The MLL touts itself on having the best players in the world compete against each other. Most people would believe this would just be an extension of NCAA Division I lacrosse but, in fact, it is the best players from all divisions and clubs. Kyle Hartzell is no exception. Kyle was a standout defenseman playing collegiately at CCBC Essex and then Division III at Salisbury University. He won a National Championship and became a First Team All-American while at Salisbury. In the MLL, Kyle has continued to see growth in his play, every season he has become more and more of an offensive threat in transition and has a booming shot to prove it. This season he looks to start where he and the New York Lizards left off.
What head and shaft are you using?
Warrior Regulator Head, and Warrior Regulator tactical shaft (rubberized grip)
Do you string your own sticks? If not, who does?
I do not string my own sticks Josh Porcell my business partner with Rogue Lacrosse strings them and has been doing so since 2009. He does a great job.
What kind of pocket are you using?
Mesh: Warrior Hard Mesh
Pocket placement: Mid pocket
Shooters: 2 shooters and a nylon across the top
Whip: None
How do you tape your sticks?
I usually tape all the way up to where my top hand sits when playing D, which is a little below midway. The new Warrior Regulator Tactical D shaft has a rubberized grip so I am using none this season.
Why do you like this set up? (Tape and pocket style?)
I like the Regulator head with the mid pocket. This head is wide and stiff great for picking passes off and getting the ball off the ground. I like using no whip in my pocket because I don’t like the inconsistency of whip.
How has your stick changed since college?
I have been using the same pocket since college.
Any superstitions or funny stories?
I just listen to music before games and try to stay loose as possible. That’s easy in our locker room with Matt Gibson aka Gibby
What is your wall ball routine?
100 Right 100 Left, 50 catch right switch hands throw left and vice versa, 50 throw right switch hands catch left and same on the other side, 50 quick stick right and 50 left. 50 BTB.
What is your best tip for shooting from the outside with a longpole?
Always shoot overhand its impossible for a goalie to track.
In 2009, Adam O’Neill, Harry Alford and Thomas Alford launched Lacrosse Playground as the preeminent site for lacrosse gearheads. For years Lacrosse Playground provided lacrosse fans with tutorials and tips on how to string a lacrosse head, up-close looks at the gear the top players used and sneak peeks at equipment and uniforms before they were released. More than 10 years and millions of visits later, Lacrosse Playground has relaunched with a focus on storytelling. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest lacrosse news, share insights into the sports betting and fantasy lacrosse world and showcase the lifestyles and personalities of the sport of lacrosse through articles, videos and podcasts.
Chris Hogan: From Winning Two Super Bowls to Tackling Pro Lacrosse in the PLL (Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast #128)
byPro Lacrosse Talk
On this episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast, Hutton Jackson and Adam Moore are joined by two-time Super Bowl champion and former Penn State lacrosse star Chris Hogan. He discusses his announcement that he plans to play in the Premier Lacrosse league this summer, how he’s been training for the PLL season and signing a sponsorship deal with Epoch Lacrosse. He recounts his journey from Penn State lacrosse to Monmouth University football to cracking an NFL roster and eventually making it to three Super Bowls with the new England Patriots. They also discuss his relationships with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, which PLL player he’s looking forward to potentially facing and how lacrosse equipment has evolved since he played in college to now.
—
Pro Lacrosse Talk is the flagship lacrosse podcast of the Lacrosse Playground network covering all three professional lacrosse leagues (NLL, PLL, Athletes Unlimited). Each week throughout the season we’ll recap the games, provide analysis on the teams and feature exclusive postgame and off-the-field interviews with professional lacrosse players, coaches and executives. If you’re a fan of lacrosse podcasts like the Unbuckled Chinstrap, The Inside Feed, Lacrosse Classified or The Crease Dive, then give us a listen.