Bayhawks Built to Win; Chesapeake Use Draft, Trades to Create Contender

The Chesapeake Bayhawks lost in the semi finals of last season's MLL Championship weekend, losing the game on a last second goal from Boston Cannons midfielder Max Quinzani. The Bayhawks were the 2010 champions, but had to give up their title on 2011. The goal by Quinzani was with one second left, and a goal that goalie Chris Garrity may have been able to save.

With their season ending in disappointment, some changes were made. Brian Reese became the team's GM after leaving the Denver Outlaws, and owner Brendan Kelly stepped down as the head coach for Dave Cottle. The Bayhawks made changes like getting Kip Turner in the expansion draft to be their new goaltender, but what they really did was improve a strength; mid field.

The Bayhawks mid field already consisted of players like Michael Kimmel and Ben Hunt. The attack could also be one of the best in Major League Lacrosse. With players like Drew Westervelt, Ben Rubeor and Danny Glading. Now they also have John Grant Jr, after a trade that was made yesterday.

Westervelt was acquired from Denver while Grant was from Long Island. The Bayhawks only had to give up a draft pick and draftee Matt Gibson to get Grant, a former MLL player of the year.

The Bayhawks are a team that went under the radar last season, as far as a champion goes. The Boston Cannons, Hamilton Nationals and Denver Outlaws were more exciting teams to watch. With expansion teams like the Charlotte Hounds and Ohio Machine now in the mix, the same can happen again.

The Bayhawks should not be overlooked, with a former goalie of the year, offensive player of the year and a stacked offense that will be able to score as well as any team in the league. Keep your eye on the Bayhawks, they could be dangerous.