The NLL season is finally here, and as the season gets into full swing, be sure to check back to uslaxmagazine.com as we roll out our season preview — including Jack Goods’ predictions, team-by-team capsules and additional features. Next is a look at the expansion New York Riptide, who open the season Saturday at Halifax.

New York Riptide

Head coach: Regy Thorpe (first season)

Outlook

The National Lacrosse League is back in the Big Apple — and is hoping the third time is the charm.

The Long Island-based New York Riptide kick off their first season this weekend, landing in a hot spot of the sport in the city and a location in which the league has succeeded in the past with the Saints (1989-2003). Lest we forget the Titans (2006-2009).

The NLL has long stressed the importance of a presence in the United States’ biggest city, so it was no surprise when a team at the former Nassau Coliseum was announced.

After opting for the first overall pick in the entry draft instead of the expansion draft, the Riptide likely have a longer road to success than their counterparts in Rochester. There’s a core to build around, though, and some talented Americans who are looking to make a name in the NLL.

What’s new

Everything! The roster looks like what you’d probably expect from an expansion team, mostly featuring players looking to make a name for themselves as a full-time participant in the NLL.

Offensively, the most experienced players are Tyler Digby, who notched 72 points in a bounce-back season with the Black Wolves last year, and Kieran McArdle, who has seen his point total increase every year he’s been in the league. He last totaled 40 points in his third year with the Toronto Rock.

The Riptide surprised many with their first-overall entry draft selection, opting for Tyson Gibson instead of Andrew Kew. Gibson, a righty forward, is expected to have a smooth transition to the pro game after a strong showing with the Victoria Shamrocks of the Western Lacrosse Association. He found the net 15 times and dished out 25 assists in 14 playoff games this summer, a big reason for his draft rise.

Dan MacRae, the former captain of the Roughnecks, is a great locker room guy to build around and should anchor the defense. John Ranagan provides a transition game, and the Riptide have veterans like Mike Manley and Andrew Suitor out the back door. Tyson Bomberry, the team’s second first round pick, is a strong, steady prospect. Alex Buque starts in goal.

American fans looking to get into box, this is the team for you. The Riptide have the most Americans of any team in the league with seven. That includes McArdle, Manley, Ranagan, Connor Kelly, Cody Radziewicz, Gale Thorpe and Alex Woodall.

What could they use

The jury is still out on Buque, who has failed to hold onto starting jobs for two teams in the same amount of years. He’s gone .500 since a blockbuster trade sent him from Colorado to Buffalo prior to the 2018 season. He needs to reestablish himself, and New York needs a decent season from him if they hope to compete.

Biggest question

On the floor, it’s truly hard to narrow it down to one. There’s questions at every position group with the Riptide in Year 1, and that’s not a knock on management. It’s the nature of the biz when constructing a brand new squad.

Off the floor, whether this franchise can get fans into the door will be closely monitored. It’s clear the NLL wants a franchise to work in New York City, but with all the entertainment options, it can be a tough market to crack. Putting the team in Long Island should hopefully help the Riptide gain more traction than the New York Titans did.

MVP Watch

TBD

Of all the teams in the league, the Riptide may be the only one without an obvious alpha dog. Through the expansion process, it was clear whoever landed Shawn Evans would have a bit of a head start in that department.

That can change, clearly, with someone getting added opportunity. New York hopes Gibson gets to this level eventually, but that’s a lot to ask from a first-year player. Digby is the clear favorite to lead the team in scoring.

Verdict

The Riptide face a tough climb to compete against the likes of Georgia and New England, and while it is good for the sport, teams that load up on Americans usually have struggles early. Finish higher than Philadelphia and that should be thought of as a successful start.