Las Vegas Desert Dogs: 2024-25 Season Preview
11/30/2024 02:13 PM
Las Vegas Desert Dogs: 2024-25 Season Preview
Entering the 2024-2025 NLL season, the Las Vegas Desert Dogs will look to bounce back after not getting to where they wanted last season. The Desert Dogs at times showed flashes in their sophomore year but could not string together consistency throughout the year and fell outside the playoff picture. However, standout performances from a handful of key players gave them hope for the future. This offseason, Las Vegas looked toward building a roster by focusing on acquiring players while still retaining some of the core talent on this team in hopes of taking an even larger leap than anyone might expect this year.
The Desert Dogs had a so-so season in 2023-2024, often competitive in most games yet falling short against stronger opponents. With the ability to create offensive chances, the team’s defensive lapses cost them crucial games. Despite these issues, Las Vegas toughed it out and posted wins against playoff-caliber opponents, proving they can compete at a high level. Goaltender Landon Kells was a shining star as he stole several games single-handedly and kept the Desert Dogs in some games they could have easily lost. As a whole, though, there just wasn’t enough depth or consistency on defense to overcome.
The offseason saw both entrances and exits from the Desert Dogs roster, signaling a change in intent to improve on areas of last year’s shortcomings. A key addition includes Dylan Kinnear, along with Kyle Killen, who are two offensive attackers expected to add some starch to the attack. Simpson and Jon Donville boast versatility and experience at either end of the floor. These men address the team’s needs for players that can get it done at both ends of the floor. Adding depth behind the goaltending unit is also Justin Geddie.
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs will have a tough schedule this season, but there are a couple of important matchups standing out along the way. The regular season opens on December 6 against Colorado, and that game should set the bar for competitiveness. On January 4, a game against Albany has an interesting individual matchup in emerging stars Shawn Evans versus Dyson Williams. But perhaps the most hyped will be the “Battle of I-15” against the San Diego Seals on January 18, a rivalry game promising high-intensity action. On February 1, Las Vegas will host a “Tucker Out Night” event against the Georgia Swarm-one that showcases the team is committed to community engagement as highly as taking on the hottest opponents.
The strengths of the team are an emerging offensive core that has been bolstered by offseason acquisitions. The Desert Dogs now boast a much deeper attack, one that should be able to produce when it counts most. There’s also stability between the pipes, as the combination of Kells and Geddie will help make the difference in close games. But once again, the question will be team defense. Though Simpson and Donville bring hope, there’s a significant difference between putting the pieces together and playing as a cohesive unit. In all, the Desert Dogs need consistency on both ends of the floor if they are to get back in order their playoff aspirations.
The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are due for the next step in development as the 2024-2025 season kicks in. With their rebuilt roster and a newly invigorated sense of determination, they hope to make some noise in the competitive world of the NLL. There is every reason for Las Vegas fans to believe this could be a turning point for the hometown Desert Dogs.
