2010 National Lacrosse League Preview

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is starting its 2010 season with 11 teams across the United States and Canada. The NLL is broken into two divisions, Eastern and Western.

Eastern Division:

*Boston Blazers - the Blazers begin their sophomore season in the NLL under head coach Tom Ryan, after reaching the Eastern Division semifinals in their inaugural year. The Blazers play in TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, also home to the Boston Bruins of the NHL and the NBA's Boston Celtics. Notable players for the Blazers include Anthony Cosmo, three-time NLL All-Star and 2007 NLL Goaltender of the Year.

*Buffalo Bandits - the Bandits are starting their 19th year of play under head coach and former Bandit Darris Kilgour, after reaching the Eastern Division finals in 2009. The Bandits play in HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY, which they share with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. Notable Bandits include John Tavares, all-time NLL leader in goals, assists, and points, and uncle to NY Islanders' rookie forward John Tavares.

*Orlando Titans - the Titans will play their first season in Orlando under head coach Ed Comeau, after moving from New York (2007-2009). The Titans will play at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida, also home to the Orlando Magic of the NBA and the Orlando Predators of Arena Football. Notable members of the Titans include Syracuse University alumni Casey Powell and Dan Hardy.

*Philadelphia Wings - the Wings begin their 24th season of play under head coach Dave Huntley. They play at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also home to the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA and the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. Notable Wings representatives include Dan Teat, a 14-year veteran acquired from Edmonton in the off-season.

*Rochester Knighthawks - the K-hawks start their 16th season of play under head coach and lacrosse legend Paul Gait. The team plays at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY, along with the Rochester Americans of the AHL and the Rochester Razorsharks of the Premier Basketball League. Notable Wings players include the other half of the legendary Gait brothers, Gary, and veteran goalie Pat O'Toole.

*Toronto Rock - the Rock start their 11th season under head coach Troy Cordingly. The Rock call the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada home, which they share with the NHL's Maple Leafs and NBA's Raptors. Notable players on the Rock include veteran goaltender Steve Dietrich.

Western Division:

*Calgary Roughnecks - the defending NLL champions begin their 8th season under head coach Dave Pym. The Roughnecks play at the former Olympic Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, now known as Pengrowth Saddledome, which is also home to the NHL's Calgary Flames and the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen.

*Colorado Mammoth - the Mammoth begin their 8th season, with head coach Bob McMahon at the helm. The Mammoth play at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, also home to the Denver Nuggets of the NBA and the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL. Notable players for the Mammoth include defenseman David Morgan, who is the tallest player in the NLL at 6'10".

*Edmonton Rush - the Rush start their 5th NLL season under head coach Derek Keenan. The Rush play their home games at Rexall Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, also home to the NHL's Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. Notable players include Brodie Merrill, 2006 NLL Rookie of the Year.

*Minnesota Swarm - the Swarm start their 6th season under head coach Duane Jacobs. The Swarm play their home games at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild as well. Notable Swarm representatives include forward Zack Greer, who is NCAA Division I's all-time leading point and goal scorer.

*Washington Stealth - the Stealth will play their first season in Washington under head coach Chris Hall after moving from San Jose in the off-season. The Stealth will play their home games at the Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington, which is also home to the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.

The NLL schedule consists of 16 games for each team (eight home and eight away); at least 12 of the games are against division opponents. The top four teams in each division make the playoffs, which consists of three single-game elimination rounds. Division winners face off for the Champion's Cup. For more information on the National Lacrosse League, visit the league's website at www.nll.com.