“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk – Senior Correspondent, All Lacrosse All The Time/Streampunk Sports
2023-2024 Record: 5-13, tied for last place, missed playoffs
New Faces: F Jonathan Donville, F Kyle Killen, F Dan Taylor, T Dylan Kinnear, T Shane Simpson, D David Brock, G Justin Geddie, G Nate Faccin
Key Losses: F Rob Hellyer, F Zack Greer, F Charlie Bertrand, F Thomas Vaesen, D Griffin Hall, D Blake Gibson-McDonald, G Joel Watson
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs enter the 2024-2025 season with a new home arena and a number of new faces, as Head Coach and General Manager Shawn Williams continues to search for the right mix of youth and experience to turn narrow defeats into thrilling victories.
Offense
The offense was a particularly sore spot for the Desert Dogs last year, as they failed to score more than 12 goals in any of their 18 regular season games. Charlie Bertrand has since retired from the box game to focus solely on field lacrosse. Captain Rob Hellyer signed with San Diego in the offseason, while Zack Greer and Thomas Vaesen were not re-signed. The Desert Dogs picked up Jonathan Donville in the Panther City Dispersal Draft, signed Kyle Killen in free agency, and signed lefty Dan Taylor after he was released by Calgary in training camp. The three players have combined for over 500 points in the NLL, so that bodes well for improving the offensive output.
https://twitter.com/vegasdesertdogs/status/1847343749417869575
Defense
Williams focused on the transition game this offseason after trading John Wagner to Albany, signing Dylan Kinnear in free agency and trading Griffin Hall for Shane Simpson. Goaltenders Justin Geddie and Nate Faccin were acquired to give competition to starter Landon Kells. Las Vegas also selected Dylan Hutchison and Brandon Goodwin in the Panther City Dispersal Draft, and signed David Brock, who was thought to be retiring, to shore up the back end. However, Brock may be facing suspension to start the year following his actions in Halifax’s first round playoff loss last season. Key returnees to the Desert Dogs’ defense include James Barclay, who was among the league leaders in blocked shots last season, Jacob Ruest, Jonathan Gagliardi, and Connor Kirst, who has been named the new team captain. It is hoped that the numerous changes to both the personnel and atmosphere translate into changes in the win-loss record as well, perhaps culminating in the team’s first ever postseason appearance.
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