Marshall Powless Excited To Start His NLL Journey
Hearing his named called in the National Lacrosse League draft was an incredible experience for former Wallaceburg lacrosse player Marshall Powless.
Powless was the 7th overall selection in the first round of this month’s draft, going to the Saskatchewan Rush.
“It was an amazing feeling,” said Powless of being selected.
“Saskatchewan was always my main choice when it came down to what teams to play for, I really like the way the team plays so it was just amazing knowing I can have a chance to be a part of the team.”
Powless, a dynamic offensive performer scored a mind boggling 151 points for the Junior B Six Nations Rebels last season, before scoring 21 points in 7 playoff games for the Senior B Six Nations Rivermen to help the team win a Presidents Cup.
He hopes he can transition that success to the next level in the NLL, but he isn’t getting ahead of himself. Powless knows there is still work to do to make it to the NLL.
“My goals for the NLL season are to crack the line up. I feel it’s going to be challenging given the talent there is,” he said. “And eventually be successful and hopefully win a championship.”
For Marshall Powless, he didn’t have to look far for an example of what it takes to be a professional, as his older brother Johnny Powless has spent 9 seasons starring in the NLL, including winning three NLL championships, and being honoured with the NLL’s Sportsmanship Award.
“He is the reason why I wanted to play professional box lacrosse in the first place,” Marshall said of his older sibling, who now plays for the Toronto Rock. “Ever since he got drafted and started playing I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. And I have learned everything from him and my dad. They have helped my game out a lot.”
Although Powless has his eyes set on the future, his past has played an important role in his development, including the 2018 season when he scored 84 points in 17 games for the Wallaceburg Red Devils.
“It was an amazing experience playing for the Red Devils. It was a lot of fun and such a great community! I still go back to visit friends from the team because they made me feel so welcomed there.”