Blaze enter training camp with 'new vibe' around team

KENNESAW — Before they host the Florida Launch on April 22 in their Major Lacrosse League season opener at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the Atlanta Blaze have to put a team together.

That process began last weekend with the start of training camp at Kennesaw State.

New coach Liam Banks welcomed 36 players for the two-day camp, which featured two practice sessions last Friday and Saturday, including a two-hour scrimmage on the final day. Banks got a close-up look at the talent that will likely comprise this year’s Blaze roster, and he got a glimpse at what the team’s future may hold.

“We’re missing some of the indoor-season guys, but the ones we have out here are giving us great energy and competing at a high level,” Banks said. “We had a scrimmage in front of some fans, and that was good to see. I’m really happy with everything, and I feel good going into Week 2 of training camp.”

The team will return next weekend for the second week of camp, with a public scrimmage set for April 14. Roster cuts are expected April 16, with the MLL collegiate draft two day later.

“We’re trying to implement our offensive strategy and feel out the guys during training camp,” Banks said. “We’re going to get into more structure with our next camp and eventually make roster decisions the Monday after the next camp. We’re going to have to part ways with 12 guys that day, and I know these guys won’t make that an easy decision for us.”

Banks said part of his focus is to have more locally based players, so there will be more opportunities for the Blaze to engage with the community.

“It all matters when it comes to making those decisions,” Banks said. “How they play, how they interact with teammates, how in-shape they’re in — it all matters.

“We have our leaders and guys that we know will be with us this season, like Kevin Rice and Scott Ratliff. We picked up Matt Gibson from the New York Lizards. He’s a smart guy with incredible hands. We got Liam Byrnes, who’s one of the top defensemen in the land. They’re all steps in the process to help make this team better.”

Banks, who will be making his professional coaching debut this year, wants Atlanta to improve upon its 6-8 record from last season. The Blaze were in contention for their first playoff berth before losing two of their final three games.

The owner of LB3 Lacrosse and a former MLL player, two-time collegiate all-American and World Team player, Banks expects to bring his years of coaching, playing and organization skills to his role as the Blaze’s coach.

“This is my first high-profile coaching gig, so there’s a lot of responsibility there and some pressure,” Banks said. “but I run a good club organization, and I understand the game and what goes into coaching, so there’s really not that much difference as far as preparation and running practices and getting everyone on the same page.

“The focus for training camp will be on decision making and tempo and things getting done quickly. We had a good time with the first camp. I felt like we executed what we wanted to do, and I’m excited for this opportunity. There are only nine MLL coaches, and I want to make the Atlanta community proud.”

Ratliff, a former Walton High School standout who works alongside Banks at LB3 Lacrosse, is happy to be back at training camp.

“The offseason is always long, so to finally be back here is great,” Ratliff said. “This is one of the most competitive training camps I’ve ever been a part of. It’s exciting.”

Entering his sixth year in MLL, Ratliff understands the ups and downs of preparing for a season.

“I’d like to think I’m not getting old yet, so my focus during the offseason has been more on recovery than training,” said Ratliff, who turns 27 in July. “I still work on footwork, but I prepare more to prevent injury to try to play the full season.”

A healthy roster would be a boon for the Blaze, who saw injuries hit key players in each of the team’s first two seasons.

This year’s roster began to take shape last weekend as Banks, assistant coach Jamie Hanford and assistant coach/general manager Spencer Ford put the players through their training camp drills.

“We’re starting a new era with the Atlanta Blaze,” team president Jim Pfeifer said. “There’s excitement with the organization around Liam and Spencer. We have a bunch of new players, and everything’s being put in position.

“There’s a new vibe. Atlanta is a great place. Our sport’s on the rise, and we’re looking towards the future — a new coach, new direction and a new attitude.”