Attack

Christian Cuccinello (Waterdogs)

With 12 goals and 17 points a year ago with the Archers, Cuccinello is a part of the expansion Waterdogs and will be expected to be a big point producer.

Alongside Kieran McArdle, Ryan Drenner, and Wes Berg, the Waterdogs offense should be a force to be reckoned with; still, though, it’s an entirely new unit.

Some other names might have more flair at the position, even on his own team, but Cuccinello has had a consistent pro lacrosse career. He also now has a chance as a leader on a new team and this could be his breakout opportunity.

He might not scream “breakout star,” but following a year with a 28 percent shooting percentage, more responsibility at this point in his career gives him a chance to shine.

Midfield

Ian MacKay (Archers)

The Vermont grad was dynamite in college and is due to break out as a pro.

He played just five games with the Archers a year ago, and there’s still plenty of depth there with Tom Schreiber leading the charge alongside Joey Sankey and Christian Mazzone.

But MacKay is still the same player who netted 39 goals a year after missing a season with a knee injury with the Catamounts. He has a nose for the net, and with two goals on the power play a year ago, he could be an important part of the Archers special teams in a shortened season.

Defense

Ryland Rees (Waterdogs)

The Stony Brook alum has a history of making some noise on the offensive side of the ball as well as being disruptive as a defender.

A big addition to the Waterdogs, he’ll work alongside Noah Richard in what might be one of the sneaky-best LSM units in the entire league.

Rees comes from a background of transition in the indoor game as well, and as an LSM, if he is unleashed he could be a weapon for the Waterdogs the league isn’t ready for yet.

Faceoff

Connor Farrell (Chrome)

Farrell somewhat burst onto the scene last year with the second-best faceoff percentage in the league, but now it’s about if he can establish himself with a consecutive year near the top.

That’s easier said than done in a group of the best faceoff men in the world

A 55 percent faceoff rate is impressive for anyone, but in a league that includes Trevor Baptiste and Joe Nardella, it’s a battle every night from the dot.

Farrell has the potential to elevate himself into the conversation of best FOGOs in the world with another strong season.

Goalie

Jacob Stover (Whipsnakes)

Stover isn’t going to see a ton of action with Kyle Bernlohr ahead of him with the Whipsnakes, but in a tourney only over the course of a couple of weeks, backup goalies might be relied on more than usual.

That could be an opportunity for the Loyola alum to step up.

A one-time Patriot League goalie of the year, Stover’s showed up in plenty of big moments, so a handful of chances in a grueling tournament could be where he shines.

He didn’t see the field with Chaos last season, and nothing says revenge like proving the rest of the league wrong.