PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Neilson
2016-06-29
Mavericks star Andrew Neilson has been unstoppable this season, averaging almost six points per game, and dominating even the toughest competition. He answered a couple questions for us and is featured in our ECJLL Player Spotlight.
Andrew Neilson has burst onto the ECJLL scene in 2016 with a commanding lead in the ECJLL Scoring Race with 65 pts (33G 32A) in 11 games played, good for 5.91 points per game. Last year, Andrew played on the Team Canada U17 squad that participated in the World Demonstration Game played at the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Syracuse, NY.
Now with the NB Mavericks, his focus is on the Garnet Knight Cup. After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Mavericks have put up a good fight against the Hurricanes, Lions, and Bandits, and have a good shot at a playoff birth finishing in 4th place in the ECJLL Standings. Andrew was willing to answer a few questions for us…
Q: How long have you been playing lacrosse, and what was your minor lacrosse experience like?
A: I’ve been playing lacrosse for 12 years now. My minor lacrosse experience was great, I couldn’t wait to get to the rink to play. I was always waiting for lacrosse season to start.
I started playing provincial lacrosse in my 2nd year peewee and wasn’t really the top guy until 2nd year bantam. The highest I’ve ever finished at nationals was Silver in the B Division!
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved playing lacrosse. I like the skill and the fast pace, there’s nothing really like it.
Q: What surprised you most about playing in the ECJLL?
A: I was a little surprised about how big the players are and the size of the defenders my teammates and I have to play against.
Q: Any pregame rituals or superstitions?
A: I’m not a very superstitious person, I just come ready to play!
Q: Your teammates – who is one guy that quietly leads the team that might not show up on the score sheet?
A: On my team our real leader is Nic Thompson. He’s a great guy in the room and I’ve never seen someone who can defend like he can.
Q: The Mavericks season is almost done and you’ve already exceeded onlooker’s expectations, what are yours and your teammates expectations for the rest of 2016?
A: Myself and the rest of the team believe we can clinch a playoff spot, and with Jake McGraw back in the line up I think we have a shot at the league title.
Q: Finally, any advice for future ECJLL players?
A: Don’t be afraid to play hard!
Here’s hoping we see Andrew’s talents a bit longer once the ECJLL Playoffs begin. The Sackville Wolves must win crucial games against the Mi’kmaq Warriors and Halifax Southwest Hurricanes to get in, otherwise the Mavericks will be a Top 4 team in 2016, looking to capture the Garnet Knight Cup title.
Now with the NB Mavericks, his focus is on the Garnet Knight Cup. After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Mavericks have put up a good fight against the Hurricanes, Lions, and Bandits, and have a good shot at a playoff birth finishing in 4th place in the ECJLL Standings. Andrew was willing to answer a few questions for us…
Q: How long have you been playing lacrosse, and what was your minor lacrosse experience like?
A: I’ve been playing lacrosse for 12 years now. My minor lacrosse experience was great, I couldn’t wait to get to the rink to play. I was always waiting for lacrosse season to start.
I started playing provincial lacrosse in my 2nd year peewee and wasn’t really the top guy until 2nd year bantam. The highest I’ve ever finished at nationals was Silver in the B Division!
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved playing lacrosse. I like the skill and the fast pace, there’s nothing really like it.
Q: What surprised you most about playing in the ECJLL?
A: I was a little surprised about how big the players are and the size of the defenders my teammates and I have to play against.
Q: Any pregame rituals or superstitions?
A: I’m not a very superstitious person, I just come ready to play!
Q: Your teammates – who is one guy that quietly leads the team that might not show up on the score sheet?
A: On my team our real leader is Nic Thompson. He’s a great guy in the room and I’ve never seen someone who can defend like he can.
Q: The Mavericks season is almost done and you’ve already exceeded onlooker’s expectations, what are yours and your teammates expectations for the rest of 2016?
A: Myself and the rest of the team believe we can clinch a playoff spot, and with Jake McGraw back in the line up I think we have a shot at the league title.
Q: Finally, any advice for future ECJLL players?
A: Don’t be afraid to play hard!
Here’s hoping we see Andrew’s talents a bit longer once the ECJLL Playoffs begin. The Sackville Wolves must win crucial games against the Mi’kmaq Warriors and Halifax Southwest Hurricanes to get in, otherwise the Mavericks will be a Top 4 team in 2016, looking to capture the Garnet Knight Cup title.