Suddons brings no-nonsense style to Rush defense

Edmonton, AB, -- Derek Suddons doesn't mind being the strong, silent type.

The Rush defender -- in his second season with the club and ninth National Lacrosse League campagin -- may not be as recognizable as other players, however, it's his play on the carpet that matters most to him.

Suddons, a six-foot-two, 210-pounder, exemplifies the lunch bucket mentality that's essential to the prosperity of any team.

While some players can bask in the glory roles, Suddons prefers to quietly get the job done and not be recognized because he's simply doing his job.

"Absolutely," said the 31-year-old from Whitby, Ont. "Playing defense, you have to put your head down and work hard every shift. There really isn't a lot of glory in it.

"There's not a lot of recognition in regard to front-page coverage or being on a highlight reel, but if it benefits the team and helps the team win without being noticed, it's more about winning, right?

Suddons, acquired by Edmonton from the Toronto Rock along with Ryan Benesch early in the 2009 season, is one of the reasons for Edmonton's changeover in the standings this campaign as his team-first approach and work ethic fits his role on the lacrosse carpet.

"I always like to be consistent," he said. "If you look at any athlete in any sport, you want to be known you can be counted on and consistent in your play.

"I like to be steady in my play. I think every team needs a stay at home defenseman and I try to play that role."

And while he prefers not being in the spotlight, his play and the success of the Rush (9-5) this season has caught the attention of the Rush brass.

"Sudsy has been our steadiest defender this season," said Edmonton assistant coach Jeremy Tallevi. "Game in, game out he plays a solid physical game and rarely makes mistakes.

"Sudsy plays with a chip on his shoulder and consistently wears down and frustrates opponents."

Steady is almost belligerent on the carpet, it's his style of play and mannerisms around it that also make a difference on the team.

He's got the strong down pat and his silent means not having to be loud and let everyone know he's talented because he's confident in himself and his play.

"A lot of times it's leadership by example," said Suddons, who's previously spent five seasons in Toronto after starting his NLL career in Columbus. "A lot can be said without saying anything at times.

"I'm not a big rah-rah guy. I just kind of let the play speak for itself and I think guys respect that. Some players are more rah-rah, but there are times when small comments go a long way, especially for the young players."

Suddons, a financial consultant in Ontario off the carpet, wasn't shy though on speaking about the number of talented players he lines up against in lacrosse battles and the rigours of guarding the game's best marksmen.

"It's just tough trying to keep up with them," he said. "Every year, the league seems to get quicker and I've actually lost some weight the past couple of seasons because of how quick the league has got.

"Knowing players' tendencies helps and knowing who's more of a shooter or assist guy helps as well."

He's got plenty of help in Edmonton's defense this season, though, as the club's back end has improved significantly from year's past and it's been a big part of the surge in Rushland.

Edmonton, who has already secured a post-season berth in the West Division, has two difficult games remaining in the regular season this weekend as the Rush wraps up the home portion of the schedule with another Battle of Alberta, Friday, April 16 against the Calgary Roughnecks (8-6) at 7 p.m. at Rexall Place and then complete the 16-game schedule April 17 at the top-ranked Washington Stealth (10-4).

"I'm really looking forward to it," Suddons said of this weekend's action. "I'm glad we're playing arguably the two best teams in this league as Calgary and Washington have been quite consistent in their play this year and we're looking to do the same."

A weekend sweep for Edmonton guarantees a top-two finish in the division, however, strong play against the two divisional rivals would be a tremendous lead up for the club's foray into the second-season play-downs.

"To win both games would be fantastic," he said. "But, on the other side of the coin, just playing consistent on both nights will bode well for us going into the playoffs."

Well said.

Story by Bruce Rakoczy