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What a game!

Now that’s how a season should start. Full arena, loud-ass crowd, a back and forth game that epitomized what the NLL is all about.  I think one of the brightest signs for the league right now is media coverage. Sure I didn’t see a single lacrosse clip on any of the major networks Plays of the Year, not even in the “we don’t have enough time for all the sports but here’s what we missed section,” but that’s another bone to pick at a later time.

I happened to be in the mall the day after, returning gifts and looking for some grease to soak up a night’s worth of beverages when I looked up at the projector TV screen that usually shows bloopers and home videos, etc. Sure enough, in big letters, “Shewchuk powers Mammoth to win over Roughnecks 10-9.” I was shocked! Then I get on to a computer and open up my homepage and sure enough at the top of the sports section again, “Mammoth Comeback.”

Really? Somebody at the head office was putting in some serious OT this weekend. Usually we wouldn’t see any type of this information for a day or two. So I thought to myself, maybe the new CBA plan is already working. I would like to think that all the local media outlets are being supplied with information on the games and hopefully the teams’ PR people are getting the word out about home games, inviting them to practices and press conferences. Most teams are fairly good about this, but there is no way we are going to spread the word about this great game if we don’t join forces with the people who have the best outlet to spread the word.

I agree with Chris Hall when he had some complaints about the B2 feed. I know a few people last season that were unhappy with the system taking the in-house feed. Crappy camera angles, fan shots, missed goals, no replays, having to watch an entire game while listening to Willy B tell some guy to “get in the box.” (No offense to Willy – I think he’s one of the best). But come on, guys, Altitude covers all the Mammoth games. Why not take their feed? Again, another topic that will be covered later. At least people can watch the games when they can’t get to them.

Overall I think the opening weekend went off without a hitch.  Jason Wulder showed he can still play, even with that gross yellow Coquitlam Adanac chin cup. Dane Dobbie really impressed me. I was a little worried that the size might be an issue but I think he could be the next “Shooter” Sanderson.

So now we move east, for a match up of a team rebuilding and team still trying to find its identity. I think with this being the last season for the biggest ball hog in the league (not in a selfish way), Jim Veltman, the Rock are going to be a much different team. Throw in Woods and Lough and you have one tough ass D-fense in TO again. I like the young youthful legs of Peterborough — oops I mean Chicago. I think they will steal some games this year and push for the last spot. Look for Toronto to have a big 4th quarter and steal one away. 

So ya, it sucks that we are two weeks in and only 2 games have been played, but hey, lacrosse is back and the wheels are in motion for one the greatest seasons in history!

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