Talented scorer excels in sophomore season

Edmonton, AB --- Corey Small is off to England. The Edmonton Rush forward -- who also excels on the turf in field play -- has made the trip with Team Canada for the Federation of International Lacrosse World Championship in Manchester, England.

Small, 23, was a late roster addition for the defending champs and the five-foot-nine attacker from St. Catharines, Ont., continues to make tremendous strides in his young career with his inclusion to Team Canada for the prestigious squad. Much has changed in the past year for Small and his game.

After turning pro at the completion of a stellar field career at Albany, and finding his game with both the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Ontario's Major Series Lacrosse and Toronto Nationals of the field-based Major Lacrosse League last summer, Small parlayed an impressive rookie campaign with Rush earlier this year to another dynamic summer season.

He's played a more prominent role with the Nationals this summer after being part of the championship-winning team there last year.

Seeing more game time this campaign, Small's been able to use his quick step and shot to his advantage as he carried a hit stick into July sniping eight goals in three contests including two game-winners as Toronto took in a three-game win streak after a brutal start.

"I think I've been playing with a lot more confidence this year," said Small. "There are so many great players on the team and it's a hard lineup to crack week to week.

"I was told by some of the guys to make sure I make an impression in the lineup to stay there, so I've been taking the ball to the net more and being more aggressive and it's paying off."

The rookie from only one year ago is taking on a bigger role. Small's shoulders are getting bigger. He's also expected to play a part with the Team Canada this month when Rush mate Brodie Merrill -- along with many Canadian stars from the Nationals -- face the world's best in England for the field World Championship.

Small's learning on the fly and studying from top lacrosse stars such as John Grant, Jr., Dan Dawson and Mark Steenhuis as his teammates.

"There's a load of talent in the lineup. Being around them and watching them play makes a difference," said Small. "It's definitely helped me being around them."

He's especially quick to acknowledge the efforts of Merrill and Gavin Prout and the effects of their feedback on his game.

"It's been great playing with Brodie and Gavin," he said. "They're always looking out for me and taking me under their wings. I'm grateful for that."

He's also thankful he's been able to contribute more regularly with his other summer team, the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks as Small is the go-to guy in K-W.

With the departure of some key players, including former Rush forward Ryan Benesch, Small's carried the load offensively for the young Kodiaks.

The club is mired in the bottom three on the ultra-competitive six-team MSL league, however, Small's presence and added playing time has allowed the second-year star to further develop his game.

"Making the jump to the Major League last year really helped me for the last Rush season," said the diminutive sniper. "Playing again this year with Kitchener and the extra experience has really helped me out and it's showing on the floor. I'm producing more than I expected, so I'm enjoying it a lot."

Small scoring exploits with the Kodiaks three-quarters through the season had him in the league's top five with 50 points in 13 games, including 25 tallies. Yet, the second-year man, ranked along many of his high-scoring peers, hasn't felt the pressure to produce, even with most of the club's offensive production placed on him.

"I don't know if it's pressure, but my role has definitely changed from a secondary scorer in the past to a primary scorer this year," said the product of the St. Catharines Athletics Jr. A program. "I get to handle the ball more and I like the role so far."

The humble sharpshooter will be busy with his club commitments into August and then looking for his second season with the Rush as the club prepares for the 2011 battles. And although he's enjoyed the recent success, Small, Edmonton's top rookie scorer last season, continues to prepare for the upcoming National Lacrosse League season.

"(Derek) Keenan wants me to get better and produce more with the Rush," said Small, who finished fourth in league freshmen scoring last winter with 39 points in 14 games. "So, I'm continuing to work hard in the weight room and both the MLL and the Major League experiences should make me better for the Rush."

Building those bigger shoulders.

For updates on the 2010 World Field Lacrosse visit Team Canada Lacrosse for more info.