The Fairport native prepares for his first full season with the Rochester Rattlers.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — We caught up with goalie, Blaze Riorden last week. We asked Blaze his thoughts about playing for Coach Tim Soudan, his rookie season with the NLL Buffalo Bandits, and looking forward to playing for the MLL Rochester Rattlers this coming season:
1. As a rookie, you are really starting to catch fire (2 goals and 3 assists last month against Toronto), talk about some of the success you are having in the National Lacrosse League?
As a team we started to find our groove. The guys working around me have done a great job working as a 1-man unit rather than 5 individuals. Guys like Dhane, and Ryan Benesch draw a lot of attention so being a role player I find myself open due to all the attention being drawn on the stars.
2. How does playing in the NLL help you as you transition into the MLL season?
In my case it’s a bit different being that I play totally different positions, but I’m a firm believer in stick skills and playing in the NLL has defiantly helped. I also have learned a lot from the veterans in the dressing room and I hope to use what I learned to help be a leader and a better teammate.
3. Who were your lacrosse idols growing up?
Being from Fairport I grew up idolizing Tim Soudan. I remember going to school everyday and kids would talk about his diving behind the back shot. I also looked up to Brett Queener, and wanted to emulate his style the best I could. Lastly and most importantly my father Mike Riorden, watching him growing up not only taught me the sky’s the limit when it comes to stick skills, but also how special lacrosse is when it come to building life long friendships.
4. You played with Dhane Smith this summer and now get the chance to play with him on the Bandits, talk about how it is playing with him in the NLL? How has he helped you?
He’s a GOOD player, and even better friend. Dhane has actually had the pleasure of rooming with me on the road and I think as the season progressed we found a way to use that chemistry on the field. He still struggles to score on me in field but if he keeps letting me choose the movies maybe ill give him a freebee this year.
5. What are you most looking forward to this season in the Rattlers uniform?
Half moon shooting at the end of practice haha…everything that comes with being a RAT! The guys that have been through the organization are truly the only ones that understand. I think with the pieces we have, and the ones we added we will be even tighter and use that to win games.