The newly formed Major Indoor Soccer League will conduct a draft via conference call this afternoon to distribute players from former National Professional Soccer League teams that will not be competing in the new league this season.
Two former NPSL teams - the Wichita Wings and Buffalo Blizzard - ceased operations. Franchises in Detroit and Toronto are MISL members but will not compete until the 2002-03 season.
The six teams competing this season - the Blast, Cleveland, Harrisburg, Kansas City, Milwaukee and Philadelphia - will take part in today's draft that could involve up to 80 players. The Blast will select fourth, based on last season's NPSL regular-season finish.
Detroit and Toronto will each be able to protect four players from their respective rosters. If any of the protected players are selected, they will essentially be on loan for one season before returning to their previous team.
Blast general manager/coach Kevin Healey said he'll most likely be looking for help on defense and at midfield. The league will not release who went where until Monday to give the players a chance to hear from their new teams.
Earlier this month, commissioner Steve Ryan announced the launch of the new MISL coinciding with the departure of the NPSL.
The MISL, owned by individual team operators, will feature an integrated business structure and operate as a limited liability company.
NOTE: Blast midfielder J. J. Kremer will return to his alma mater, Calvert Hall, as an assistant varsity soccer coach under Andy Moore.
The 1992 grad - The Sun's 1991 Player of the Year - was a rare four-year varsity player at Calvert Hall before playing at UMBC. Last season with the Blast, his third, Kremer scored six two-point goals and added eight assists.
