Gash finds ‘perfect situation’
Ualbany alum will be on sideline when PLL opens season in Albany
ALBANY — The University at Albany’s Elijah Gash won’t be able to make his professional lacrosse debut this weekend at his alma mater.
Because of his fractured right ankle, Gash is serving as more of a campus guide this week for his Whipsnakes teammates as the Premier Lacrosse League holds its training camp at Ualbany before opening the season Saturday and Sunday at Casey Stadium.
But Gash, the 30th overall pick in the PLL draft last month, isn’t complaining.
“I think it’s like the perfect scenario,” Gash said. “Because I’m unable to play, I’m able to be in an environment that’s at least comfortable a little bit and kind of get to know the team. I’m not playing on the field, but I can show you around, take you to the dining hall, show you the dorms and everything. It’s been super, super comfortable, which I love.”
Gash is on the physically unable to perform list because of the nondisplaced fracture of his medial malleolus suffered April 29 while planting his foot to shoot against Binghamton. He missed the America East Conference Tournament.
There will still be an assortment of former Great Danes playing in the PLL’S fourth trip to Ualbany: Archers attack Connor Fields, Chaos goalie Blaze Riorden, longstick midfielder Troy Reh and attack Jakob Patterson and Redwoods faceoff man TD Ierlan.
The Saturday doubleheader at Casey Stadium will feature Redwoods vs. Atlas at 1 p.m. (televised on WTEN) and Cannons vs. Archers at 3:30, followed by Sunday’s doubleheader of Chaos vs. Waterdogs at 1 p.m. (WTEN) and Whipsnakes vs. Chrome at 3:30.
While he won’t have Gash available, Whipsnakes coach Jim Stagnitta sees long-term potential in the 6-foot-4, 210pound defenseman/longstick midfielder, who’s the son of retired NFL fullback Sam Gash.
“I think the nice situation for him is, it’s not a rush,” Stagnitta said. “There’s only so many
(roster) spots. Sometimes it takes guys a year or two, and he’s willing to do it. We have the time to kind of develop him, work with him, spent time on film. He’s still like a piece of clay. He’s moldable.”
Gash said it typically takes his injury six weeks to heal and he’s in the fourth week of recovery. He’s being tested for his gait pattern to make sure he’s running and walking correctly.
Meanwhile Gash is learning while watching Whipsakes teammates Mike Ehrhardt, who’s a LSM, and defensemen Matt Dunn and Bryce Young.
“This year’s mostly a development year, I think,” Gash said.
He said draft day was a thrill. He watched with senior teammates at the Clifton Park home of Ualbany coach Scott Marr.
“I didn’t think it was going to happen, until it did,” said Gash, who transferred to Ualbany from St. Ambrose, an NAIA school in Davenport, Iowa.
He said he didn’t dwell on the disappointment of his college career ending prematurely. Without him, the Great Danes lost in overtime to Bryant in the America East championship game.
“I just had to keep moving forward,” Gash said. “Just try to get on
the rehab program. It was definitely disappointing, but I can’t do anything about it now.”
Gash said he feels his best days are ahead of him in pro lacrosse if he listens to Stagnitta and his older teammates.
“Physically, I feel like I can do anything
in the world, honestly,” he said. “It’s just more of the mental aspect and getting used to the speed of the game. But I think I’m in the perfect situation.”