Denver 2020

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Puck Swami
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Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 4:32 pm

Denver 2020

Post by Puck Swami »

Might as well get a new year thread started. This next year looks to be an interesting one, as Denver lost 15 seniors and must rebuild defensively.

Here's my quick look:

Offense: The loss of Austin French (31pts) and Colton Jackson (26 pts.) to graduation are most significant, while secondary offensive losses include Seniors Colin Rutan (10 pts) and Quinn McKone (14 pts). These are fairly typical senior losses for a program like DU, and while French's distribution and Jackson's heater will be missed, none of these players are irreplaceable.

Certainly, this will be Ethan Walker's senior season, and while his 52 points were a team leading performance and honorable mention all-American worthy, we're sure that he is capable of a greater impact in his final year. Jack Hannah's 34 points last year were a very positive surprise, and his versatility gives DU options. Ellis Geis had 25 points before he got hurt, and if he can bounce back from ACL surgery, it bodes well for the Pios. Teddy Sullivan also had a strong year with a 25 point performance of his own, and he can certainly add his dodging ability and clutch performances. Alex Simmons added his 16 points, and with his shooting skills, he has a big upside coming back. A few others raised some eyebrows periodically last year with Schuyler Blair and Johnny Marrocco (7 points each). I'd also certainly like to see more out of Riley Curtis, who needs to step up beyond just man-up duties to see if he can make a bigger impact. Then there is Drew Erickson and Sam Dwinnell, who only played in seven games and six, respectively - might we see more from them next year? Of course, there will be new freshmen who may have an impact, too...

Middies like Danny Logan and Kyle Smith also provide both offensive and defensive capabilities, too and will be a big part DU's impact next year. Middie Aaron Boyd appeared in 12 games and may be ticketed for a larger role, too.

All in all, I expect DU's offense to be a little better next season. The Pios need to get the man-up unit going next year, as it hurt the Pios this last season.

Defensively, I see this coming year as a virtually complete rebuild. Losing Senior All American Dylan Gaines, as well as seniors Dylan Johnson, Brett Greenlee and Matt Neufeldt are all big losses who played most of the minutes last year for DU, as well as Senior Jon Ober, who also appeared 15 games. The only really experienced D-man coming back will be Colin Squires, who DU must build around. Thus, there are a lot of defensive minutes that are wide open for the taking from either existing roster players or newcomers. Since I don't see the practices, I am in no position to guess at who will step in, but whoever does is going to get a baptism by fire, and it may take a half-season for the new guys to get comfortable playing extended minutes at the college level. Senior to be Chris Sullivan appeared in 6 games last year, and is the most experienced of the returning defensemen outside of Squires. My expectation is that DU's defense will struggle for good portions of the season and hopefully, good goaltending, face-offs and offense will help offset the load while DU learns to play quality defense.

Goaltending wise, losing Alex Ready is an experienced, but average loss. Cole French showed some promise last year down the stretch before crumbling in the BET. I expect he will probably be the starter, but other guys (Matte, Wright and Strohman) may challenge French.

Overall, I expect DU to make it back to the NCAAs, as the offense, face-offs and goaltending should be improved enough to compensate for an inexperienced defense. DU is too good a program to miss the NCAAs for two years in a row...
10stone5
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by 10stone5 »

JJ Sillstrop graded out highly, out of La Costa Canyon.
They won a SoCal title when he was a soph, too bad Pios haven’t been able to get anyone from Torrey Pines as they’ve been the dominant team out of CA the past two years.

Quinn Marquez, San Ramon Valley has been a consistently top team. Marquez is a more athletic version of Drew Erickson, not better, just more athletic.

In addition to Walker, a roster full of skilled Canadian freshmen and sophomores, with box backgrounds.
Don’t see Walker on the Peterborough roster for this summer’s Jr A box, but Walker was protected by Peterborough’s MSL club, so I’ll be curious if Walker gets called up for the Mann Cup or if this is simply a prelude to Walker going pro.

Austin French, with one Final Four and another near Final Four in 2018, finished his career as the top Division I scorer to come out of the California system, passing Erik Adamson.
Dunker
Posts: 144
Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2018 3:20 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by Dunker »

Rumor mill time, although from a reliable source. Colin Munro has met with DU about transferring in. (he is in the transfer portal) I've heard relations between father Jamie Munro and Tierney have been icy, but time has passed. Tierney didn't fire Munro. The best AD in college sports, Peg Bradley Doppes, actually was involved in letting Jamie go. Peg has retired. So maybe calmer heads prevail and Colin seriously considers DU. Colin was always playing catch-up at UNC due to injuries. He is a 2 time Minto Cup winner which is extraordinary for an American. His box skills would be welcomed.
Puck Swami
Posts: 198
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2019 4:32 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by Puck Swami »

DU associate head coach Matt Brown was named head coach of the Canadian National U19 team for 2020. Congrats, Matt!
http://cla.pointstreaksites.com/view/cl ... ews_520647
cherrylax
Posts: 102
Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2018 11:39 am

Re: Denver 2020

Post by cherrylax »

thought I would get us back on the Page one by doing a summer box lacrosse check up. Just checking Major's and Junior's in BC and Ontario, so feel free to add. We'll start from top to bottom.

Ethan Walker: Peterborough Lakers (Senior A)
3 Games Played: 3 G 2 A
- not surprised by the stat line as this team is loaded with offensive talent on the left side including a former pioneer great.

Alex Simmons: St. Catherine's
8 games played: 19G 27A
- has to take step forward this year. Solid freshman campaign but has the talent to be a 50+ point contributer.

Carter Brand: Toronto Beaches
10 Games Played: 9G 14A
- Another guy who fought injuries last year, but could be a contributer.

Josh Dawick: Toronto Beaches
3 Games Played: 1G 2A
- Must have been Hurt. Usually is one of the top scorers on TB.

Will Clayton: Coquitlam Adanacs
3 Games Played: 1G 2A
- Another head scratcher. Last years Minto MVP not doing much this summer. Have to think an injury.

Future Pio: Owen Hiltz: Peterborough Lakers
12 Games Played: 15 G 9A
- Another lefty from Peterborough from Culver Academy, all signs point towards Hiltz being a good one

Former Pio: Thomas Semple: Coquitlam Adanacs
16 Games Played: 27G 30A
- This one was a surprise. Maybe his game just never transitioned well to the field

Couldn't find anything about Riley Curtis. Good news from south of the border as Stathakis makes team U.S.A.
Dunker
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by Dunker »

Cherry, My annual thank You for the Canadian update. We always get kids injured in summer box which I also write annually. Lots of Canadians which I love.
As for Thomas Semple, he's playing for a division II or III team in Georgia at Young Harris College. Lots of Canadians on their roster. This is actually sad.

I never asked any of you DU fans this: Because Miller and Bromberry left DU or transferred, are we in a weak position of attracting future Native American lax players?

Soccer begins in 1 month. Most talented team in DU history, but lots of new pieces. We will be a powerhouse come tournament time.
gunnerz
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by gunnerz »

Dunker, given what went on with Miller and Bomberry, if I were a coach out West I'd probably shy away from Native Americans, especially coming to DU from.....New York/East Coast. They couldn't handle it; DU academics, distance, children.
DU-fan
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by DU-fan »

Denver is scrimmaging Syracuse this fall on Oct 5th at Cortland State. Should be a fun game.
Dunker
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by Dunker »

Gunnerz- I never like shying away from best available talent. but I understand your thought process. I worry that other schools will use negative recruiting and say all DU Native Americans transferred or left because of lack of diversity. I still think that had Zach Miller stayed, we had a better chance then anyone else to win the NC that year. He was a major cog in helping us win NC in 15.

DU-Fan Cortland is Tierney's alma mater. That will be fun.
10stone5
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by 10stone5 »

cherrylax wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:04 am
Former Pio: Thomas Semple: Coquitlam Adanacs
16 Games Played: 27G 30A
- This one was a surprise. Maybe his game just never transitioned well to the field
Semple will be eligible for the NLL draft probably next year as he has 4 years of Jr A.
Or he’ll progress to WLA or MSL senior lacrosse leagues and then progress to pro box NLL.

Any more, these Canadians go straight to pro, or might do a year or two of College lacrosse, more to enhance their resumes prior to going Pro.
Dunker
Posts: 144
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by Dunker »

The idea with Semple was to red-shirt him his frosh year so he could learn field for he had never played it before.

10Stones- 2 questions. you are my mentor.
1. The Canadian box leagues you mention. Speaking of only WSL and or MSL.. What is the pay?
2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?

thanks,
gunnerz
Posts: 56
Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2018 3:44 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by gunnerz »

Dunker, I agree, Zach Miller was one of the best college players in the country, period. Ice cold veins. Need a clutch goal or pass, give Zach the ball. It's a shame he didn't stay and graduate.
10stone5
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by 10stone5 »

Dunker wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:05 pm The idea with Semple was to red-shirt him his frosh year so he could learn field for he had never played it before.

10Stones- 2 questions. you are my mentor.
1. The Canadian box leagues you mention. Speaking of only WSL and or MSL.. What is the pay?
2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?

thanks,
I have no numbers as I doubt anybody really tracks any of this, just anecdotes. It is probably a combination of things that make it worthwhile for a kid to stay in Canada, or as in the case of the Hobart kid, school is too expensive, not enough financial aid. McGill University seems to be a popular destination for some of these kids, as was the case with one of our Canadian kids following one year below the border. I would assume pay in kind enters into it, as I recall a Western Lacrosse pro or really senior league player talking about his job in marketing, and he couldn’t have been much more than 20 or 21. The top Western League, Major Series draft picks must make per game salaries, there’s corporate sponsorship, probably subsidized, if you add it all up, pay in kind for summer box, NLL per game in the winter, other soft monies, “free” Canadian health — its not so bad for a die hard 20 something Canadian laxer.
10stone5
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by 10stone5 »

Dunker wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:05 pm
2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?
Bunch of players I like, again just opinion, no numbers. It is probably not a large percent.
In no particular order.

*Dennon Armstrong, looks like he’s going straight to pros
*Haiden Dickson, same
*Zach Manns, played parts of two years at Drexel, but same
*Will Malcom, still early, somebody might recruit this guy
*Max Semple, Thomas’ brother, same, still young, could still end up in DI
OCanada
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by OCanada »

I wouldn’t read too much into Indians leaving.

It has been a very long effort to get some players to go away to school instead of say Cuse. There is a group of former players who work with and encourage players to think beyond a local school. That said the culture schock of being distant can be significant as can the sense of isolation. There are a few doing it and more will in the future but it’s a process VA has had a couple work out well
Typical Lax Dad
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Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 12:10 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by Typical Lax Dad »

10stone5 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 7:11 pm
Dunker wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:05 pm
2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?
Bunch of players I like, again just opinion, no numbers. It is probably not a large percent.
In no particular order.

*Dennon Armstrong, looks like he’s going straight to pros
*Haiden Dickson, same
*Zach Manns, played parts of two years at Drexel, but same
*Will Malcom, still early, somebody might recruit this guy
*Max Semple, Thomas’ brother, same, still young, could still end up in DI
What happened to Thom Semple? Is he still playing. He was a bull.
“You lucky I ain’t read wretched yet!”
10stone5
Posts: 7052
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by 10stone5 »

Typical Lax Dad wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2019 10:42 am
10stone5 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 7:11 pm
Dunker wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:05 pm 2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?
Bunch of players I like, again just opinion, no numbers. It is probably not a large percent.
In no particular order.

*Dennon Armstrong, looks like he’s going straight to pros
*Haiden Dickson, same
*Zach Manns, played parts of two years at Drexel, but same
*Will Malcom, still early, somebody might recruit this guy
*Max Semple, Thomas’ brother, same, still young, could still end up in DI
What happened to Thom Semple? Is he still playing. He was a bull.
Just from one of the guys above said, Semple was to have redshirted his freshman year for the Pios and then work his way into the line up.
He’s doing well with the Jr A Adanacs.
Looks like Semple did transfer to a DII school, but did not play.
Typical Lax Dad
Posts: 32140
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 12:10 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by Typical Lax Dad »

10stone5 wrote: Sun Jul 21, 2019 1:01 am
Typical Lax Dad wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2019 10:42 am
10stone5 wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 7:11 pm
Dunker wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:05 pm 2. What percentage of the unknowns in Canadian those leagues whose names we may never know could play college field in US?
Bunch of players I like, again just opinion, no numbers. It is probably not a large percent.
In no particular order.

*Dennon Armstrong, looks like he’s going straight to pros
*Haiden Dickson, same
*Zach Manns, played parts of two years at Drexel, but same
*Will Malcom, still early, somebody might recruit this guy
*Max Semple, Thomas’ brother, same, still young, could still end up in DI
What happened to Thom Semple? Is he still playing. He was a bull.
Just from one of the guys above said, Semple was to have redshirted his freshman year for the Pios and then work his way into the line up.
He’s doing well with the Jr A Adanacs.
Looks like Semple did transfer to a DII school, but did not play.
Thanks
“You lucky I ain’t read wretched yet!”
DU-fan
Posts: 1309
Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2018 10:04 pm

Re: Denver 2020

Post by DU-fan »

A bit dated, but nice to see the future Pios getting some recognition. Face off competition with Brett Boos will be interesting. It is nice to have more options.

7/16/2019 3:09:00 PM Niko Blankenship

Incoming Freshman Alec Stathakis Named to 2020 U.S. U19 Training Team

Stathakis is one of three faceoff specialists that were named to the training team ahead of the 2020 U19 World Championships
Story LinksSPARKS, Md. – Incoming University of Denver men's lacrosse freshman faceoff specialist Alec Stathakis (Culver Military Academy) has been named to the 2020 U.S. Men's U19 Training Team, US Lacrosse announced on Tuesday.

Stathakis is one of three faceoff specialists that were named to the 32-man list selected by U19 and Ohio State coach Nick Myers. The roster will eventually be pared to 23, the maximum number allowed for international competition under World Lacrosse rules.

The training team will hold a camp at Ohio State in November for its final event in 2019. There will be additional training camps in 2020 leading up to the World Lacrosse Men's U19 World Championship from July 9-18 in Limerick, Ireland.

The United States is the only nation to have won the World Lacrosse Men's U19 Championship, having rallied to beat Canada 13-12 in 2016 on Ryan Conrad's game-winning goal with just eight seconds remaining. That was the eighth straight world championship for the U.S., which also won gold medals in 1988, 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2008 and 2012.

Stathakis played all four years of high school lacrosse at Culver, winning a national championship in his sophomore year (USA Today) and senior year (UA/Inside Lacrosse). The incoming freshman won 85% of his faceoffs in his senior year and played in the Under Armour All-American game.
DU-fan
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Re: Denver 2020

Post by DU-fan »

Sources: Gallant to Denver, Hutchinson to Harvard, McIntee Elevated at Hofstra, Assistant Roundup

https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... ndup/55143

Denver to Hire John Gallant
The Pioneers will hire former Rock Canyon (Colo.) head coach John Gallant as an assistant coach, multiple sources told IL's Terry Foy on Monday.

He's set to replace defensive coordinator John Orsen, who joined Navy's staff in early July after five seasons at Denver.

Gallant played 14 NLL seasons with the Colorado Mammoth, retiring in 2016 as the franchise's all-time leader in loose balls and games played. A Class of 2001 graduate of Lake Superior University (Mich.), Gallant has acted as the head youth box lacrosse coach for LXTC, which was started by Bill Tierney, Trevor Tierney and Matt Brown 10 years ago.

The Ontario native spent the last three seasons at Rock Canyon head coach, leading the Jaguars to a 14-3 record and an appearance in the semifinals. Gallant will reunite with his goalie, Jack Thompson, an incoming freshman for the Pios.
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