Evans makes an impressive debut
Former NLL star scores five of his six goals in first half to lead win in Baltimore
Most field lacrosse fans have never heard of Shawn Evans. After all, the Canadian played in college in virtual anonymity at Bellarmine.
However, indoor fans know Evans as a superstar, one of the greatest players in National Lacrosse League history.
Evans was named NLL Most Valuable Player in 2013 after amassing 112 points, fifth-most in league history. This past season, the high-scoring attackman rung up 103 points for the New England Black Wolves.
In 12 seasons playing professional box lacrosse, Evans has piled up 1,113 career points on 413 goals and a whopping 700 assists. The Peterborough, Ontario native is a two-time NLL MVP and four-time, first team All-Pro.
Until now, Evans had no desire to play Major League Lacrosse, the professional outdoor league based in the United States. However, the Chesapeake Bayhawks nonetheless took a chance by choosing Evans in the sixth round of the 2017 Supplemental Draft.
That gamble by general manager Dave Cottle paid dividends on Friday night when Evans made an impressive debut in Major League Lacrosse. The 31-year-old attackman showed off the slick stick skills he’s developed over a lifetime of playing box lacrosse to lead the Chesapeake Bayhawks to a 13-11 win against the Atlanta Blaze (1-3) at Homewood Field.
Evans scored five of his game-high six points in the first half to help Chesapeake overcome an early deficit. The Canadian looked quite comfortable in adjusting to the outdoor game in finishing with three goals and three assists.
“It was like being a kid again on Christmas morning. Coming in here, I didn’t really know what to expect. I haven’t played a field game in so long,” Evans said. “I just went out there and tried to do what I do and help this team get a win.”
Evans said family considerations have prevented him from playing Major League Lacrosse for the past 12 years.
“There were a lot of things that were keeping me from giving it a try. I’ve got three girls back home and they were a little more important at the time,” he said. “Thankfully, my wife let me pursue this opportunity and now I’m making that dream come true.”
Rookie attackman Nate Lewnes (UMBC) scored all three of his goals on left-handed crank shots for the Bayhawks (3-1), who have won three straight since losing their season opener. It was the third hat trick of the season for the Annapolis native and St. Mary’s High graduate.
“Again, not a pretty win, but a gutsy win. We dug ourselves a hole and clawed our way back out,” Chesapeake coach Brian Reese said. “I thought early on we were beating ourselves. We started taking care of the ball and making the simple plays on offense while the defense executed much better.”