NLL Insider

It is the time of year to spell out New Year’s resolutions.  The New Year gives us a fresh start to do better in our personal and professional lives.  I haven’t always had New Year’s resolutions.  For a while I was convinced that these types of life-changing resolutions should take place all throughout the year and not just on January 1^st. 

Nonetheless, it is a good time to evaluate your performance from 2007 and to refocus and set your sights on 2008.

One of the endeavors I look back on was the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  I was appointed head coach for Team USA by US Indoor Lacrosse.  USIL’s main objective was to assemble a team for the championships, but the secondary motivation is to develop box lacrosse in the states.  We went into the competition with dreams of gold, but left proud of our third-place performance. 

The event started the day after the NLL championship nearly half a continent away.  The event overlapped with the start of the MLL season and the last few rounds of the NCAA Tournament.  Most professional players who simultaneously hold down regular jobs take so many days off during the year to play lacrosse that it does not leave much room for a week in Halifax.  Ultimately, I was proud of the 21 players who cared enough about representing their country to make the sacrifices necessary to be on that team.  It gave a few players a chance to step outside their typical role and shine.  One player that stands out is Matt Alrich.  A defensive player for the NY Titans, Matt was the team’s leading scorer throughout the tournament.

With that over and four years until the next championships, the USIL adjusted its focus on developing box lacrosse in the U.S.  In October, the USIL held a free agent combine in Aston, Pa., for NLL team coaches and GMs.  There were 72 players and 5 NLL teams in attendance.  Much of the scouting for NLL rosters takes place in the summer months in the Canadian box leagues.  Exposure for U.S. players isn’t as easy.  Of the players who attended, 30 were invited to NLL tryouts or training camps.  At least 2 players are now in the NLL, Jeff Bigas and Chris Collins, both playing for NY.  If Boston were playing this year, that number would most likely be higher.

With 2008 upon us, USIL is looking to continue our efforts in promoting box lacrosse.  With the goal of helping U.S. players realize their dreams of playing in the NLL or for future USA teams, we are about to release plans for a U.S. developmental squad.  One step in helping U.S. players learn this great game.

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