Chiefs look to the future at MSL draft

Although defending the Mann Cup is the Six Nations Chiefs ultimate goal when the 2014 season kicks off, Sunday was about preparing for the future.

After protecting a pair of Six Nations Arrows grads prior to Sunday’s Major Series Lacrosse draft in Whitby, the Chiefs stayed within the junior A club for its three picks.

With no picks in the first or fifth rounds, the Chiefs’ first pick, in the third round, 19^th overall, was Jack Donnelly. In the fourth round, the Chiefs then used the 22^nd pick to choose Warren Hill, while the 25^th selection was his brother Wayne.

Prior to the draft, the Chiefs protected Randy Staats and Vaughn Harris.

Donnelly, from Toronto, was acquired by the Arrows from the Toronto Beaches at the trade deadline last season. In six regular season games with the Arrows, the transition player had one goal and four assists. In 16 playoff games, he scored once and had two assists, while being a force in the middle of the floor.

“We’re pleased to get Donnelly,” Chiefs general manager Duane Jacobs said. “He has some size, speed, and adds depth to our defence and transition.”

Donnelly also plays field lacrosse south of the border and is a junior at Penn State. 

Warren Hill has been one of the top junior A goalies in Canada the last several seasons.

In 12 games last season, Hill was 8-2, with a 8.16 goals against average and .836 save percentage. In the playoffs, Hill was 5-5 in 11 games, with a 9.22 goals against average and .760 save percentage.

Hill also has championship pedigree, winning a Founders Cup, and national junior college championships at Onondaga Community College. He was also a member of the Iroquois Nationals under-19 team.

“Warren Hill gives us our goalie of the future,” Jacobs said. “His brother Wayne has size and grit.”

Wayne Hill was a physical player for the Arrows, who had two assists in 17 regular season games. In the playoffs, he added another assist in 15 games.