December 24, 2009
Training camp update No. 3: Two wins at Six Nations
by George Martins/
The results from last weekend's scrimmages at the Six Nations Native American reserve near Brantford, Ontario, appeared to indicate the Blazers are in good shape.
Without National Lacrosse League MVP Dan Dawson, who spent his weekend working at his other job with the Brampton (Ontario) fire department, the Blazers managed to post 9-7 victories over Toronto and Rochester.
Coach Tom Ryan told The Blazers Report's Chuck Jaffe that he was pleased with the character the team displayed in the fourth quarters.
"Last year we really relied on [Dawson] heavily,'' said Ryan. "It was good to have the experience of having to play without him.''
What has displeased the coach is the level of fitness of some unnamed players.
"We have a few guys whose conditioning is not where it should be,'' Ryan said. "You can't go from being in poor shape to game shape in two weeks. Especially around the holidays, it's not easy to do.''
Finalizing the roster hasn't been an easy thing to do, either. This week, the Blazers acquired left defender Dave Cutten from Toronto for a sixth-round selection in the 2010 entry draft, and they might not be finished dealing.
Ryan said he has been impressed with the play of forward Nick Cotter and defenseman Ryan Hotaling.
Faceoff man John Ortolani (Billerica, Mass.) had a successful weekend and made the final roster, as did Matt Abbott, a 2009 draft pick. Mike Stone (Wellesley, Mass.), the team's sixth-round selection this year, will be a member of the practice squad, as will Matt Smalley (Cumberland, R.I.).
Brett Queener landed on his hand in practice Friday, according to team sources, and missed the two exhibition games.
To hear the interview with Ryan, listen to "The Blazers Report with Chuck Jaffe."
