Sask goalie goes in first round of NLL draft; Rush take high-scoring forward

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Saskatchewan had a break-through in the National Lacrosse League draft Thursday night, and we’re not talking about the Rush.

Goalkeeper Laine Hruska, a 19-year-old Saskatchewan Swat product, was selected by the Georgia Swarm in the first round — 13th overall — of Thursday’s entry draft.

He’s the NLL’s highest-draft Saskatchewan-bred player. Hruska played last season with the Whitby Steelhawks, and earlier earned rookie-of-the years honours in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League while with the Swat.

The Rush, meanwhile, shored up their roster with a bevy of picks starting with forward Marshall Powless. He played last season with the junior B Six Nations Arrows and put up huge numbers, collecting 54 goals and 151 points in 20 games.

Saskatchewan selected Powless with the seventh overall pick. His brother, Johnny Powless, is a forward with the NLL’s Toronto Rock.

The Rush had two opening-round picks, and chose Marquette University defender Connor McLelland at No. 12 overall. McLelland, a Brampton native who scored 33 goals in 44 collegiate games, was selected higher than any other player in Marquette history.