NLL Insider

Another United States victory is in the books at the ILF U-19 World Games, as the American team improved to 36-0 all time at the event and won its sixth straight championship over Canada. But that isn’t all we learned:

1. USA has heart

Everyone knows how athletic and skilled the Americans are in field lacrosse, but what showed during the ILF U-19 Worlds was their heart, pride and passion. There was no way the US should have been able to climb back from a seven goal fourth-quarter deficit against the Canadians, but led by Craig Dowd they did – to help maintain their undefeated U-19 win streak that now stands at 36-0. Impressive.

2. Canada is closing the gap

Canada showed at times that they can compete with the Americans, up 14-7 in the fourth quarter of that round-robin game and tied 7-7 in the second quarter of the final. After the final, both sides admitted that Canada is starting to come into their own at the U-19 level. Of course, Canada did also capture the last men’s worlds in ‘06 and will continue to put a premium on Canadian boxla players with US field experience. See point six.

3. Iroquois live lacrosse

The Iroquois Nationals play some of the most exciting lacrosse you’ll see. It’s fast-paced action with outstanding stick-skill. And lacrosse is more than a game for the Iroquois – it’s a way of life. This was exemplified by the tourney’s leading goal scorer Emmett Printup IV, who hopes to transfer to Syracuse where his father also played. Printup’s farther had a lacrosse stick in his son’s hands at the tender age of two.

4. Tiered skill levels are evident

While lacrosse is growing, there’s still a major disconnect between the top clubs. Japan, who moved up from the developing Red Division in ‘08 was not competitive in the elite Blue Division and Germany, which had swept the Red Division, was outscored 24-2 by Australia of the Blue Division. Australia finished the tournament fifth. England finished fourth after being crushed by the USA 25-5 in their semi-final.

5. Bermuda and Scotland have lacrosse

Bermuda Lacrosse surprised some by showing up from out-of-nowhere at the men’s worlds in ‘06. Their U-19 team also turned heads by finishing the tourney with a winning record and Top 10 finish. Scotland and Finland were also first-time entrants to the tournament showing the game can be played outside of traditional lacrosse hot-beds. Scotland, which had a number of Canadian players, finished second in the Red Division.

6. D1 is the route

Canada’s All-World selections Adam Jones (Canisius), Jay Card (Hofstra) and Kevin Crowley (Stony Brook) all had prior NCAA experience, while young players like Brock Sorenson and Mark Cockerton are headed there (to Ohio State and Virginia respectively). The Iroquois Nationals, England and Australia are too looking to send more players to the NCAA level in order to try and compete with the best.

The Iroquios Nationals and England finished third and fourth, respectively (Dan Brodie)

7. ILF wants to grow

To field competitive teams, the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) allowed some exceptions to this year’s developing Red Division. Germany was able to compete with a few U-21 players, while Bermuda was allowed some U-15 players and a non-passport holder to compete with the minimum number of 18 players. The end result of having more teams can only be positive for player development and growth of the sport.

8. The West is nice

The government’s slogan is ‘British Columbia is Beautiful’, and with the weather for this year’s U-19 Worlds it’d be tough to argue their stance. Also home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, B.C. held a great event, the first-time the ILF has ever trekked out to Western Canada. In addition, early indication is the event was successful financially. Attendance for the final was estimated at 3500.

9. Technology removes boundaries

With live webcasts and scoring up-dates, the 2008 ILF U-19 World Field Lacrosse tournament was accessible to fans from around the world. A general statement, obviously, but that leads to excitement as to what options will be available in four years time when the next tournament rolls around. Who knows, maybe we’ll even have T.V. coverage.

10. Game still connects

Lacrosse players still hold a common bond of sharing the great sport of lacrosse. There was camaraderie at the event from all twelve of the teams as players expressed excitement to take part in what for 98% of them was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (the tourney only happens once every four years). Many players featured at this tournament will also go on to compete for their respective men’s teams, some as early as 2010.

An All-America at Simon Fraser and a decorated Jr. A player for Coquitlam, Kojima began covering lacrosse in 2003 and started working for Inside Lacrosse in 2007. Email him at steve.kojima@nllinsider.com or go to www.laxfuj.com.

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