Today we start a series I like to call Voices of Lacrosse, were I talk to players, coaches, and other lacrosse officials once a week about what's going on in the world of lacrosse. Today we feature Wilkes-Barre Scranton Shamrocks second round pick and MLL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Boltus.
After a very successful rookie season for the Hamilton Nationals, scoring 30 points (Second on Hamilton in scoring), he was drafted by both the Minnesota Swarm and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Shamrocks. After the jump, find out why he decided to sign with the Shamrocks, what he feels about the NALL, and more!
When did you first hear of the NALL, and what hooked you in?
I first heard of the NALL when they NLL draft was approaching and there was doubt as to whether or not I was going to be drafted. I appreciate the Minnesota Swarm drafting me this year but due to my military requirements and the travel, I could not partake in the NLL this year. I then heard about the NALL and the requirements would suit my military career better so I decided to take part in the upcoming league. The main thing is that I just want to play lacrosse and the NALL gives myself and others an opportunity to increase our skill level and enjoy the sport we love.
How will playing this Summer for the Hamilton Nationals help your game?
I think playing for Hamilton this past season will help my game because I have played with and against some of the best players in the world and having the confidence that I could play with these guys and contribute really went a long way for me. Hopefully, that can carry over and I can contribute for W-B.
What attributes of your game do you think will best translate to indoor?
I think my versatility as a player can translate to success in the indoor game because I was mainly known as a feeder coming out of college but I think I also have shown the ability to score in the MLL so knowing I have the ability to find people and score for myself can hopefully be beneficial in the NALL.
How do you feel about the NALL's role in the growth of lacrosse in the States?
I feel that the NALL will be great for the growth of lacrosse, especially for the fans that will now have the opportunity to see the same players they love all year round instead of just waiting for the college game and the MLL outdoor season.
What excites you the most about playing in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season?
I think a new surrounding and getting to play with new players excites me the most about playing in W-B this season because I have some familiarity with some of the names on the team and hopefully we can develop a good chemistry on and off the field that can translate to success for the organization.
Talk a little about winning MLL rookie of the year. What did that mean to you?
Winning the MLL Rookie of the Year was truly a great honor because of the class that I was associated with. Within our rookie class, there were so many players that contributed for their teams and it was a tough battle from the start of the season all the way until the finish. I also want to say that my team, the Nationals, had a huge part in me winning this award just because of all the help they gave me throughout and the players that were associated with that organization that put me in the best scenario to succeed.
Who has been the most exciting player you've played with?
I couldn’t really narrow it down to a few players so I would have to say the most exciting people I have ever played with were the guys on the Hamilton Nationals just because of the makeup of our team. We had a solid lineup of veterans and legends that really set the tone, but also we had a large amount of rookies and 2nd year players that really grew a strong connection together and bonded like were knew each other forever. Having this contrast and also having the older guys believe in the younger and trust that we could get the job done really made our season together one to remember.
Are there any guys you're excited to play with for the Shamrocks?
I am really looking forward to playing with Josh Amidon because we knew each other from our high school days and we played against each other most of them time but I did spend some time with him on the Central Empire team in 2006 and it was a blast so I am looking forward to rejoining him on the same team. Hopefully we can get past our Army and Syracuse differences but I think it is going to be awesome playing with someone from my hometown and joining together to bring something special to the fans of W-B.
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I'd like to once again thank Jeremy Boltus for today's "Voices of Lacrosse". Remember Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Shamrocks season tickets can be purchased on the website starting as low as $112, and including lots of great benefits. "Voices of Lacrosse" will be featured here on InLax every Tuesday. Some names to look forward to are Kentucky Stickhorses first round pick Brian Caufield and Charlotte Copperheads coach Tom Ryan. As always remember to follow me on twitter @GoodsOnSabres for all you latest lacrosse news.
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