Former Gull Ortolani makes Boston Cannons' preseason roster
March 5, 2009
BEVERLY, Mass. - Former Endicott College men's lacrosse standout John Ortolani (Billerica, Mass.) has been named to the Boston Cannons' preseason roster, this according an official release by Major League Lacrosse on Thursday morning. Ortolani, who was one of Division III's most dominant face-off men last season, is the first Endicott lacrosse alumnus to make a professional preseason roster.
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Commissioner David Gross met with team representatives in Boston to announce the preseason rosters and handle some of the league's reallocation process.
"There is going to be greater competition for roster sports this year than we have ever experienced before, and obviously, some very gifted athletes may not make the cut this season," said Gross. "However, each and every team will be loaded with talent this summer and this could become the most competitive season on the field in MLL history."
Teams are allowed to open training camp for the 2009 Major League Lacrosse Season on Saturday, April 25th with a maximum of 40 players on their PSAR. Previously, teams were allowed a limit of 35 players in camp but due to the reduction in teams for 2009, the decision was made to increase that number heading to ensure that as many players as possible have the opportunity to earn a roster spot.
The MLL League Player Pool will reopen for a two-week period beginning Monday, February 23rd at 9:00 AM. Further information regarding the registration process will be posted on www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.
Teams must pare their rosters down to 23 by the conclusion of camp. New for 2009, teams will be allowed to dress a total of 19 players as decided at the League Meetings which were held last October. In previous seasons, teams were allowed to dress 18 players on game day. Again, the move to add an additional game-day roster spot was made in part to involve more of the League's elite players, as well as to improve the overall quality of play in the League.