Ben Randall’s Rise with Denver Outlaws

A Strategic Draft Pick

Tim Soudan called it a smart move when the Denver Outlaws sent a third‑round selection for Ben Randall this offseason. The youngster arrived from the Philadelphia Waterdogs after the retirement of Jesse Bernhardt left a hole in the lineup. Soudan needed an experienced starter who could shoulder the load on a championship‑caliber roster, and Randall fit that bill. The Outlaws’ front office is known for being selective about on‑field talent and the type of people they bring into the locker room, and Randall checked both boxes.

Ryan Terefenko, Randall’s former Ohio State teammate and Denver captain, was a key voice in the recruitment. Terefenko and Randall share a close friendship that even extends to Randall attending his wedding. “I think he played some part in getting me over here,” Randall later recounted, highlighting the personal endorsement that helped seal the deal.

Building Chemistry Off and On the Field

At training camp, Randall gravitated toward Mikie Schlosser, another veteran from their Waterdogs days. The two older players formed a mentorship duo, teaching card games after practice to break the ice with younger teammates. This informal bonding helped Randall quickly become an integral part of the Outlaws’ culture. “I’ve gotten to know a lot of the guys really well and become close,” he said, underscoring the rapid camaraderie. Third‑year long‑stick midfielder Jake Piseno echoed the sentiment, calling Randall “an amazing freaking teammate” who feels like he’s been with the team “this whole time.”

The chemistry off the field has translated into on‑field cohesion, setting the stage for Denver’s defensive resurgence. Randall’s ability to stop opposing attackers complements the elite goaltending of Logan McNaney, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalies in the world.

Impact on Denver’s Defense

The Outlaws rank as the league’s best scoring defense, surrendering just 9.4 goals per game. They have not allowed more than 12 goals in any match and have held two opponents to single‑digit totals. Randall’s on‑ball skills give Denver one of the most disciplined sets of defensive stoppers in the Premier Lacrosse League. Against the Maryland Whipsnakes, he stifled TJ Malone, denying the prolific attacker a point for the first time in his career. That performance reinforced the defense’s role as the backbone of Denver’s chance at a title.

After a solid first half, Randall says the squad is focused on continued growth as they embark on a stretch of seven games in six weeks. “I think we’ve progressed really well throughout this first half of the year,” he noted, signaling optimism heading into the postseason push. The defense’s consistency will be critical as Denver eyes a deep playoff run.

Championship Pedigree

Randall brings more than just defensive savvy; he carries the weight of a professional championship. He was a key cog on the 2022 Waterdogs team that captured the PLL title, and he remains the only player on Denver’s 25‑man roster with a pro championship under his belt. That experience has resonated with his new teammates, who notice a similar tight‑knit culture that helped the Waterdogs maximize their talent. “A lot of us were really tight knit, and I do see that with this team too,” Randall observed, drawing a direct parallel between the two groups.

Soudan’s decision to add Randall was described as “the best third rounder we’ve ever spent,” a sentiment that reflects the financial and strategic gamble paying off on the field. The Outlaws are now positioned to chase the glory they missed by a narrow margin last season, with Randall’s presence seen as a cornerstone of that ambition.

What’s Next for Denver

Denver’s playoff push begins on the shores of Lake Michigan when they face the Boston Cannons this Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. The showdown takes place at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, a venue that has hosted intense lacrosse battles in the past. The Outlaws will look to leverage their defensive strengths and Randall’s steady play as they aim to secure a playoff spot. With the postseason horizon in view, all eyes will be on whether Denver can translate its current momentum into a championship run.