Official Legends Match Preview + Match Prediction!
NSL HQ
09/22/24
Folks, fasten your seat belts. We’re just a single week away from one of the most interesting team squash matches of our lifetimes. There are a few things I need to catch you up on- namely the Who, the What, and the Why. For those in a rush, scroll to the end for official HQ match prediction.
WHAT:
We are putting on a match between three of the NSL’s most exciting young stars and three of the world’s greatest retired squash players. It’s happening at 4pm on September 28th at the brand new, state of the art K2 Squash facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The match will be streamed on the National Squash League Youtube and on HomeTeam Live, our awesome production team.
WHO:
Nick Matthew “The Wolf”, Team Legend. 3 time World Champion, former World #1, multiple Commonwealth Games Gold medals, I could go on…. and I will. This man is out for blood, and he’s stated on record that the Legends are going to wipe the floor with the Young Guns for all to see. He’ll be the anchor for the Legends and figures to be still in top tier shape, negating any physical advantage the Young Guns hoped to have against the old guard. Look for Nick to eat up major minutes and also stymie the Young Gun offensive should the old guys get the lead. His arch nemesis on the opposing side figures to be….
Spencer Lovejoy “The Tranquilizer”, Team Young Guns. World #69, Engine for the Newport Dragons this past season, and possibly best dressed in the league with his J. Press sponsorship, Lovejoy figures to eat up the majority of minutes for the Young Guns next week. His physical base will stack up well against the potentially ailing legs of the Legends, and he should see considerable court time against Nick Matthew for that very reason. Look for them to butt heads in what figures to be a feisty affair.
David Palmer “The Marine”, Team Legend. 2 time World Champion, former World #1, 4 British Open titles… I should probably stop listing his resume because it’s honestly just silly stuff. The guy is a beast, everyone knows it, but does he still have the engine to kick the youth around? I reckon he does, and in a big way. Palmer is still notorious for his powerful hitting and vicious training sessions, he’ll be no slouch on the physical side and his court sense is second to none. Palmer also has intricate knowledge of one of the players on the Young Guns, but I’ll get to that…. right now.
Veer Chotrani “The Encyclopedia”, Team Young Guns. World #119, CSA National Champion, and Derby City Colts 3rd round draft pick in 2024. Chotrani has perhaps the best racket work of all the young players in this match, and he would be a formidable force should he be utilized on the Power Play. However, Chotrani has spent the last four years training under none other than… David Palmer!! This is certainly a big knock against team Young Gun and they’ll have to manage this matchup carefully, slightly shrinking their potential playbook.
John “The Great White”, Team Legend. World #1, former World Record holder for the fastest hit squash ball (172mph!) and Philly local hardball doubles crusher. John is the clear cut power play option for Team Legend, as he is the most creative and offensively capable player on the roster. Additionally, he will benefit hugely from unlimited substitutions (only in effect for Legends), allowing him to lean heavily into his attacking arsenal without fear of being stuck on court for too long. He will certainly provide some kindling for the fireworks in this match, especially given that his skill set matches that of…
Matias Knudsen “The Spin Bender”, Team Young Guns. World #100, New York Knights fan favorite and the most well known trick shot artist on planet Earth. Knudsen provides the offensive firepower to Team Young Gun, which comes as no surprise given he spent 4 years training under John White at Drexel University. Knudsen should have a big impact on the outcome of the match, but his role will be slightly diminished given the lack of Power Play for the Young Guns in the first two periods (certainly a daunting handicap for the squad). Nevertheless, in order for youth to come through on the winning side of this battle, Knudsen’s racket will have to be hot.
WHY?
Several of the world’s best players have been laying low on the competitive side of things- the squash world has been missing these guys and what better way to reignite the fire than to put on a show for the entire world to see. This exhibition will showcase just how important teamwork, chemistry, and experience can be in the NSL format, the most team driven style of squash in history.
NSL HQ MATCH PREDICTION:
Unlimited subs, years of experience, Power Play advantage in the first two periods. Legends win the first two but lose the third and final period, pushing the match to a Shootout. Legends take it on a John White hammer shutout and send the Young Guns packing.
Tune in September 28th 4pm on NSL Youtube and HomeTeam Live, or buy tickets and catch the match live @ K2 Squash.
Grab your popcorn and enjoy the ride.
