Men's Lacrosse Alumns to Start NLL Play
Dec 01 | Men's Lacrosse
Adam Charalambides (Warriors), Connor Kirst (Swarm) and Joe Nardella (Firewolves) on Rosters
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Three prominent alumni from the Rutgers' men's lacrosse program are on opening day rosters as the National Lacrosse League (NLL) is set to begin competition this weekend. Joe Nardella is set to return to competition in the indoor league, while Adam Charalambides and Connor Kirst look to debut in their rookie season.
Nardella played last season for the New England Black Wolves, who have relocated for this season as the Albany Firewolves. Nardella finished fourth in the league last season with a 57.8% winning percentage of faceoffs, along with two goals, four assists and 86 loose balls the last time the NLL was in action. The Firewolves schedule begins this Saturday with a matchup against the Toronto Rock.
Charalambides was a First Round Draft Pick (fourth overall) by the Vancouver Warriors following a stellar seven-year career at Rutgers. He finished as an All-American and First Team All-Big Ten selection while leading RU to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals last season. Ranking second all-time in program history in goals (149) and fifth in points (201) he had joined the Cannons in the PLL. The Canadian brings a background in box lacrosse from his time playing with the Orangeville Northmen in the Junior A League, and was listed as a candidate for Rookie of the Year by Inside Lacrosse's Stephen Stamp. The Warriors open their season this Friday night as they travel to San Diego.
Two current Scarlet Knights were also draft picks in the previous NLL Draft ahead of playing for RU this upcoming college season. Ronan Jacoby (Panther City) and Brad Apgar (Georgia Swarm) were selected by NLL franchises in the draft this past summer.
The league also announced its television schedule this week. Kirst and the Swarm lead the way with four appearances (January 8 and February 12 on ESPNews, January 21 and April 23 on ESPNU. Nardella and the Firewolves will play on ESPNews on January 15 and February 18).
Nardella played last season for the New England Black Wolves, who have relocated for this season as the Albany Firewolves. Nardella finished fourth in the league last season with a 57.8% winning percentage of faceoffs, along with two goals, four assists and 86 loose balls the last time the NLL was in action. The Firewolves schedule begins this Saturday with a matchup against the Toronto Rock.
Charalambides was a First Round Draft Pick (fourth overall) by the Vancouver Warriors following a stellar seven-year career at Rutgers. He finished as an All-American and First Team All-Big Ten selection while leading RU to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals last season. Ranking second all-time in program history in goals (149) and fifth in points (201) he had joined the Cannons in the PLL. The Canadian brings a background in box lacrosse from his time playing with the Orangeville Northmen in the Junior A League, and was listed as a candidate for Rookie of the Year by Inside Lacrosse's Stephen Stamp. The Warriors open their season this Friday night as they travel to San Diego.
Kirst was picked up on a two-year deal by the Georgia Swarm. Kirst, who made the PLL Playoffs with the Whipsnakes, was a Third Team All-American and First Team All-Big Ten selection during his one season 'On the Banks' last year. The Bernardsville, N.J. native posted 37 goals and 16 assists in his time as a Scarlet Knight. He will look to make his NLL debut Saturday night as the Swarm host the Colorado Mammoth."He's fully bought in to Vancouver, having moved their to work in ticket sales when he's not playing or practicing. Charalambides is talented, driven and judging from his play at Rutgers he's fully regained his athleticism after a pair of devastating knee injuries. He'll look and score like a veteran from day one." - Inside Lacrosse's Stephen Stamp on Adam Charalambides
Two current Scarlet Knights were also draft picks in the previous NLL Draft ahead of playing for RU this upcoming college season. Ronan Jacoby (Panther City) and Brad Apgar (Georgia Swarm) were selected by NLL franchises in the draft this past summer.
The league also announced its television schedule this week. Kirst and the Swarm lead the way with four appearances (January 8 and February 12 on ESPNews, January 21 and April 23 on ESPNU. Nardella and the Firewolves will play on ESPNews on January 15 and February 18).
Players Mentioned
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