NLL Insider 20Q: Ryan Benesch

July 15th, 2009 by Paul Tutka

Minnesota Swarm and K-W Kodiaks forward Ryan Benesch.

In last week’s biggest post-dispersal swap, former National Lacrosse League rookie of the year, Ryan Benesch, was moved to the Minnesota Swarm, reunited with K-W Braves alum like Aaron Wilson, Nick Inch, Sean Pollock and Andrew Watt, Inch and Watt two guys Benesch spent most of his Jr. A career with.

Benesch is currently lighting it up in the summer loop in Canada, sitting fourth in MSL scoring with the K-W Kodiaks with 69-points, also throwing down an insane 45-points in just six starts for the defending Presidents Cup champs, the Owen Sound Woodsmen.

This week we check in with the Swarm’s newest forward in our NLL Insider 20Q session, where Benny chats about where he sees his former Toronto Rock heading, who was a difference maker during his career and yes, more fight vids included.

Hottest most sweat soaked barn you’ve ever been in…
The Turtle Dome. Unreal hot! (Note: arena Akwesasne and St. Regis play out of on Cornwall Island)

What athlete from any other sport outside of lacrosse, do you think is also custom made to play box lacrosse…
Tom Brady, he reminds me of Josh Sanderson. A born leader and sees absolutely everything on the field.

The NFL's Josh Sanderson, New England Pat QB, Tom Brady.

Best lacrosse team name at any level…
(KW) Braves!

One rule you’d change, or add, in the NLL…
I agree with Lewis from last week. Take the 30 second shot clock away on the man short.

If you could pick just one pre-game meal to have for the rest of your career, what would it be…
Canadian clubhouse pita, with tons of hot and sour sauce on it.

Best surface to play box/indoor ball on, concrete, turf, or for those that have played on it, wood…
Turf hands down.

Worst injury you’ve ever sustained…
I’ve been lucky. Haven’t ever been too badly hurt. Knock on wood.

What past champ will bounce back to a pro championship faster, Rochester, Toronto or Philadelphia…
Gotta say Toronto. Looks like some good changes coming.

Toughest arena, winter or summer, to get a win in…
The Memorial area in the Boro. They play really tough in that barn. (Note: The Lakers are currently 9-1 at home, the best home record of any Sr. A team in Canada.)

The Peterborough barn, arguably the toughest arena to pull a visiting W out of.

Best fight, at absolutely any level of the game, you’ve witnessed…
Riley Snider (K-W Braves) vs. Ryan Tower (Brampton Excelsiors)

Scroll down to the bottom to check out one of the junior games best fights over the past several years when Snider and Tower threw down in a brutal war.

Most famous person you’ve met cuz of your lax connections…
Jarome Iginla… thanks Largy!

Best player nickname…
Chad “Stompin” Thompson (hahahaha)

What one band’s tunes would be perfect to use as the NLL’s soundtrack…
Metallica

One vet not currently in the NLL you think deserves a roster spot…
Chet Koneczny (former Toronto Rock prospect and Presidents Cup winner in Owen Sound last summer)

Calgary Flames hero and the man Rock equipment boss,Tim Large, hooked Benesch up with, Jarome Iginla.

Are goalie pads too big in today’s game…
No I don’t think so, but I don’t think it would hurt to make them smaller (said jokingly).

If you had to pick one trick as your signature move, what would it be…
Don’t want to give away my secrets.

That one coach that made a huge difference in your lacrosse career…
Corey Hallman (former K-W Braves head honcho and current Boston Blazers assistant coach)

After its first year, did video replay on “goals” help the game this past season…
Yes and no.

Who is the greatest ever to play the box/indoor game…
John Tavares

One word to describe your game…
Improving

Riley Snider vs. Ryan Tower