With the 2014 Supplemental Draft in the books, the Lizards have added 12 new players to their 2014 roster. The draft began with two trades for the Lizards, acquiring Kyle Hartzell and Justin Turri, from Ohio and Denver, respectively.
The New York Lizards celebrating. Photo by: Stacy Podelski / 1495 Sports
In addition to the trade for Hartzell, the Lizards traded the 2012 Cascade Rookie of the Year, Matt Gibson, to the Denver Outlaws in exchange for midfielder Turri.
Turri, a 2012 Duke University graduate and West Islip native, was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Hounds in the 2012 Collegiate Draft. While at Duke, Turri played in 73 career games, starting 67 of them. He tallied 70 career goals and added 52 assists.
In his first season with the Outlaws, Turri scored nine points on four goals and five assists. During his sophomore season, Turri added nine goals, a pair of 2-point goals, and four assists for a career total 13 goals, nine assists and two 2-point goals, with 15 ground balls.
“Justin has proven to be a great two way middie in this League and we are really excited to add such a quality midfielder” said head coach Joe Spallina. “He has local ties having played on Long Island in high school and is a proven winner on every level.”
With the draft officially underway, the Lizards selected Brendan Buckley in the first round with the fourth overall pick. Buckley played the 2013 season with the Boston Cannons, appearing in three games, picking up three ground balls. Josh Offit, a midfielder, was selected by the Lizards with the 18th overall pick. Tom Guadagnolo, a Syracuse graduate, played in a handful of games each of the past three seasons with the Denver Outlaws, came to the Lizards with the 26th overall pick of the draft.
Jerry Ragonese rejoined the Lizards with the 50th overall pick, and with the 58th pick of the draft. Defenseman Brett Moyer joined the Lizards. Heading into the 9th round, the Lizards picked back up Vito DeMola, who appeared in two games with the Lizards in 2013, scoring two goals. In the 10th round, the Lizards selected Steven Dirks, followed by Chris Passavia with the 82nd overall pick in the 11th round, Passavia rejoins the Lizards after sitting out the 2013 season.
The Lizards will kick-off the 2014 season on April 27th against the Rochester Rattlers. For more information regarding the 2014 season, be sure to check back to NYLizards.com.