Meet the Rockhoppers: Vincent Talbot

Welcome to the third addition of Meet the Rockhoppers! We have already looked at two Rockhoppers, Tim Fallon and Mike Stone. Today we feature the Rockhoppers goaltender, Vincent Talbot. Talbot plays for the Vermont Voyageurs of the Quebec Senior B League, a league consisting of seven teams. Last season he started 10 games with a 4-6 record. He had a 9.51 GGA and a .76 save percentage. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native looks to make a lasting impression on the NALL and with the Boston Rockhoppers. Earlier this week I talked to Vincent about the upcoming season and his lacrosse career so far.

When did you hear about the NALL and what got you interested in playing for the Rockhoppers?

I first heard of the NALL right after the end of our last season with the Vermont Voyageurs in late August. I was interested in both the NALL and CLax at first. I think that being Canadian, heading towards Clax would have been the logical path but having played in the U.S for the past couple of years, I felt like I wanted to continue to be part of the growth of box lacrosse in the United States. I love the city of Boston and I've always cherish the dream of playing for the Blazers. I think that the Rockhoppers have the opportunity of filling the gap left by the Blazers in the lacrosse community and playing for them is a privilege.

You've been playing for Vermont for a few seasons now, how do you feel playing for the Rockhoppers will be different?

Playing in Vermont is great! For the past couple of years I've had the chance to face off against NLL superstars like Josh Sanderson, Callum Crawford and Broodie Merril to name a few. I think for a goalie the challenge of playing in the NALL will come from the bigger nets and the fact that there are a lot of really fast and talented players in the new league. Guys like Maciaszek, Dube and McCarthy in Kentucky to name a few are really talented and know how to score goals no matter who's in the net!

What are you most excited about playing in the NALL?

The potential is huge! I think that if people work together this league could be a big success. Every sport needs more than one professional league. Hockey has the NHL, AHL, KHL, East Coast League, etc. Even if it's on a much smaller scale, Lacrosse could benefit greatly from having the NLL, NALL and Clax in the winter and all the leagues that play in the summer.

Take the jump to hear more from the Rockhoppers' goalie!

My first ''Goalie of the year'' award back when I was playing minor lacrosse in Sherbrooke will always have a special place in my hearth. Although, the award I'm most proud of is being voted MVP by my teammates during my first year in Vermont.

Is there anyone on the Rockhoppers you're really excited to play with?

I already know Malcolm Chase who I've played with in Vermont last summer, he's one of the strongest defense man I know! I've seen of the roster that we have some guys who played for the Cannons and the Blazers, they'll be something to watch I'm sure! I can't wait to meet all of the guys.

How do you feel about the NALL giving more goalies a chance to play lacrosse professionally?

I think it's awesome! I know both of the Stickhorses goalies and I can tell you that they deserve to play professionally. Their work ethic and they commitment to the sport is unparalleled. Goalie is a really tough position in box lacrosse because it's really hard to stand out when you're not playing in a prestigious team. People usually won't look at you or notice you if you're not from well renown lacrosse town. I think the NALL will also give athletic goalies their fair chance as well.

How do you feel about the NALL trying to grow box lacrosse in Boston?

I think box lacrosse belongs in Boston. I think the Blazers did well in attracting attention in this crowded sports city. The smaller scale of the NALL will be more suited for the growth of the fan base and will help bring back the Blazers and this time for good in the future.

Is there anything about you or your game that fans should know about?

Hmm tough question... I know I will be playing in Boston and that this may hurt some people but... GO HABS GO!

What got you into box lacrosse and why did you choose to become a goaltender?

I've been playing box lacrosse all my life, just like hockey. I think I became a goalie because I was one of the few crazy enough kids to think that this looked fun. I've loved it ever since.

You come from a relatively small lacrosse market in Quebec, and there have been some rumors of Montreal getting an NALL team at some point. Does lacrosse seem to be growing in Quebec?

Lacrosse is growing in Quebec. I think that Montréal would fit perfectly in the NALL or CLax, I would love to see a team there. Quebec has a huge box lacrosse history but the sport faded away in the 90's making a comeback in 2000.

I'd like to thank Vincent again for his time! Look for a new edition of Meet the Rockhoppers coming later this week, and remember to follow @RockhoppersNALL and myself @GoodsOnSabres for the latest Boston Rockhoppers news!