By Michael Brangwynne, FanRates.com

As the Boston Blazers prepare themselves for their second year in the NLL, many questions are on the minds of their fans. Lucky for you, FanRates.com is asking Head Coach Tom Ryan as well as Mike Stone (local boy and 2009 draft pick) questions to help feed your need for some answers.

What are your expectations for the 2010 Boston Blazers?

Tom Ryan: “Last year, at the start of the season, we wanted to make the playoffs. Halfway through the season we started to focus on the Champions Cup. Our inexperience showed a bit against a veteran Buffalo Bandits in the playoffs. We learned from that experience and I expect us to play like a more mature team this year. We are returning a majority of the players from last year so I hope we can pick up from where we left off.”

What did you learn in your first season as head coach?

TR: “What I learned most was what I can do personally that will help our team succeed. With players like Dan (Dawson) and Coz (goalie Anthony Cosmo), you need to know when to step up and make changes and when to just get out of the way. As a coaching staff, we can make the most impact on our preparation. What can I do to better prepare the team? What can I do during the game to impact it in a positive manner? This game is all about learning from your experiences and doing better next shift. I plan on doing a better job this year at focusing during the game on what is going on and what I can do to set us in the right direction.”

Which addition to the team are you the most excited about and which departure would you miss the most?

TR: “Jason Bloom had an amazing season for us last year. He filled in where needed and scored a ton of goals from the tranny position. We were successful last year because we came together as a family. We had a group of guys that enjoyed spending time with each other. Jay Thorimbert had some clutch moments for us at the face-off circle. Carter Livingstone was our Assistant Captain and was an invaluable leader. They will be missed. I am most excited about the addition of Mike Kirk. Our defense got better the minute we traded for Mike.”

What about 2009 NLL Most Valuable Player Dan Dawson?

TR: “Dan played quarterback on a young team last year. It was probably a scenario that was relatively new to him, yet he excelled at it. Dan led the league in assists last year (new league record, 74) and at times he was unselfish to a fault. Hopefully we can take some of the weight off his shoulders this season and allow him to be a little more selfish with the ball and work hard to get his own shots.”

One player that will try to take some of the burden off Dan’s shoulders is local boy and 4^th round draft pick Mike Stone. With Mike’s quickness and ability to get to loose balls, he should definitely be a dynamic player to watch this upcoming season. Mike has little experience playing indoors, but he believes he will be able to adjust to the style of play very well.

How exciting is it to get the opportunity to play in front of the hometown crowd?

Mike Stone: “Growing up in the Boston area I’ve been going to games at the TD Garden for years. Having the chance to play at the TD Garden is going to be an amazing experience and is something I am really looking forward to.”

How will having a familiar face in Sean Morris help you adjust to your new team?

MS: “I worked a summer camp with Sean Morris a few years ago and I followed UMASS when they made it to the NCAA Championship. Sean is a great player, also a Massachusetts guy, and I am looking forward to playing alongside him.”

What message do you want to send to the Blazers fans that sums you up the best?

MS: “I just love competing and playing the game. I hope to keep playing for a while.”

It seems the Boston is a buzz waiting for the upcoming season of the Blazers, including myself. We are very passionate fans here and Tom Ryan learnt that all too last year when he played in the TD Garden. “We talked at the beginning of last year about who we are as a team, about defining ourselves by our play,” Ryan said.

“Fans left our games last year excited about the team and the return of the Blazers. We selected a team of guys who were willing to make this team a priority in their lives. Guys whose effort and attitude stood out from the rest of the league. Boston fans are among the most passionate in the world. I saw the excitement in the stands and it feels good that they appreciate the talent and effort we display at ‘The Gah-den.’”

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