December 17, 2009
Training camp update No. 2: cuts and questions
by George Martins/
The Blazers recently completed their second weekend of full-squad training, and one result of the sessions is that the squad is no longer as full as it was.
Among those cut were Scott Kahoe and Matt Messina, who were drafted this year. Coach Tom Ryan, who hopes to finalize the roster after this weekend's scrimmages against Toronto and Rochester, told the Blazers Report's Chuck Jaffe that both displayed athleticism and promise but weren't advanced enough to be considered for playing time.
General manager Doug Reffue told the NELJ during the team's media day at TD Garden last Friday that he hadn't given up hope of signing top draft pick Max Seibald, winner of the 2009 Tewaaraton Trophy. But Ryan didn't sound as optimistic. He didn't appear concerned, either.
"Max has let it be known to us that he's not interested in playing for us,'' Ryan told the Blazers Report. "We're fine without him."
The Blazers might not be fine in the faceoff position. Acknowledging the team's lack of depth at the spot, Ryan praised John Ortolani, who despite his lack of box experience has been eager to learn and has progressed. Nonetheless, Ryan said "we are currently looking around to see if there is someone who could come in and be our draw guy in Game No. 1."
A player who could provide a talent boost to the roster is Kevin Leveille, a former Cannon and a top player in Major League Lacrosse. Leveille, whose rights were acquired in last year's dispersal draft, recently moved from Chicago to Syracuse.
"As of right now he's a little too busy to commit 100 percent to us," said Ryan. "But we will retain his rights indefinitely."
To hear Ryan's interview, listen to "The Blazers Report with Chuck Jaffe."
