July 24, 2008

from staff reports

The National Lacrosse League held its Expansion Draft on Thursday for the Boston Blazers, an expansion team that will begin play in the upcoming 2009 season. With the first selection, Blazers General Manager & Head Coach Tom Ryan selected Mike Poulin, a goaltender from the Toronto Rock. The 22-year-old Poulin has served as Bob Watson's backup in Toronto for the last two seasons.

Mitch Belisle, who impressed in his rookie season with the New York Titans, was taken with the second overall selection. The 22-year-old defender, who played his college lacrosse at Cornell University, appeared in 12 games last season.

The Blazers selected one player from each of the other twelve team's unprotected lists, which were released earlier this month. The 12 players join All-Star forward Dan Dawson and veteran forward Peter Veltman, who were acquired by Boston in June.

2008 Expansion Draft, Boston Blazers Selections:

1. Mike Poulin - G Toronto
2. Mitch Belisle - D New York
3. Matt Lyons - F Rochester
4. Kyle Laverty - D Buffalo
5. John Gallant - D Colorado
6. Jake Bergey - F Philadelphia
7. Devan Wray - D Calgary
8. Kyle Ross - D Minnesota
9. Tom Johnson - F San Jose
10. Matt Holman - F Chicago
11. Michael Kilby - D Portland
12. Cam Bergman - T Edmonton

Boston currently holds the first selection in the 2008 NLL Entry Draft, which takes place on Sunday, September 7th. The Blazers will host the event at TD Banknorth Garden, the club's home arena.