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/lets-be-frank Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:27:09 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/V-XfQO-zI1E/2009-western-division-semifinals-predictions http://thestealthdragon.com/2009-western-division-semifinals-predictions <p> I've gathered together my super squad of West Division friends and foes to give me their playoff predictions.&nbsp; Without further ado, here are the predictions from <a href="http://wingszone.com/nllmb/" target="_blank">Wingszone forums members</a> and Lumberjax fans laxinoregon and Smackem, Mammoth fan Mtn_Scott and Stealth fans Zmystere, Zeboim and myself.&nbsp; I'm sorry I haven't included anyone from Calgary, but I haven't really interacted or met with any of them yet. <strong>Laxinoregon:</strong> Colorado @ Calgary. The 1 vs 4 seed. The #1 hasn't faired in recent years, however, I expect Calgary to buck that trend with a landslide win, 15-9. Calgary's offense is clicking and everyone's healthy, defense is aggressive and plays within itself harrassing the opponents scorers. Only weakness is in the transition which unfortunately for Colorado they aren't suited for. The only way at an upset will be if both Prout and Langtry score early and score often, I don't see that happening. San Jose @ Portland. The 2 vs 3 seed. San Jose has a few things going for them in this game. Renewed aggression on the defensive end, pay back for last years home playoff loss, and two guys by the name of Doyle and Zwyicki. Portland counters the dynamic duo of Batman and Robin with The Butcher (Alexander) and The Playboy (Codron) and The Wall (Disher). These two teams hate each other, plain and simple and I expect nothing less than a war on the floor, a few fights, a few lead changes, a penalty shot to send the game into overtime, and a Jax victory 12-11 in said OT. Or it could be a masacre of epic porpotions with a 17-9 San Jose win, but nah, my first predicition has more drama. Jax 12-11. <strong>Smackem:</strong> I hope my Homer instincts don't kick in too quickly so I'll start with Colorado vs. Calgary. As much as this one seems to be a lock for Calgary I would offer some caution. If Leyshawn gets some early stops and builds his confidence he could keep Colorado around, but I'm doubtful that will happen with the injuries the Mammoth defense has suffered. Guze was a nice story of giving his all, but his 15 minutes of fame is over. No way anyone knows better than a Jax fan how much Langtry seems to rise to the occasions of away games, but it will be too little too late. Should Colorado get it going early I think Calgary will make a quick switch of goalies. Campbell and King have both played well and I believe either one could step in and stop the bleeding. Calgary puts this one away early, but I'm holding out hope for the Mammoth (homerism demands it). Portland vs San Jose. This one is keeping me up at night. These 2 teams met 3 times and the Jax won twice. The problem I'm having is that Eric Martin absolutely handed one of those games over by taking horrible penalties at terrible times. I believe Peter Morgan has to play great and Disher has to be healthy enough to go the distance for the Jax to win. The Stealth seem to be getting it together and gaining momentum at just the right time. The question will be how do their rookies, particularly Duch, handle playoff pressure. I'd love to see the Jax quicken the pace on transition and see if it forces some rookie mistakes (this is where Rabil's lack of box experience could hurt). What frightens me the most about the Stealth is undoubtedly Colin Doyle! I'm not sure if there is any one player out there I'd rather have than Doyle if you needed someone to will you to a win, he can flat out get it done. I know Dawson is incredible in the playoffs, but the Jax were just 6-10 with Dan. For an entire season I actually think I'd go with Doyle. OK, homer time. The Jax defense with Disher behind them can make any offensive players' life miserable. If the refs let them play physical, and I think in playoff atmosphere with the home crowd they will, the Jax are going to escape with a hard fought narrow victory. <strong>Zeboim:</strong> Calgary vs Colorado --- winner Calgary Calgary is really hot right now. The entire team is playing like they want to win. The Roughnecks offense is really clicking. On defense, Calgary is swarming to the ball. Seriously, this team is playing so well that I expect them to represent the west in the Championship Cup this year. This Colorado team is not the same as we have seen in past years. They have many injuries, resulting in no continuity on the floor on defense or offense. Also, they are playing uninspired lacrosse right now. The Mammoth seem to regret having Gavin Prout as their captain. He provides no leadership and has been a very selfish player this year. Portland vs San Jose --- winner Portland (come on Colin, prove me wrong!) The Portland Lumberjax team identity revolves around their defense. The Jax defenders are big, strong, and fast. Tyler Codron is a shutdown defender who is extremely competitive and takes it as a personal challenge to stop whatever player the coach puts him on. Disher has been playing excellently this season, but I don't know if he will be back at 100% for this game. Offensively, the Jax lack the firepower and leadership that Dan Dawson provided them with last year, but they manage to get enough transition goals from players like Brodie Merrill, Peter Morgan, and Scott Stewart. San Jose has had a season that didn't start off too strong. The team made a lot of changes from 2008, not all of them by choice. It is in games like these that the Stealth really miss Anthony Cosmo. The San Jose defense has improved with the addition of Shaydon Santos to the roster. Jeff Zywicki seems to be healed up, which will help out an already potent Stealth offense. Finally, and by no means least, Colin Doyle is an amazing team leader and he may just decide that I am full of crap and take this game into his own hands and lead the Stealth to a victory. <strong>Zymystere:</strong> Portland is not necessarily better than last year, because they had a damn good team last year.&nbsp; But they are now full of confidence and have trust in Disher to make the big saves to keep them in the game. San Jose ended the season with big wins.The offence is what we had hoped they would be, though the scoring is coming from Duch and Doyle, versus last being Wick and Doyle. Wick is always dangerous in the second season, but it will come down to goal tenders. The Ghost T-Rich is hot and will take this time to solidify his position on the team. T-Rich will be the diff. 14 - 9 San Jose wins. Now for the CO, they are a Jeckyl/Hyde team. If everyong plays their best game, they can do well. Prout will try to carry the team and Langtry will get 7 pts. CAL is the class of the West.Thought that they would falter as the season went long, but they held together. Campbell should get the start and is a solid tender. TK is just being TK and Dobbie is a threat to keep the boys energized and open the shooting lanes. I see it being a close game, no more than a 1 goal differrential at the final whistle. Colorado will find a way to make up for a depleted D and sqeek out a win. Colorado wins...barely! <strong>Mtn_Scott:</strong> Colorado @ Calgary This is a very interesting game for quite a few reasons. On paper, this will be Calgary's game to lose. Calgary's offense and power play unit have been unstoppable all year. Fortunately for the Mammoth that plays directly into their strengths. Unfortunately, the Mammoth might start suiting up fans to play. In the final game of the season Rich Catton and Ray Guze both went down to injuries and status is uncertain. This adds to an already lengthy casualty list. The Mammoth's best hope is the fact that this is a rivalry game, and games between these two teams always comes down to heart. I am not sure even a Mammoth size heart can overcome the pure talent differential. Calgary 12-8 San Jose @ Portland This is another game of a great offense versus a great defense. Normally, I would take the defense on this, but not when the offense involves Colin Doyle. He is the most clutch player in the league during the playoffs. Portland has beaten San Jose Twice this season already, beating them a third time will be tough in this league. San Jose 13-12 in OT. <strong>StealthDragon:</strong> First up #4 Colorado @ #1 Calgary.&nbsp; The previous two seasons the #4 seed in the West has walked in to the #1 seed's barn and won.&nbsp; In both of those games the #4 team had also beaten the #1 seed while playing at the #1 seed's barn during the regular season.&nbsp; This season Colorado beat Calgary 13-12 but it was not in Calgary.&nbsp; I fully expect Calgary to break the curse of the #1 seed in the West losing in the first round.&nbsp; Colorado has too many injuries on defense to stop Calgary's offense and transition game.&nbsp; Or Langtry scores 9 goals to keep it close, but Calgary still wins. Now the big show #3 San Jose @ #2 Portland. The rematch of last season's #4 over #1 upset in San Jose.&nbsp; Most of the Stealth players were there last year and will have revenge on their mind.&nbsp; The Stealth have defeated the Jax in Portland this year, so despite the season series being 2-1 in Portland's favor this Stealth squad knows how to win in Portland.&nbsp; Beating Portland goalie Matt Disher early and making him move will be key to the Stealth victory.&nbsp; If Disher is hot then it could be a problem for the Stealth.&nbsp; Jeff Zywicki is finally healthy and has been running around his defenders the past couple weeks after not driving to the cage and challenging defenders the first 3/4 of the season.&nbsp; Brett Manney we'll see you soon. My wild card factor is Portland coach Derek Keenan, there's a 50/50 chance that he develops the right game plan for a Lumberjax victory.&nbsp; When he plans right the Lumberjax can be dangerous.&nbsp; Thankfully Stealth coach Chris Hall is capable of adjusting on the fly, so if the Jax get out of the gates fast there will still be time to right the Stealth ship. In my opinion, it's a good night and the Stealth win 13-8 like they did in late March. <strong>Final Tally:</strong> Calgary is picked 5 to 1 while the PDX/SJ meeting is split 3 picks each.&nbsp; Bring on Friday! <strong>Go Stealth!</strong> </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/2009-western-division-semifinals-predictions">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/2009-western-division-semifinals-predictions#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/V-XfQO-zI1E" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/2009-western-division-semifinals-predictions Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:44:27 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/gxZUh_wCwgs/its-a-team-game-with-individual-records http://thestealthdragon.com/its-a-team-game-with-individual-records <p> The <a href="http://www.nll.com/article.php?id=3925" target="_blank">hype</a> <a href="http://sjstealth.com/articles/view/283/" target="_blank">is</a> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/04/16/national-lacrosse-league-shannys-preview-week-16/" target="_blank">building</a> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/04/15/national-lacrosse-league-week-16-heres-a-look-ahead/" target="_blank">towards</a> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/04/02/will-records-fall-in-2009-part-ii/" target="_blank">the</a> <a href="http://www.sjstealth.com/articles/view/285/" target="_new">Doylermaker</a> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/04/13/national-lacrosse-league-power-rankings-week-15/" target="_blank">breaking</a> <a href="http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/04/04/will-records-fall-in-2009-part-iii/" target="_blank">the</a> NLL's single season points record of 115 points held by Buffalo living legend John Tavares.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.nll.com/community/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&amp;task=userProfile&amp;user=399001%26seasonid=3260%26numgames=all" target="_blank">Colin Doyle</a> has 106 points this season with one game to play.&nbsp; Ten points sounds like a lot, but he's within striking distance of the record, he just needs a little help. [caption id="attachment_161" align="alignright" width="248" caption="San Jose Stealth Captain Colin Doyle"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_ignbe" height="300" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/qFzhofderoqmBsxnlInnJAoHBensfiEDtmuIDoqukjJFaBnJABzHvBxiEtdp/media_httpwwwthesteal_iGnBe.png.scaled500.png" width="248" /> </div> [/caption] Here's my opinion on the subject.&nbsp; The Stealth have locked up their position in the playoffs, no matter what happens in Toronto, the Stealth are playing in Portland the first round of the playoffs.&nbsp; So the players can find motivation this weekend in going out and rewarding the player that got them there, their captain Colin Doyle.&nbsp; Without the Doylermaker the Stealth may not have gone to the playoffs these past three seasons.&nbsp; Now the team can reward him for his efforts by getting him the scoring record.&nbsp; Colin is great, but a 10 goal game may not be in the cards, I think he's still exhausted after the OT Colorado game last weekend. This is also the Stealth's first ever trip to Toronto and Colin's first return to Toronto after playing on the Rock and winning five(!!!!!) NLL Championships with them.&nbsp; The fans remember and miss him dearly, the opinion in <a href="http://wingszone.com/nllmb/showthread.php?t=43453" target="_blank">the Wingszone forums</a> is that the fans will be cheering for Colin as much, or more than, the Rock. Here's my plan of attack for the offense. <ul> <li>If you just received a pass from Doyle you have the green light.&nbsp; <span style="color: #008000;">SHOOT AND SCORE</span>.</li> <li>If you just received a pass not from Doyle, but he made the previous pass, you have the green light.&nbsp; <span style="color: #008000;">SHOOT AND SCORE</span>.</li> <li>If you just received a pass and it nor the pass before it was from Doyle then pass it to Doyle.&nbsp; <span style="color: #ff0000;">PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT AND SCORE*</span>.</li> </ul> That should do it. Three simple rules to play by.&nbsp; Have a great game everyone.&nbsp; I'm confident the Rock fans will love it every time Colin gets a goal or assist and cheer you guys on for more more more. Good luck and thank you Colin!&nbsp; Go Stealth Go! * And yes this is a joke (but not entirely).&nbsp; The Stealth would not be where they are right now without Doyle, I think this is a great opportunity for the team to give him this record as recognition of his leadership and contributions. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/its-a-team-game-with-individual-records">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/its-a-team-game-with-individual-records#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/gxZUh_wCwgs" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/its-a-team-game-with-individual-records Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:46:03 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/Tt7ebNPo_SM/identifying-fly-in-players http://thestealthdragon.com/identifying-fly-in-players <p> Due to the nature of the league, players have to live were they work and play wherever the game is that weekend. In San Jose it's possible for the players to live in market during the whole season if they don't have a day job that requires them to be in their home town during the week. Q: How do you tell the two types of players apart in San Jose? A: The white legged players typically fly in. [caption id="attachment_212" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="San Jose Stealth Defender Mike Kirk's pasty white legs"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/oGvejFDsaweApohifElsljqCFJsboyohheGmupvgrfnDlkmFnoEzwbgDxysc/media_httpwwwthesteal_eGhat.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_eghat" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/oGvejFDsaweApohifElsljqCFJsboyohheGmupvgrfnDlkmFnoEzwbgDxysc/media_httpwwwthesteal_eGhat.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> [/caption] </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/identifying-fly-in-players">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/identifying-fly-in-players#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/Tt7ebNPo_SM" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/identifying-fly-in-players Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:58:41 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/tTy70eALbEk/eighteen http://thestealthdragon.com/eighteen <p> [caption id="attachment_132" align="alignright" width="100" caption="San Jose Stealth"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_pcogf" height="100" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/jGqJHGjpIgddhaDyzmJmJdrHpkeEakADgwoxxcCDkHjhvtEgxHBsnBuHHyvr/media_httpwwwthesteal_pCogF.gif.scaled500.gif" width="100" /> </div> [/caption] I think the Stealth coaches' biggest obstacle this season has been picking which players are the right 18 to go out on the floor and win every game. I think the Sunday game against the Jax and Friday night game against the Swarm had possibly the best 18 for the Stealth on the floor.&nbsp; The vast majority of the players and positions aren't in question, but here is what I see as the final fine tuning of the roster. <strong>Offense:</strong> [caption id="attachment_204" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="San Jose Stealth Forward<br />Tom Johnson"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_cogkv" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/kvqmtfnoaBuffiuGrBpvqsAcjJwyjHoiybGnbqIwjJunvxyfdyAaJoEfEwph/media_httpwwwthesteal_coGkv.png.scaled500.png" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] First up, on offense playing Tom Johnson over Alex Turner is an upgrade.&nbsp; Alex has scored in the games he's in when he's playing the two man game.&nbsp; But TJ can create his own scoring opportunities driving to the net and finishing.&nbsp; Alex will be a good player in the NLL, but as a rookie, he is in the same spot as TJ last year.&nbsp; Now in his second season, TJ is more adjusted to the NLL game, giving him the confidence to take it to the net. Second on offense, is a debate between Peter Veltman and Frank Resetarits on the left side.&nbsp; Veltman's Canadian experience leads to better screening for Wick and Duch than Frank provides.&nbsp; I don't know if the Reebok heads are causing Frank issues, but in the last game I saw him play in Newark he missed a couple shots near the crease that the Stealth needed him to make.&nbsp; If the NLL were bigger and Veltman still played in Arizona, then Resetarits would be on the floor.&nbsp; But today, there's not enough spots available and Veltman is outperforming Resetarits. The other offensive players - Colin Doyle, Jeff "Mack Truck" Zywicki, Rhys Duch and Cam Sedgwick are all locks week in and week out.&nbsp; The defenses can make plans based on these guys being in the lineup, but it won't help.&nbsp; Colin wants the Stealth to win and he's going to get his points to ensure that happens. <strong>Defense:</strong> [caption id="attachment_205" align="alignright" width="150" caption="San Jose Stealth Defender<br />Eric Martin"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_akhhw" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/cEHwhydseBtABIkvdIuyhjktyfyJjHsJfClIJgBmdhCiqHuCwJsHBHetoGjz/media_httpwwwthesteal_AkhHw.png.scaled500.png" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] Now on to defense.&nbsp; This has been a huge issue for the Stealth this season.&nbsp; Personally, I'd like have Steve Holmes on the floor, but that likely means sitting another defenseman. The easy choice could seem like the "new" guy, Biers - but he hasn't been messing up on D, so I can't pull him.&nbsp; Good job Biers. But what about Eric Martin?&nbsp; Yes, Meat's been scoring in the games lately and picks up lots of loosies, but he also can get called for tons of penalties by the referees.&nbsp; Penalties can cost the team games, like the Saturday Lumberjax game.&nbsp; Chris Hall's first game as head coach he actually sat Meat and the Stealth only had 2 penalties called all game.&nbsp; That can be attributed to the refs for the night as much as Meat, but in the two Portland games he got 5 min majors in each game which leaves the team in the hole.&nbsp; So the question for me becomes, is Meat's scoring and loose balls worth more than his penalties? My final option to get Holmes on the floor is sitting rookie defender Kyle Hartzell.&nbsp; It's not that Hartzell is performing poorly, it's just that he doesn't have as much experience as Holmes and experience in close games at the end of the season is more important than raw athleticism.&nbsp; Hartzell will get that experience over time (hopefully this summer in Vic). Holmes used to be in the same spot&nbsp;that Hartzell is now and in a year or two Hartzell will be the guy taking time away from the next rookie.&nbsp; This is a decision Coach Hall has to make and I don't envy his position. Since I started writing this up Meat has been suspended by the league for two games, so he's going to be sitting out the last couple regular season games. I'm going to presume this means we'll get to see Steve Holmes in the lineup in place of Meat at Colorado and Toronto. To complicate matters for me, in the Stealth victory over the Swarm last weekend Meat played and did not receive a single penalty, a complete opposite of his play against Portland, and he was productive.&nbsp; So Meat can play a clean game and be productive (he did it for several years before this year), but when things aren't going his way it's very hard to watch him collect the 5 minute majors. Just to clarify here, I would pick a 2 penalty minute or less Eric Martin over Steve Holmes who's only played in two games this year and can't be counted on to be in game shape.&nbsp; But if the refs are conspiring against&nbsp; Meat *and* Meat is all jacked up and cross checking guys high, it's enough to give the fans ulcers and I don't want ulcers from watching Stealth games. Just like the offense, the defensive locks are (in numerical order) Brett Manney, Curtis Hodgson, Kyle Sorensen, Shaydon Santos, Mike Grimes, Andrew Biers, Mike Kirk, and Paul Rabil.&nbsp; If I had to say there is any changes in this group it would be Steve McKinlay coming in for Kyle Hartzell if Veltman is needed for something other than face offs or otherwise unable to go.&nbsp; I'd love for Eric Martin to be in this group, but the penalties scare me too much right now. <strong>Goalies:</strong> [caption id="attachment_206" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="San Jose Stealth Goalie<br />Tyler Richards"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_iryhh" height="150" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/zcysxEkGbdxagahuhgapeIADAgomymlpnCtqrjneJfudHBmsgEbJxzsvaiui/media_httpwwwthesteal_iryHH.png.scaled500.png" width="150" /> </div> [/caption] The last position on the floor is of course goalie.&nbsp; I don't know if there is going to be any controversy, everyone is being very professional about it, but Tyler Richards has stepped up the last two games and played as good in goal as could be asked of anyone in the league.&nbsp; Personally, I'd leave T-Rich in cage the rest of the way.&nbsp; Roik has more experience playing in tandem with T-Rich than Bold, so unfortunately after a couple of years being the #2 goalie Bold has been pushed back to #3.&nbsp; I really hope there is no NLL expansion this year because I don't want to lose any of these guys. I think tomorrow night against the Mammoth the Stealth will dress the same 18 as against the Swarm (aside from the required subbing of someone for Eric Martin) and whoop the Woolies.&nbsp; I'm very much looking forward to seeing the 18 continuing their momentum of the previous two games and locking up a playoff spot. Go Stealth Go! </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/eighteen">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/eighteen#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/tTy70eALbEk" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/eighteen Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:00:56 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/mLIehcF_fvU/they-say-its-your-birthday http://thestealthdragon.com/they-say-its-your-birthday <p> Cue The Beatles for Stealth forward Jeff Zywicki's (as well as one of my nephew's) birthday today. Who's a big hitter? <object height="303" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ObDivKs7cTI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ObDivKs7cTI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="303" width="500"></embed></object> Jeff, the smallest Stealth, is a big hitter! </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/they-say-its-your-birthday">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/they-say-its-your-birthday#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/mLIehcF_fvU" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/they-say-its-your-birthday Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:38:36 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/lgsdRLMaMoo/it-was-a-great-lacrosse-weekend http://thestealthdragon.com/it-was-a-great-lacrosse-weekend <p> Last weekend turned in to the best weekend of lacrosse so far this season for us.&nbsp; Good games and good times were easy to find. Friday night we watched the Stealth take it to the Swarm 18-8.&nbsp; It was 14-1 at one point.&nbsp; Domination is the best adjective for the game.&nbsp; But then the fun really came after the game when we were able to go the official post game venue for the Stealth, The Brit in San Jose, and close down the bar with the team.&nbsp; Due to our travel schedule this was the only time we'd been able to go to The Brit after a game this year and it was amazing.&nbsp; Talking to the players is so much fun, you get some extra game insight as well as seeing their personalities.&nbsp; Rhys Duch is excited to take the Rookie scoring record from Gavin Prout next weekend, once we realized he was only five points away *and* playing in Colorado next weekend his eyes kinda lit up.&nbsp; Rhys has a killer instinct and I did not know that, he is primed to dominate in this league for years to come.&nbsp; Kyle Sorensen was also really fun to talk with and after making his initial rounds talking to the team Kyle took the time to come sit and talk to us for about 30 minutes.&nbsp; Brett Manney wears a powder blue sweater instead of a suit jacket and went to school with Joe Flaco.&nbsp; If you're not already listening to it, Paul Rabil does his "<a href="http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2009/04/01/podcast-nine-minutes-of-lacrosse-with-paul-rabil-7/" target="_blank">Nine Minutes with Rabil</a>" podcast on Inside Lacrosse.&nbsp; It's well worth your time to learn more about the big guy.&nbsp; After the bar shutdown it was off to a Taqueria for a some greasy food to soak up the alcohol.&nbsp; By this point it was 3am, we went to the hotel, saw a few more Stealth players winding down the night and we crashed out because we had to get up at 6:45am for our flight to PDX. Mucho gracias to all the Stealth for your hospitality.&nbsp; And I think I owe Tyler Richards some drinks because I we both had tabs at the bar and the same first name. So when I told the bar tender it was "for Tyler" and only had a $41 tab at the end of the night I think he got stuck with a couple of our drinks.&nbsp; Whoops.&nbsp; Tyler, I'll take care of you next time we're out with all you guys. Now we're up to Saturday, after getting up on 3.5 hours sleep we headed back to PDX to get cheer on the Jax against the Mammoth.&nbsp; (I decided a Mammoth loss was most beneficial to the Stealth, so Go Jax!)&nbsp; In what is becoming known as "<a href="http://jaxlaxblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/what-finish-young-heroics-flindell-man.html" target="_blank">The Sweet Caroline Game</a>" the refs helped the Jax win an OT thriller by gifting the Jax a goal in the 4th quarter that the Mammoth had properly challenged but some how did not have the goal over turned.&nbsp; Off the top of my head, this was the best crowd I've seen in my two years with tickets there.&nbsp; Despite the Jax having a real stinker of a 3rd quarter and the crowd losing some steam the comeback in the 4th quarter got everyone on their feet and they were loud.&nbsp; With just over a minute left and the game tied everyone stood up and didn't sit down again.&nbsp; They were in the game and fed the players some much needed energy.&nbsp; After the game there was a good celebration at The Tap Room and we talked to Tyler Codron's parents who were "blending in to the crowd" by wearing his old jerseys.&nbsp; We learned from Tyler's dad that not only do all these players basically live in the same town, they live on the same *street*.&nbsp; Apparently Dan Stroop live 3 minutes away from Codron and Mammoth rookie Tyler Crompton is 5 minutes away.&nbsp; There's definitely something in the water up there. The end result of the weekend for the teams is a log jam of San Jose, Colorado and Minnesota at 6-8 behind the Portland team that is 7-6 and not even locked in to the playoffs.&nbsp; The last two weeks are&nbsp; going to be very exciting. Go Stealth Go! </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/it-was-a-great-lacrosse-weekend">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/it-was-a-great-lacrosse-weekend#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/lgsdRLMaMoo" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/it-was-a-great-lacrosse-weekend Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:37:51 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/shNcFsJ3u-k/weekend-cheering-guide http://thestealthdragon.com/weekend-cheering-guide <p> The Stealth have a great weekend ahead with home and home series against the Portland Lumberjax. So we'll be cheering hard in SJ and PDX for the Stealth to win both games. But there's other action that is important to the Stealth this weekend and cheering in those games will help out too. Saturday at 4:30 Pacific Time the Colorado Mammoth play at the Philadelphia Wings. A Mammoth loss is good for the Stealth, so let's all do a&nbsp; W! I! N! G! S! WINGS! Thirty minutes after that the red hot Calgary Roughnecks play at the Minnesota Swarm. The Swarm are in fourth place and the Stealth want to take that spot from them. A Roughnecks victory is needed on Saturday to help the Stealth out too. Go Stealth Go! Go Wings and Go Roughnecks! Yep, go Roughnecks. Wait until next week when I'm cheering for Stealth on Friday night and the Lumberjax on Saturday April 4th to beat the Woolies. I may even wear plaid, I'm putting it in the car just case. Finally, big <strong>CONGRATULATIONS</strong> to Paul Rabil on winning the NLL Tranny of the Week award for his effort against the Edmonton Rush. Paul's been very comfortable working out the back door lately. Makes me wonder if Kevin Huntley would have won any NLL Weekly awards this season if he'd come out to play. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/weekend-cheering-guide">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/weekend-cheering-guide#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/shNcFsJ3u-k" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/weekend-cheering-guide Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:55:09 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~3/lsVdxB-iN0g/breakin-out-buttons http://thestealthdragon.com/breakin-out-buttons <p> [caption id="attachment_192" align="aligncenter" width="120" caption="Push when season is in jeopardy"]<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwthesteal_cbdaj" height="120" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/import-ezwn/xDnuikJEgtiGckkvAatjxBxEkaEkcnlzhlCybsAxkihJAIbCuHmhAujCdGfD/media_httpwwwthesteal_CbDaj.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="120" /> </div> [/caption] For me it was the end of the 2nd quarter when the Mammoth lead 7-5 with one minute to go until the half and then it was 9-5 sixty seconds later. Pretty much sums up the defense for the whole season. </p> <p><a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/breakin-out-buttons">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thestealthdragon.com/breakin-out-buttons#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thestealthdragon/~4/lsVdxB-iN0g" height="1" width="1"/> http://posterous.com/images/profile/missing-user-75.png http://posterous.com/users/hdK2re8gL1rUC tfitch tfitch tfitch http://thestealthdragon.com/breakin-out-buttons