August 3, 2010
McClay, Quinzani earn MLL honors
by PR Wire Report/
Boston Cannons defenseman Ryan McClay has been named the Major League Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week and Boston Cannons attack Max Quinzani was honored as the Rookie of the Week.
McClay was named the Defensive Player of the Week for his unyielding effort in a 16-5 victory over the Denver Outlaws. The win secured the Cannons as the Major League Lacrosse regular season champions and will give them the first seed at Championship Weekend presented by Warrior. McClay helped the Cannons defense hold one of the league’s top offenses to just five goals, the lowest goal total for any team in a single game during the 2010 regular season.
He credits good play by goalie Kip Turner (17 saves) for much of the defense’s success.
“Kip playing well allowed us to play a little bit more aggressively,” McClay said. “We were getting all over their hands and flying around the field. When the ball was on the ground, there were two or three Cannons guys trying to come up with it. That’s the key to success in the defensive end.”
McClay scooped up a game-high nine ground balls. He also tallied his first goal of the season, three minutes into the third quarter. It was just his fifth goal of his seven-year career.
“That felt good,” says McClay about scoring the goal. “I usually look to pass the ball to guys who know how to shoot, when I do take the ball over the midline. I looked at every possible person to pass the ball to on that play. No one ended up sliding to me, so I just figured I’d shoot it.”
McClay’s personal life has been through a bit of a roller-coaster ride as of late. His effort comes just one week after he helped Team USA win the gold medal at the Federation of International Lacrosse World Championship, in Manchester England. While in England, McClay celebrated the birth of his first child, who was born back at home during the games.
“It’s been pretty hectic. It’s been a pretty crazy two weeks.” McClay said. “A lot of travel, not getting as much sleep as I usually do, with the baby being home. It’s been crazy and it will be something I will never forget.”
Quinzani was named the Rookie of the Week after the Cannons victory. He tallied three goals and an assist in the victory.
“Max is a very smart player,” said Cannons head coach Bill Daye. “Max had three great goals, he had a couple of assists and that’s the kind of play we need from him.”
The former Duke star was the third pick in the 2010 Major League Lacrosse draft by the Cannons. Just six games into his professional career, he has scored 10 goals with five assists. He leads all rookies in goals scored this season.
“That’s why we drafted him,” said Daye. “He is a great off ball player and he finishes it. That’s what he did at Duke and that’s what we expect of him here.”
