NLL EXPANSION DESERT DOGS SELECT THEIR TEAM
LAS VEGAS – The first class of Las Vegas Desert Dogs players have officially been selected by head coach and general manager Shawn Williams Thursday in the National Lacrosse League’s 2022 Expansion Draft.
Williams had the opportunity to select one player from each of the league’s other 14 team’s unprotected rosters, taking the first step in forming the franchise’s first-ever team ahead of its inaugural 2022-23 season.
“I’ve been waiting for this day since I came aboard and could not be more excited to welcome our inaugural class to Las Vegas and the Desert Dogs family,” said Williams. “These men will help lay the foundation for our team for years to come. I can’t wait to get this group together and begin our journey in Vegas next season.”
Williams orchestrated several trades with teams throughout the league, stockpiling young talent and seven future NLL Entry Draft picks. Williams brought in his biggest haul in a multi-player deal with the Rochester Knighthawks, acquiring four future draft picks and Charlie Bertrand in a package deal for Connor Fields, Riley Hutchcraft and a 2022 first round pick. In all, Williams added 15 players to the Desert Dogs roster by the end of the draft.
The Desert Dogs selected one player from each of the 14 teams in the league. For their 12th selection, Las Vegas selected defender Jeff Cornwall. Jeff was drafted 15th overall in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Bandits. The 6-foot-three Coquitlam, BC product joined the Rush in the 2012 season and has played 140 games in black and green, notching 37 goals and tacking on 557 loose balls and 139 caused turnovers.
The Desert Dogs will continue to build its roster prior to its inaugural game this fall by signing free agents starting on August 1st, the 2022 NLL Entry Draft, and future player trades with other teams.
To purchase season tickets or for more information on the team, visit lasvegasdesertdogs.com or call 702-818-DOGS.
Full 2022 Expansion Draft Roster
- Jackson Nishimura – Defense (Albany Firewolves)
- Landon Kells – Goalie (Calgary Roughnecks)
- Marshal King – Forward (Calgary Roughnecks)
- Sam Firth – Forward (Colorado Mammoth)
- Erik Turner – Transition (Colorado Mammoth)
- Connor Kirst – Forward (Georgia Swarm)
- James Barclay – Defense (Halifax Thunderbirds)
- Ty Thompson – Forward (New York Riptide)
- Jack Hannah – Forward (Panther City LC)
- Jackson Suboch – Defense (Philadelphia Wings)
- Charlie Bertrand – Forward (Rochester Knighthawks)
- John Wagner – Defense (Rochester Knighthawks)
- Mark Glicini – Defense (San Diego Seals)
- Brandon Clelland – Transition (San Diego Seals)
- Tyson Roe – Defense (Vancouver Warriors)
(NLL Communications)
