The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) held its 2021 college entry draft last night on NBCSN. Four Notre Dame players were selected, the most by any team in the ACC. and brought the number of players from the university drafted by professional lacrosse teams to 45.
With the purchase of Major League Lacrosse by the PLL earlier this year, the eight-team league sits alone as the professional league for men’s field lacrosse. The PLL operates a tour-based model, with the league to make visits to eight cities over the summer during its regular season, followed by a playoff culminating with its championship game on September 19 at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are already well represented in the PLL, and we are excited to introduce the next four chosen to play in the league.
Jack Kielty, Defense:
9th pick to Cannons
With the 9th Pick, we have selected Jack Kielty from @NDlacrosse.
Let’s do this, Jack!!! 💥💣 pic.twitter.com/agsZuGS4ws
— Cannons Lacrosse Club (@PLLCannons) April 27, 2021
Graduate student and captain Jack Kielty was selected to join the Cannons LC for their inaugural PLL season. Jack was the second defenseman selected. He will join league stars Paul Rabil and Lyle Thompson, as well his Irish teammate Brendan Gleason. We can’t wait to see him anchor this new defense!
Kyle Gallagher, Faceoff: 14th pick to Chaos
Grabbing our man, Kyle Gallagher, at the #14 pick 🔥🦂 pic.twitter.com/8NMNWxi6EQ
— Chaos Lacrosse Club (@PLLChaos) April 27, 2021
We knew graduate student Kyle Gallagher was going to be a sought-after specialist in the draft, and he was the second faceoff midfielder selected. He will join coach Andy Towers’ Chaos and will battle Tommy Kelly for the top role at the dot.
Kyle Thorton, Defense: 22nd pick to Chaos
Let’s get to work @kyle_thornton19 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/22f8QvPXmw
— Chaos Lacrosse Club (@PLLChaos) April 27, 2021
Graduate student Kyle Thorton is having a great year as a versatile close defender with great off-ball and communication skills. He will join his fellow Penn transfer Kyle Gallagher on the Chaos, where he will play on the back line with Jarrod Neumann and Jack Rowlett.
Charlie Leonard, Faceoff: 32nd pick to Redwoods
Let’s keep that Irish Connection, shall we @NDlacrosse!?
We got Charlie Leonard!!! Roll Woods! 🌲🍀 pic.twitter.com/CTvwv4wOqP
— Redwoods Lacrosse Club (@PLLRedwoods) April 27, 2021
Graduate student Charlie Leonard was selected by the Redwoods, and joins a roster packed with all-time Notre Dame greats, including his coach, Ryder Garnsey. It was great to hear Redwoods coach Nat St. Laurent emphasize his Notre Dame pipeline in selecting Charlie. Charlie’s story in reinventing himself as a top faceoff man is a great lesson in perseverance. We are very please he is getting a chance on the ‘Woods, and will be part of a unit that includes T.D. Irelan.
Our Fighting Irish will be well represented in this year’s Premier Lacrosse League, both with our many veteran players and this group of four in their rookie year.
#GoIrish