The picks are in.
The 2021 NLL Entry Draft saw dreams come true, trades, and seven selections by the Roughnecks Saturday night.
“I think it went well for us,” said Roughnecks GM Mike Board. “We were able to add depth and athleticism to our lineup and are looking forward to a very competitive training camp in November. Overall I would say we’re very happy with our draft.”
To kick off the Riggers’ selections for the evening, Kyle Waters (Brooklin LC / Detriot Mercy) was selected 6th-overall.
“He’s a big, strong physical right-handed offensive player who is really good off-ball, helps get guys open and is super strong,” said GM Mike Board. “He goes to the middle hard, he’s very coachable and I think he’s one of those guys who would go through a wall for you.”
The Roughnecks then acquired the 10th-overall pick in the 2021 draft from the Philadelphia Wings in exchange for the 2021 15th-overall pick, and a 2nd-round pick in 2022.
With that, the Roughnecks selected face-off whiz Justin Inacio (Brooklin LC / Ohio State)
“Justin is a really good draw man and good defender,” Board explained. “He’s at Ohio State and will be returning for his fifth year, so we won’t see him for a year. But having a guy like that in your stable who can win draws and play solid D is important for the future. He’s a real keen kid who loves the box game so we’re looking forward to the time he can join us in training camp.”
The Roughnecks followed up with another trade – acquiring the 20th-overall pick from the Colorado Mammoth in the draft in exchange for Tyson Kirkness and the 22nd-overall pick.
With the earlier selection, the Roughnecks picked up Dylan McIntosh (Maple Ridge Burrards / Hofstra)
“He’s a really talented, big right-handed offensive player,” said Board. “He’s returning to Hofstra where he’s their captain for another year. Not a guy we’ll see in a uniform this year, but he’s got a real good skill set, he’s good shooter and moves the ball well.”
For their third-rounder, the Riggers selected Carter McKenzie (Queen’s)
“Carter Mckenzie is a big right-handed defender,” said Board. “His size is impressive and he’s got nice feet. Kind of a stay at home defender, not necessarily a transition guy but really doesn’t make mistakes out there.”
In the fourth round, the Roughnecks picked up goaltender Adam Bland (Victoria Shamrocks Jr. A)
“Adam is one of the top goalies in his age group,” said Board. “We’ve obviously got a few goalies in our stable but when you get a chance to have a look at a goalie that is one of the best in his age group you don’t want to pass up on that opportunity.”
The fifth round saw the Riggers select forward Daire Newbrough (Guelph Jr. A / St. Bonaventure) 68th-overall.
“He hasn’t played box for a couple years he’s been at university in the US. He’s an athletic player who can move the ball. He’s got some toughness.”
Lastly, in the sixth and final round of the draft, the Riggers picked up forward Tyler Yanko (New Westminster Jr. A / Hobart) 82nd-overall
“Tyler Yanko is another righty O player,” said Board. “He’s pretty shifty and pretty skilled, we look forward to seeing him.”
