Drawing the comparison between hockey and indoor lacrosse
Hey all, just checking back in from California. We arrived yesterday, back from the East. After spending a few days there I remembered why I love California so much. It was cold as all **ll back home!! It was nice to see family and friends and get my mind away from the Stealth for a few days. I like to call it recharging my batteries for the home stretch. As bad as things have been, we still have a shot at the post season and that is all that is on my mind right now....starting with the Mammoth at home this coming weekend. Lets get the HP rockin' for this one baby!!! We need it.
I have some time today and want to expand on one of my video blogs. I always get asked the question; "how is indoor lacrosse like hockey?" I try to answer that question as best I can, but today I'll go in to depth to try and convert some of you beloved hockey fans in the United States.
First off, the game of lacrosse is played in hockey arena's...enough said there. That should be enough to get everyone to come give the NLL a try!! If that doesn't work, why don't you come to see the number of goals scored? I love hockey, believe me it is no secret that I am a die hard Habs fan, even though some of you don't approve!! The one complaint I always hear about hockey is that there aren't enough goals scored in a game. They are working on making the nets bigger and downsizing the goaltenders, neither of which I agree as the game seems healthy to me. Indoor lacrosse will give you goal seekers the goals you need. It is normal to watch a COMPETITIVE 12-10 game. Nothing watered down, but an exciting game with many goals.
If that still doesn't do it, try coming for the physical aspect of the game. There are some "HUGE" hits during a lacrosse game, but come to enjoy the constant physical nature of our game. What makes lax so impressive is the fact that the athletes perform their mastery while constantly being pestered by the defenders. In hockey, there are usually bigger hits, but nothing as constant. That of course changes in the playoffs, as those seven game series' in the NHL truly are the best feats of any athletes.
Lastly, come watch lacrosse because the players leave everything they have on the floor. Yes it is action packed and yes it is a cheaper alternative, but the most gratifying part of watching a lacrosse game is the energy and authenticity the players exude. We don't make tons of money, and we don't have any arterial motives. We play because we love the game and we love competing. I can't say if that is true in hockey or any other sport, but I know for a fact that we are truly honest competitors in an ever increasing fake sports world. The downside of not being considered big time are obvious but the upside is that we have not be influenced at all by any outside interests. We play the game because we want to win it. Not because of an endorsement or because of contract extension. We play because we love the game!!
Take my thoughts for what they are worth, but it is part of our job to sell the American Hockey fan to the great game of lacrosse. I say give it a try and tell me what you think, I think you'll love it!!!
Before I leave I have one last note to touch on. I had the chance this weekend to play in the All star game in Colorado. I have many thoughts about the weekend, but one in specific stood out to me. Of course the fans in Denver are awesome, and of course the skill at the game is unbelievable, but my highlight was getting to play with Minnesota's Nick Inch. This may seem strange to many NLL fans, but I grew up in Kitchener with Nick and had many experiences with him as he grew up in the lacrosse scene. I remember presenting him with the player of the game award when I was a referee and he was a novice aged player. I remember coaching him for many years in Jr. A lacrosse and lastly I remember him getting drafted and finally playing in the NLL. Not only does this make me feel a little old, it also makes me really proud. It was great to see him in the NLL all star game, even though he couldn't bury a goal!! I will cherish that memory forever...Way to go Monkey, you deserve it.
Feel free to check out the video attached to this blog as I talk in person about the comparisons between hockey and lacrosse.
Until next time, stay tuned.
Colin #7
steiny31 said March 12, 2009
AlanaG said March 12, 2009
zmystere said March 12, 2009
Cheers
jaydub9 said March 18, 2009
monkeydoodle said April 04, 2009
My son is learning to play box lax with Shaydon at Silvercreek and LOVES it...we've gotten 4 neighborhood kids to give it a try and they love it as well...Last night (4/3) was my 1st Stealth game and I had a blast. You had a great game! I can only hope lacrosse becomes more and more popular. You guys deseve to have the arena FILLED. It does make me feel great to see how many kids are at the game and love it. Thank you for a great night and thank you to the whole team for allowing the kids to get authographs after the game. I am hooled and now, as my famlly teased me, Stealth's #1 fan...have no voice today! Great job to you alll.
We will be coming to more games in the future!...Melissa Cane
CheerPSU82 said April 05, 2009
Lax111 said May 21, 2009
I can't find it.