When Skip Lichtfuss picked All-American midfielder Del Halladay in the second round of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League draft, he knew there was a chance Halladay, a native of British Columbia, would not be on the Thunder's roster this season.
And as it turns out, he won't.
The Thunder unveiled its roster yesterday and while there are 16 veterans in the 23-player lineup, Halladay isn't among them. Halladay, the Thunder's top draft pick and the eighth pick overall, has decided to return to Canada after he completes his degree this winter at Loyola College.
"It didn't work out," said Lichtfuss.
"We would have liked to have had Del on our team, but it's insignificant news now because we've more than made up for it with this other guy from British Columbia."
The "other guy" Lichtfuss is referring to is Chris Gill, an attackman from Coquitlam, B.C. Gill, 5 feet 11 and 175 pounds, is no stranger to the indoor game. Last season, he was the second-leading goal scorer in the Western Lacrosse Association and Lichtfuss expects him to have a similar impact in the MILL.
"Del was a definite prospect, but Chris is older and he's a proven scorer," said Lichtfuss.
Baltimore's other two draft picks -- Dan Radebaugh of Maryland and Tom Roszko of Hopkins, are on the roster. Another player new to the team but not to the area is forward Steve Kisslinger, a center from Towson State, who tallied four goals and five assists last season for the New York Saints.
Butch Marino, the Thunder's second-leading goal scorer two years ago, returns after taking a year off. He's joined by second-team All-Pro selections Tim Hormes, Mark Millon and team captain Bob Martino.
The Thunder, which opens its season at home Dec. 30 against the Boston Blazers, will have its first practice from 7 to 9 p.m. today at The Volleyball House in Columbia. For information on season tickets or group sales, call (410) 347-2006.