The Long Island Lizards are coming off a 6-7 record for the 2009 season . . . a season that saw them qualify for the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) playoffs for the first time since 2005, only to lose in the semi-finals to the Toronto Nationals 14-13. Lizards General Manager Casey Hilpert spent some time with the Long Island Sports Report's Andrew Coen to discuss the 2009 season, off-season developments, and goals for the future of the professional organization.

lisportsreport: From an organization standpoint, how important was it for the Lizards to be a part of MLL Championship Weekend for the first time since 2005?

Casey Hilpert: For the organization, it was great to get back to MLL Championship Weekend. It was great for our fans and players. Long Island and lacrosse have a great winning tradition and with two championships in ‘01 and ’03, we feel like we are a part of it. It had been a while and as happy as we were [to make the playoffs] we didn’t leave content. We feel like we should have won that game against Toronto.

lisportsreport: How was the move from Uniondale’s Mitchel Athletic Complex to Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium received by fans and players and will you continue to play there in 2010?

Casey Hilpert: Our overall feedback was absolutely tremendous. Mitchel Field was a great place to play, but having the tight, confined stadium feel really let our fans feel like they were right in the game. Shuart Stadium has a lot of Long Island lacrosse tradition with the Hofstra University team, and hosting high school championships. We were very happy to be a part of it and look forward to being a part of it in years to come.

lisportsreport: Attendance-wise, the Lizards filled up more than half of Shuart Stadium against Toronto on July 18th with 7,621 fans and also drew solid crowds for July 9th against Boston (5,221) and Aug. 1st versus Denver (4,621). What was the key to drawing such big crowds last season and what are your attendance goals for 2010?

Casey Hilpert: We had great help from the league with our schedule along with a great effort put in by the staff here at the office. They were doing everything possible to make sure that we had people in the seats, and that they all enjoyed their themselves. We set attendance record, both single game 7,621 and a season record averaging a little over 4,500 fans a game. This with having two games played in downpours due to the weather. We feel we could have had a better year, but those are the risks associated with an outdoor sport. We look forward to breaking those records again next season.

lisportsreport: Last month, MLL teams announced their 23-man protected rosters and the Lizards opted to leave unprotected goalie Brian Dougherty, defenseman John Gagliardi, attackman Tim Goettlemann and midfielder Blake Miller. Were these decisions based on them being older players who may be contemplating retirement?

Casey Hilpert: Unfortunately, players have to make a decision when to hang up the cleats. These are names that have been a part of the Lizards organization forever, and a part of Long Island lacrosse for even longer. The game puts a wear and tear on your body, and you have to spend weekends away from your families. These are definitely guys that we will miss.

lisportsreport: What are your short-term and long-term goals for the Lizards?

Casey Hilpert: Goals for the team are to get back to championship weekend and bring home the [Steinfeld Cup]. It is the 10th Anniversary [for MLL] this season so it would be a great one to win. We look to put the best product out on the field year after year. From an operations perspective, we look to grow the Lizards year after year and make sure that we are providing the best entertainment at an affordable value for all families to come and enjoy.  We also want our fans to come and experience our games as an event and not just a lacrosse game.

Stay tuned for their 2010 season schedule or visit www.longislandlizards.com.

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