ASHDOD, ISRAEL — Ashdod LC has named midfielder František Klíma, defender Max Gradinger, and goaltender Andrew Copeland as franchise players for the 2016 Israel Premier Lacrosse League season.
Klíma, a Czech national who has appeared in 23 games for Goldstar Tel Aviv over the team’s last four appearances at the renowned Aleš Hřebeský Memorial, is well-known in the Israel Lacrosse community. The 25-year-old has been a staple for Israel’s box program and his ability to go to the goal is sure to benefit Ashdod.
Gradinger was a two-year captain at Vermont, where he graduated from in 2007. He has already seen two starts in Israel for the Birthright/USA All-Stars, helping to hold the Israel men’s national team to just two goals in exhibition play last week.
Copeland, a box goaltender transitioned to the field game, has resided in Israel since 2014 and in the city of Ashdod since February.
Ashdod opens their season on Tuesday at Kiryat Gat.