Premier Lacrosse League’s Redwoods LC are set to open the 2020 PLL Championship Series this Saturday with a rematch of the 2019 season finale against the Whipsnakes (4:00 pm, NBC).  We’re getting a year’s worth of lacrosse compressed into two weeks, so we won’t even pretend to be unbiased. #RollWoods.

The 2020 PLL Championship Series is a two-week, bubble model tournament taking place at Zions Bank Stadium in Utah.  Players from the 7 PLL teams have completed their testing regimen and training camp and are ready to go.

The Notre Dame Lacrosse Pro Super Team

Of the 16 Notre Dame alums on pro lacrosse rosters this summer, 10 are on the Redwoods.

  • Matt Kavanagh: The now veteran, tenacious, left handed attackman, ND’s “King of Clutch”
  • Ryder Garnsey: Hard to envision a more imaginative and enthusiastic player
  • Brendan Gleason: A versatile and hybrid offensive player getting his first pro shot
  • Sergio Perkovic: Look for him to hammer shots in transition coming from the defensive end
  • Jack Near: There is no more dependable defensive midfielder in the game
  • Nick Ossello: A downhill, physical presence at midfield, and an A+ Twitter game
  • John Sexton: A magician on defense, there is no one who quite plays like him
  • Hugh Crance: Versatile in all defensive roles, from LSM to close D
  • Garrett Epple: A dominant physical presence on defense with incredible stick skills
  • Eddy Glazener: The genius field general, look for him to be mic’d up on the broadcasts

Two-time Schmeisser Award winner Matt Landis remains on the inactive roster for his military service.  Matt is currently training to serve his country as a Navy SEAL.

This 2020 version adds former Notre Dame captains Hugh Crance and Brendan Gleason.  Brendan was a late addition to the active roster to replace Jules Heningburg, who is sadly suffering the after effects of Covid-19.  Jules took on a successful and active role in lacrosse as a leading voice responding to the George Floyd tragedy for the betterment of his sport and its community.  Hugh Crance will play LSM with Schmeisser Award winning John Sexton.  Crance fills the role held by veteran Brad Karalunas in 2019.  Karalunas was lost to the Waterdogs in the PLL expansion draft.

The Redwoods are led by coach Nat St. Laurent, a rising star and leader in the lacrosse world.  Our Irish Redwoods are joined by teammates Finn Sullivan (D), Clarke Petterson (A), Tim Troutner (G), Gunnar Waldt (G), Myles Jones (M), Kyle Harrison (M), Joe Walters (M), Brent Adams (M), Pat Harbeson (M), Tyler Dunn (M), Greg Puskuldjian (F/O), and Peyton Smith (F/O).

Schedule

  • Saturday, July 25 at 4:00 pm vs. Whipsnakes (NBC)
  • Monday, July 27 at 7:00 pm vs. Chaos (NBCSN)
  • Tuesday, July 28 at 9:30 pm vs. Chrome (NBCSN)
  • Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 pm vs. Atlas (NBC)
  • Playoffs begin August 4, with Redwoods hopefully crowned champions on August 9.

A Brewing Rivalry

Notre Dame’s relationship with the PLL is not all about the Redwoods.  Fighting Irish superstars Bryan Costabile and Scotty Rodgers play for the rival PLL Atlas.  Costabile was selected as the #2 pick in the PLL Draft this spring, and the vocal veteran Rodgers remains one of the leaders of this team.  The Atlas also include long-time Irish nemesis Trevor Baptiste and PLL league founder Paul Rabil.   On August 4, all 12 Domers will be on the field to settle the question of who is Notre Dame’s team.

Irish in Major League Lacrosse

Four Irish alums are active playing in the Major League Lacrosse 2020 Championship this week in Annapolis.  Midfielder Brendan Collins and Goalie Shane Doss are on the field for the Connecticut Hammerheads.  Defensive midfielder Carlson Milikin continues to devastate for the Philadelphia Barrage.

 

Newly minted Mendoza School alumni Pat Aslanian joins his brother on the Denver Outlaws and is administering crushing hits as well.

 

The next two weeks are shaping up to be a great time to be a Notre Dame lacrosse fan.

#GoIrish

#RollWoods