TORONTO ROCK ACQUIRE EIGHT IN 2010 NLL ENTRY DRAFT
Toronto – The Toronto Rock acquired three offensive players, four defenders and one goalie in this evening's 2010 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.
Consisting of six-rounds, the 2010 NLL Entry Draft included more than 60 players featuring the best young talent from NCAA lacrosse programs at US colleges and universities as well as Canada's junior lacrosse system.
With the Rock's first selection in the second round and 14th overall, Toronto selected defender and Orangeville, Ontario native Glen Bryan.
The captain for the Jr. A Orangeville Northmen was a Toronto Rock fan growing up and is "looking forward to playing for them and being close to home."
Bryan was selected as the OLA Defensive Player of the Year for this past 2010 season with the Northmen and tallied 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists). He also recorded an impressive 36 points (7 goals, 29 assists) in the 2009 season with the Northmen.
Toronto Rock GM, Terry Sanderson, says Bryan is a smart player who will fit in very well with the defensive system.
"Glen's junior career speaks for itself," Sanderson said. "He has the speed and the leadership qualities we're after."
While Bryan isn't sure what to expect from the Rock upcoming training camp with Sanderson and head coach Troy Cordingley, he is definitely prepared for anything.
"I do want to be the most in shape guy out there and definitely make an impression" he said.
With their second pick of the evening also in the second round, Toronto selected Hobart College graduate, Sean Robinson (16th overall) whom Sanderson describes as "a strong offensive lefty who will be looked on to open up space on the left side."
The 6'5" offender heads to Peterborough with the New Westminster Salmonbellies, alongside newly acquired Toronto Rock defender Kyle Ross, in pursuit of the 2010 Mann Cup which kicks off September 10th.
As the evening rolled on, the Toronto Rock also selected Rob Hellyer with their third round pick (30th overall), Kyle O'Brien (4th round, 34th overall) & Six Nations Arrows Jr. A assistant captain, Michael McNamara (4th round, 40th overall).
At 18 years old, Hellyer is one of the youngest players selected at the draft tonight and was named the OLA Jr. B Rookie of the Year with the Owen Sound NorthStars in 2008. Rock coaching staff describes Hellyer as a player with a tremendous upside and a pick they are excited to see develop.
Kyle O'Brien, the 6'2 forward from Dowling College was ranked 5th in the East Coast Conference in assists with 31 this past season. Described as having a good work ethic, Sanderson is looking forward to seeing O'Brien compete in training camp this coming November.
"He's the type of player who is willing to do all of the little things to get the job done."
The Toronto Rock also drafted Ryan Dilks (fifth round, 50th overall), Sean Gillies (sixth round, 56th overall) and goaltender Zach Boychuk with their final pick in the sixth round, 59th overall.
For all of the 2010 NLL Entry Draft results, please visit www.nll.com.