All applications and supporting information should be received no later than 5:00 pm eastern time on Friday, September 2nd, 2011.  Documentation can be emailed to melissa@lacrosse.ca or faxed to 613-260-2029.

For complete application details, please visit the CLA homepage or follow this link: http://cla.pointstreaksites.com/files/uploaded_documents/357/National_team_director_application_-_box_lacrosse.pdf

When: September 1, 1pm to 5pm

Where: Burnaby Lake West Sports Complex

3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby, BC

Registration: September 1, beginning 12pm. The fee is $ 50 per player payable to the Canadian Lacrosse Association at the evaluation registration.

This session is open to U19 Provincial team players who have submitted their Team Canada applications.

You must pre-register for this session by July 22nd by emailing a.tsang@teamcanadalacrosse.com with your name and contact information.

Team Canada would like to thank the BCLA for proposing that we hold an evaluation session before the Field Nationals and helping to secure the fields.

The Team Canada staff is mindful of the fact that the primary objective for the players this weekend is to compete for the Field National Championship and have designed the session with that in mind. The evaluation session will limit each player to one scrimmage game and position specific drills.

Players who have Provincial team practices or commitments are encouraged to put their Provincial team obligations first on September 1.

From Canadian Men’s Lacrosse Team

Saturday, May 21, 2011

FIL PRESIDENT FORESEES CONTINUED GROWTH OF INDOOR LACROSSE

     PRAGUE _ Holding the world indoor lacrosse tournament outside Canada for the first time provides a springboard to expand the sport throughout Europe, says Federation of International Lacrosse president Stan Cockerton.

     Most of the federation’s 42 members emphasize field lacrosse and world championships have been contested every four years for more than 40 years, while indoor or box lacrosse world tournaments only began in 2003. The third, and first outside Canada, kicked off Saturday with eight entries.

     “The Czech Republic is the only country besides Canada that puts box before field,’’ says Cockerton, a former player from Oshawa, Ontario, who assumed the top FIL post last summer. “They love the indoor game and I know they want to use this as a springboard to try to develop more indoor lacrosse throughout Europe.

     “By being here, we’re speeding that process up.’’

     Where did the push come from expand the realm of box lacrosse?

     From Canada, of course.

     “Back in 2001 or thereabouts we went to the international federation wanting to introduce box lacrosse for a couple of reasons,’’ Cockerton explained. “One was that it’s still the easiest way for all of the 42 members to develop better players.

     “It’s no secret that Canada is good in the sport because we play box lacrosse. There is still a huge gap between No. 42 and No. 1 and No. 2 in the world and the gap is getting even bigger between Canada and U.S. field teams and some of the other countries. Our thought was, if we can get more people playing box lacrosse, that gap will narrow.’’

     Possibilities are endless, he says.

     “I don’t think there is any doubt that box lacrosse will continue to grow. Some people say to me, `You must be disappointed you have only eight teams here instead of 10 or 12.’ I look at that as a negative. We have eight teams. It is what it is.

     “We had world field championships with only four teams for many years. Our patience has paid off there. We’re going to have 40 countries in 2014 in Denver. I don’t doubt for a minute that in our lifetime we’ll see this (box lacrosse) tournament grow, too. I wouldn’t be surprised at all that over the next eight or 10 years the championship will have 12, 16 or 20 teams. I just think it’s one of those things that you can say, something that is good is worth waiting for. That’s why this event is good for lacrosse, and a good thing for Canada. It’s our game. We’ve got eight countries here wanting to play our game. How can that be anything but a good thing?’’

     The 2011 tournament began Saturday with the Iroquois Nationals defeating Ireland 23-3. Players used First Nations passports to travel. A similar attempt last July failed and there was no Iroquois entry in the world field tournament in England.

     “I was never more happy and thrilled than when I walked in the arena today and they were on the floor,’’ said Cockerton. “Iroquois staff and management were devastated by not being able to be in Manchester and the event was not the same without them.

     “They worked very, very hard the last three or four months to make sure that all of their travel arrangements were approved. But, still, you never know what can happen. Now there is going to be some great lacrosse and I’m very, very happy that they are here.’’

     At the Canadian Lacrosse Association’s semiannual general meeting in Dartmouth, N.S., two weeks ago, Cockerton was presented with the association’s Lester B. Pearson Award. A life membership in the CLA came with it. CLA president Joey Harris of Winnipeg made the presentation.

     “On behalf of the CLA and from myself personally, it is an honour to present this prestigious and highest award in lacrosse to Stan as he epitomizes what the award stands for outstanding contributions of sportsmanship and leadership in the game of lacrosse and to the physical and mental development of young Canadians  through his unselfish dedication,’’ Harris said. “His role of promoting lacrosse on behalf of Canada internationally and now as president of the Federation of International Lacrosse is second to none.’’

Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

A number of individual awards were handed out at the closing ceremonies of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships and among the recipients were our Team Canada player and volunteers. 

All World Team:

Attack:

Dan Dawson (CAN)

Casey Powell (USA)

Transition:

Cody Jamieson (IRO)

Defense:

Sid Smith (IRO)

Kyle Rubisch (CAN)

Goalie:

Matt Vinc (CAN)

The Best Individual Players:

Attack: Dan Dawson (CAN)

Transition: Cody Jamieson (IRO)

Defense: Sid Smith (IRO)

Goalie: Matt Vinc (CAN)

Most Valuable Player: Casey Powell (USA)

Spirit of Lacrosse Award:

Jane Edwards (AUS)
Donald G. ‘Doc’ Hedges (CAN)
Jindřiška Válová (CZE)
Peter Dunits (ENG)
Dan Leidl (IRL)
Denise Waterman (IRO)
Ivan Černák (SVK)
Jacques Bagley (USA)
Stew Begg (CAN – officials)

The Canadian Lacrosse Association wishes to recognize the above Team Canada players, along with Stew Begg, CLA Vice President of International Competition, and Doc Hedges, Team Canada physician, who contribute so much to our national team program.  Congratulations to all members of Team Canada for bringing home the gold!

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 29, 2011

CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD STAYS IN CANADIAN HANDS

     PRAGUE _ Canada’s team carted it all the way to the capital of the Czech Republic, and they brought it all the way back home.

     There was no way the players were going to give up the world indoor lacrosse championship shield.

     “We earned it,’’ said captain Colin Doyle. “We were a great team.

     “There’s no doubt about that. Our roster was stacked with talent. This was a team that came here for a purpose and was focused and driven. It was an unbelievable experience with these guys.’’

      Doyle of Kitchener, Ont., and the NLL’s Toronto Rock, is a repeat world champion. Many others on the team were first-timers.

     “I’m just happy to be a part of this,’’ said elated defenceman Bill Greer as he and his teammates headed into the heart of the city for a celebratory gathering. “It’s an absolute honour to be part of this team.

     “It’s such a great group of guys. We played a team defence to shut opponents down and we knew our offence would pile up some goals. We let them do their job and we did our job.’’

     There were many facets of Canada’s domination of one and all, and the goaltending of Matt Vinc was repeatedly mentioned during post-game interviews.

      “Vino was unbelievable,’’ said Greer of Oshawa, Ont., and the NLL’s Edmonton Rush.

      “Vino stood on his head,’’ said Iroquois Nationals forward Cody Jamieson of Six Nations and Vinc’s teammate with the NLL’s Rochester Knighthawks.

       Vinc said he was a little nervous when the Iroquois Nationals opened the scoring in the game for gold.

     “It was a tight game but when we exploded for six in the second quarter that made my job easier,’’ said Vinc of St. Catharines, Ont. “The defence kept them away like they did most of the tournament. I had basically outside shots the rest of the game.’’

     It was a long-awaited championship for Vinc.

     “Losing in the NLL definitely left a bitter taste in my mouth but I had an opportunity to come out here and get to play with arguably the best team in the world,’’ he said. “It’s definitely a great feeling. It’s going to make the summer a little bit easier.’’

      He’s been NLL goalie of the year the last two years.

     “I’m becoming a little bit better mentally in preparing for the big games,’’ he said. “I’m not psyching myself out anymore.

     “The Nationals hit some posts early on and I think earlier in my career that might have spooked me a little bit. Basically, I was able to make one save at a time . I focused on that all year so I think that’s been the biggest thing for me.’’

     Greer and many of his teammates became world champions for the first time.

     “It couldn’t have been a better week and a half for us here,’’ he said. “It was the experience of a lifetime. I’m honoured I was part of it.

      “It’s something I’m going to cherish the rest of my life. I’m just so thrilled I was able to be a part of it and for the rest of my life I’m going to be able to say I was a world champion playing for Canada. It doesn’t get any better than that.’’

     Many of the players now join summer league teams.

    “You wish you could play with these guys a little bit longer,’’ said assistant captain Brodie Merrill. “It was really a great group.

     “I’d played with some of them in the past and some of them for the first time and we were all in it for the right reasons. We played by the principles the coaches set out for us so it was very rewarding to win the gold again.’’

     Pat Merrill set up a key goal in the 13-6 title game win when he intercepted an Iroquois pass and fed his younger brother for a breakaway chance he buried.

     “A little bit of fate intervened there,’’ said Pat Merrill. “I’ll never forget that goal for the rest of my life. It’ll always be special to me.’’

     He said that he and his teammates were full of confidence when they faced the Nationals on Saturday night.

     “I think we were so well balanced that it was just a matter of time before we pulled away,’’ he said. “We were working very hard and were really focused coming in.

     “Vino gave us the saves we needed early and then the offence got going and our defence locked it down. We took it from there.’’

     The Merrills are originally from Orangeville, Ont. Pat Merrill, Doyle and Team Canada teammates Stephan Leblanc and Sandy Chapman had won the NLL title with Toronto on May 15. Two titles in 13 days _ not bad.

     Canada’s most difficult game turned out to be its semifinal clash with the United States, which it won 15-10. The U.S. won bronze be defeating the Czech Republic, which had its highest-ever finish, fourth.

     “One thing I noticed is that the gap is narrowing every four years we hold this competition,’’ said Brodie Merrill, captain of the NLL’s Edmonton Rush. “The Czech team had a great showing and the Iroquois are very talented. Our team had great balance and once we hit our stride we were awfully tough to stop.’’

    It was the third world indoor gold medal for John Grant Jr. of Peterborough and the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth. 

     “I like winning, period,’’ Grant said. “No matter what team you’re on, whether it’s a ball hockey team back home in the gym or the basement of a church or winning the world championship, it’s a thrill and I think that’s why each one of these guys was here. They want to win at whatever they’re doing.

     “I’m just lucky and proud to be on this team. When you’re surrounded by such excellent lacrosse players, it’s just a thrill to be on the floor with them.’’

      Grant has now played in 42 internationals, and he says he’s going to try and stick around for the next world indoor tournament in 2015.

     “I’m going to do my best to come back,’’ he said. “I think I’ve already been given my retirement speech by a couple of the upper echelon staff but I’ll play until somebody tells me I can’t.’’

     Speedy forward Shawn Evans of Peterborough and the Knighthawks came on strong in the final.

   “We have a great team here and we played a great team game,’’ he said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m going to cherish it. I’m just glad to have had the chance to play with these guys and win a championship.’’

     Dan Dawson of Oakville, Ont., and the NLL’s Boston Blazers was a tower of strength at the opponent’s crease, as usual. He was on the victorious 2007 team, too.

     “The feeling never leaves you,’’ he said. “This is probably the best group I’ve ever played with _ from the organizing committee to the coaching staff and to the players. It was the best lacrosse I’ve ever been a part of.’’

     Josh Sanderson of Orangeville and the Blazers was another key contributor in the final.

    “It was a great win,’’ he said. “It was a great team effort.

     “It was probably our best game of the tournament. Vino held us in there while we were finding our legs and after that we played really well.’’

     Canada’s speed was a determining factor, too.

     “We kept working hard and that wore on them,’’ said Sanderson. “We kept going at them and started shooting the ball well and everything started to fall for us.

     “Everybody bought in from the get-go and came to play hard every game to develop good habits, even in the games against teams that weren’t up to our calibre. The good habits started in our exhibition game against the Czech Republic and we just continued on from there.’’

    Jordan Hall of Surrey, B.C., and the Knighthawks saved his best game of the tournament for when it mattered most. He erased a 1-0 Iroquois lead with two goals of his own to put Canada ahead to stay.

     “I’m definitely happy to win,’’ he said. “I’ve had a lot of second place between the Mann Cup and the NLL. It’s been a rough little while with second place so I’m hoping the winning continues now.’’

     Rhys Duch of Victoria and the NLL’s Washington Stealth was another key contributor up front.

     “We set out with a goal in mind and it was almost as if we wouldn’t settle for anything less,’’ said Duch. “I don’t think I’ve ever been around a tournament team that was so dedicated and so committed to a goal.

     “It was a team full of 25 leaders and what emerged was gold. That’s reflective of management, veterans, captains down to the younger players being committed. Coming into the tournament we were the favourites and we just had to prove to everybody why we were.’’

     Blazers rookie D Kyle Rubisch of Brampton, Ont., says winning the title and having a ribbon holding a gold medal placed around his neck was an amazing feeling.

     “I was honoured to be on the team and then to actually win the championship with this group of guys, from the staff to the coaches and players, is awesome,’’ he said. “When you can come together and win something like this for your country, it’s something special for sure.’’

       Rory Smith of Mimico, Ont., and the NLL’s Minnesota Swarm took an early major penalty. He bowed his head in the penalty box, hoping his teammates would bale him out.

      “I thought I cost the team,’’ said the tough defenceman. “But our man short unit played amazing. I actually did a little prayer in the penalty box _ a five-minute penalty in a world championship game is brutal. It’s awful. Thank God, it didn’t matter at all. They got one but Jordan Hall came back and got two. It felt great to see that.’’

       Being a world champion is a new experience for Smith.

      “I never actually won anything in my life so it’s great to win something with Team Canada,’’ he said.

     Brett Mydske of New Westminster, B.C., and the Rush is another outstanding young defenceman.

     “It was an all-around team effort from the goaltending on out,’’ he said after the title game. “People have been saying all tournament that this is the best team Canada has ever put together and we showed it.’’

     Mike Carnegie of London, Ont., and NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks said the defence clicked because everyone was on the same page.

     “The communication level was so high and the skill and athleticism was so high that even if you make a mistake the recovery is there,’’ he said. “The fact a lot of the guys had played together before and had played big games helped, and know what’s on the line and having the willingness to sacrifice and play a role, doing whatever it takes to win, was another part of it. I think that’s why our defence was so good.’’

     Canada’s swift transition breaks had the Nationals reeling.

     “A lot of guys like Brodie, Mydske, Greer and Chappy (Sandy Chapman) can run the ball up the floor really well,’’ said Carnegie. “We had a lot of horses back there. That’s the reason we were able to get the ball up the floor so quickly.’’

    And now he’s a world champion.   

 “It’s a humbling experience to know you’re part of such a quality group,’’ said Carnegie. “Right from management, the CLA representatives, our trainers, it was a first-class organization. I’m just proud and happy to be part of it.’’

     Big defenceman Jeff Moleski was another first-time world champ.

     “It was an unbelievable experience,’’ said the Prince George, B.C., resident and Stealth defenceman. “It’s nice to be the best in the world.’’

     Jeff Zywicki of Nepean, Ont., and the Stealth, who scored the overtime winner in the 2007 world indoor tournament, sat out Saturday but was a team player all the way.

     “It was a good time,’’ he said of the unique experience of playing in the Czech Republic. “Prague is an awesome city. It was a good experience, and it’s great to win. It was a great group of guys and a great win.’’

     Head coach Eddie Comeau, assistants Derek Keenan, Paul Day, Jim Milligan and Glenn Clark did a marvellous job of pulling everything together for executive director Dean French and GM Johnny Mouradian, and Dr. Rardi van Heest and physios Karen Nichol and Stephen Lobsinger kept the players’ bodies together.

     Ward Sanderson, a former Western Lacrosse Association star who now lives in the Denver region, answered a late call to handle equipment and was one of the most inspirational people around the team. Diesel, as some of the players nicknamed him after he volunteered to drive the equipment van, had this to say as he pulled away from the arena with the final load of players.

     “This was the greatest team ever put on a lacrosse floor.’’

TEAM CANADA media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 29, 2011

CANADA’S LACROSSE TEAM WON WITH CLASS

     PRAGUE _ Winning was great but it is how his team won the world indoor lacrosse championship Saturday that most pleased head coach Ed Comeau.

      “When we picked the team quite a while ago, as always, there were a lot of people who questioned players we picked but we picked guys who we thought had talent and character and I think throughout the tournament that showed through,’’ said Comeau. “We played tough and we played hard but we also played clean and disciplined.

     “I’m very proud of our guys and our organization that we were able from start to finish to represent not only our country well but also the great game of lacrosse. I’m very proud and pleased with our guys.’’

     Canadian Lacrosse Association president Joey Harris could not have asked for more.

     “This was a great group,’’ he said. “These guys played with integrity and with respect, and they played hard. It’s one of the best teams I’ve seen in Canada.

     “They were perfect ambassadors for Canadian lacrosse. You couldn’t ask for more from this team. They’re more than deserving of this championship. Each one of these guys will cherish this for a lifetime and we’re awfully proud of them. If our teams in the future are like this in the way they handled themselves, we’re in for a great future.’’

     The 13-6 win over the Iroquois Nationals in the game for gold improved Canada’s record at world indoor tournaments to 17-0.

     The first world indoor tournament was played in southern Ontario in 2003 and the second was in Halifax in 2007. Taking it to Europe to spread the box game was deemed a success by the time players from the eight participating Federation of International Lacrosse members headed for home Sunday.

     “It had a unique feel to it,’’ said assistant captain Brodie Merrill. “We got great support from the local Czech fans. It’s a great city and we were very well taken care of. It was a great overall experience.’’

     The site of the next tournament, to be held in 2015, has yet to be decided but expectations are that it will be played in the United States.

     Assistant coach Derek Keenan, who was in charge of Canada’s offence, offered his explanation when asked why the attack was unstoppable.

     “Most important of all, every one of them checked their egos at the door,’’ said Keenan. “This was a very gifted and skilled group and they all came with one purpose.

     “None of them tried to be THE GUY. They were all, combined, THE GUY. They played as a team. That’s it.’’

     For Team Canada executive director Dean French, who poured so much of himself into this venture, the satisfaction of watching the players succeed was icing on his cake.

     “Our team executed the game plan for the tournament that our coaching staff put together and you couldn’t work with a better group of coaches, players and support staff,’’ said French.

     There’s the big picture, too.

     “It’s an exciting time for Canadian lacrosse and for Canadian sports,’’ said French. “With the 2010 hockey wins at the Olympics and with the 2011 indoor lacrosse win, we’ve now proven we’re No. 1 in both our national sports.’’

     One of the most effective members of Team Canada in Prague was team co-ordinator Alan Tsang, who was on top of everything at all times.

Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 28, 2011

CANADA DEFEATS IROQUOIS 13-6 TO WIN THIRD STRAIGHT WORLD TITLE

     PRAGUE _ Matt Vinc was outstanding in goal and Jordan Hall, Dan Dawson, Shawn Evans, Josh Sanderson and Rhys Duch scored two goals each as Canada defeated the Iroquois Nationals 13-6 to win its third straight world indoor lacrosse championship Saturday night.

     Brodie Merrill, Colin Doyle and John Grant Jr. added single goals as Canada improved to 17-0 in world championship indoor play. It won the inaugural tournament in 2003 in southern Ontario and triumphed again in 2007 in Halifax.

     Cory Bomberry scored twice and Dean Hill, Roger Vyse, Jeff Shattler and Cody Jamieson once each for the Nationals, who had to settle for silver for the third straight time.

     “Credit to the Iroquois,’’ said Ed Comeau, Canada’s head coach. “They never quit.

     “They played hard and they’re a great team. We gained momentum early and kept it going then after that point it was a chase and we felt that if we could control the ball and possessions we’d put ourselves in a position to win the game.’’

     Overtime was needed to quell the Nationals four years ago but the writing was on the wall in this one long before halftime. Vinc and Canada’s defence were playing too well to let this one slide.

     “Matt just left off where he’s been the last couple of years _ NLL goaltender of the year _and he certainly played great tonight. When we needed the big save he made it for us. It was great for him and our defence to hold a great shooting team like the Iroquois to six goals. It’s a huge compliment to our whole squad and Matt was front and centre in that.’’

     Doyle was ecstatic.

     “It feels good to win the gold,’’ said the captain. “We earned it.

     “We were a great team. There’s no doubt about that. Our roster was stacked with talent. This was a team that came here for a purpose and was focused and driven. It was an unbelievable experience with these guys.’’

     Nationals coach Duane Jacobs lamented the hole his team found itself in at halftime.

     “It was a tough one,’’ said Jacobs. “I think we lost the game in the middle of the second quarter when they went on a six-goal run.

     “We couldn’t recover.’’

     Jacobs rued the lost chances.

     “We hit a lot of pipes,’’ he said. “If those ones would have dropped maybe it’s a different, little tighter game.

     “But I’m proud of the guys. We never quit _ we only allowed them four goals in the second half.’’

     Casey Powell of the United States, which won bronze, was named tournament MVP.

     The Nationals scored first in the game for gold. Rory Smith was serving a major penalty for a high hit off ball on Shattler when Bomberry whipped in a sidearm bullet during a power play in the sixth minute. Smith heaved a sigh of relief when his teammates relinquished only the one goal while he sat in the box.

       Hall put Canada on the board when he slithered around his check, faked a shot and fired the ball from in close into a top corner of the Iroquois net. Vinc made several big saves before Hall struck again. He put Canada up 2-1 by diving from behind the net to swing the ball behind Thompson late in the first quarter.

     Canada raced ahead with four goals in the first five minutes of the second quarter. Dawson converted a long pass from Brodie Merrill, who scored himself when Pat Merrill intercepted a pass and fed his younger brother for a breakaway. Evans struck on a fast break and Sanderson fired one in off a pass from behind the net from Colin Doyle.

     It was suddenly 6-1.

     The Nationals then lost starting goalie Mike Thompson when teammate Manuel Johnson hit Pat Merrill from behind into Thompson, who needed support under both arms to go to his team’s dressing room favouring his left leg. Angus Goodleaf took his place.

     Hill made it 6-2, and Canada got the next three. Sanderson scored with a bouncer in close to the crease, Duch worked a give-and-go play with Doyle to beat Goodleaf and Dawson fired in a long overhand bouncer to make it 9-2.

     That’s how it stood at halftime.

     Two minutes into the third, Grant set up Doyle for the 10-2 goal, and Vyse responded with a long sidearm shot to cut Canada’s lead back to seven, 10-3. Shattler made it 10-4 but there would be rally _ not the way Canada’s defencemen were pushing attackers to the perimeter.

     Duch and Grant fired in bouncers and it was 12-4 at the end of the third quarter.

     Jamieson scored early in the fourth and Evans came right back with a shot through Goodleaf’s legs. Canada played keepaway most of the last five minutes. Bomberry scored with 59 seconds left and that was it.

Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 28, 2011

FOURTH IS BEST FINISH FOR CZECH TEAM

     PRAGUE _ The host Czech Republic finished fourth in the world indoor lacrosse tournament and its Canadian goalie, Kurtis Wagar of Whitby, Ont., loved every minute of it.

     “It was probably the best experience of my life,’’ said Wagar.

     The Czech team fell 16-7 to the United States in the game for bronze Saturday and local fans wouldn’t stop with the chants and cheers for the players when it ended.

     “It’s a lot different than back home but the passion and the intensity is the same,’’ said Wagar. “I can hardly understand what some of the guys on the team are saying but I loved it. This is the best they’ve ever done and hopefully four years from now we can do even better.’’

     The sport is growing here by leaps and bounds and the national team had never before played a medal-round game.

     Head coach Jim Veltman, the former captain of the NLL’s Toronto Rock who accepted an invite to coach the Czech team at the tournament, had four Canadians at his disposal.

     Besides Wagar, who was the backup with the NLL’s Philadelphia Wings this year, the others were: Kyle Ross of New Westminister, B.C., who won an NLL pro title with the Toronto Rock on May 15; Chet Koneczny of Owen Sound, Ont., who most recently played in the NLL with the Washington Stealth; and Jamie Plunkett of Peterborough, Ont. Wagar, Ross and Koneczny were eligible through ancestry while Plunkett made residency requirements because he’s played pro hockey in the Czech Republic for the last three years.

     “I’m familiar with the people here and I even play a bit of lacrosse here, too, in the Czech league,’’ said Plunkett. “It’s a great experience.

     “It’s a totally different experience for a lacrosse player. The crowd is singing, and if people watch soccer on TV maybe they can relate to that. No matter what the score is the crowd doesn’t give up on us. They support us 100 per cent and after the game they have banners thanking us. It’s an amazing experience.’’

      The Czech team had finished third in its round-robin pool by virtue of an 18-5 win over Ireland, which earned it a quarter-finals game. It then beat England 12-7 to advance to the semifinals for the first time.

     Veltman didn’t use any of the Canadians in a 19-6 semifinal loss to the Iroquois Nationals. He wanted them well rested for the medal-round game, and he also wanted to give as many Czechs as possible a chance to play in the tournament.

     “We decided to go with an all-Czech lineup to see exactly where Czech lacrosse is at,’’ said Veltman.

    Exactly where would that be?

     “I think it’s very good,’’ he said. “There’s more potential to tap.

     “It’s details of the game they’re forgetting. Other than that, you can see the effort is there and they have enough talent to do things that other big-three country players can do. They’ve just got to keep on working at it. It’s nice to have the Canadians on the team to develop and learn. At the same time, they need to know how far along they are on their own.’’

     In the game for bronze, Casey Powell, Drew Westervelt, Sean Morris and Bill McGlone scored three goals each, Brian Langtry two and Kevin Buchanan and Brendan Mundorf one each for the United States.

     The Americans held quarter leads of 3-2, 7-5 and 12-6.

     It was a chippy battle with the Czechs staying close for one half, thanks in large part to Wagar, but unable to cope with the U.S. attack in the second half.

     Plunkett scored three goals and was ejected after he dropped his gloves with seven minutes left and punched Jack Reid. Petr Poupe scored twice and Jiri Kostal and Radek Skala once each.

     “It’s a different experience, that’s for sure,’’ said Ross. “Not only are you coming over here to play and perform, you’re trying to help teach and grow the game.

     “Every practice was kind of like taking it back to maybe even minor lacrosse. But these (Czech) guys are like sponges. They soak it up. It’s rewarding to watch the Czech players grow, even in this short period of time.’’

     Veltman says he’s thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Czechs.

     “It’s been fantastic,’’ he said. “I know from being with them four years ago just how much this means to them, how much they care about box lacrosse.

     “I think we’re a good match. I love the game, too, and I love to coach and teach. To me, it’s a good relationship. Four years from now, who knows where I’ll be and who knows where they’ll be?’’

Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 27, 2011

IROQUOIS NATIONALS PRIMED FOR TITLE GAME

     PRAGUE _ The Iroquois Nationals are ready to take on Canada for gold at the world indoor lacrosse tournament.

     “It will be the biggest test of the tournament by far,’’ says Nationals star Jeff Shattler. “They’re a powerful team.

     “They pretty much put an all-star team together and we’ve got our work cut out for us but I think we’ve got a good  bunch of guys here and I think we’re going to do great.’’

     An 11-10 round-robin win over the United States has been the toughest test for the Nationals. It got them to the Friday semifinals and they had little trouble dispatching the Czech Republic 19-6 after Canada defeated the United States 15-10.

     “The quality of play is getting a lot better in Europe and the Czech Republic played really well,’’ said Shattler, the NLL’s MVP with the Calgary Roughnecks this year.  “But the one big test we’ve had so far was against the United States and you see what Canada did to the States.

     “So we’ve got our work cut out for us. It’s not going to be no cakewalk, that’s for sure. So we have to bring it 100 per cent. We can’t have any passengers. I think we’ll do fine.’’

     Canada edged the Nationals 15-14 in overtime in the last world final four years ago and that loss remains a bad memory for the Nationals.

      “We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,’’ says captain Sid Smith. “We met up with them in the last two tournament championship games so we’re looking to take this one for us.

     “We’re preparing for a battle. We know it won’t be easy. We’re going to have to bring our A game to win this one but we’re prepared to do that.’’

     Cody Jamieson has been one of the most productive Iroquois forwards this week and he’s eager for the chance to score goals against Canada.

     “We’re ready for it,’’ he says. “We’ve waited four long years. We’re healthy. Get a good night’s sleep and come focused.’’

     Staying out of the penalty box will be a must.

     “We will have to play with emotion but keep our emotions in check,’’ he said. “They’re going to get goals and go on runs. We just have to limit the runs they get and go on a couple of runs of our own _ just play with a lot of emotion but under control.’’

     It was good to get into a game even if it was an easy win against the Czechs, said Nationals coach Duane Jacobs.

     “We were a little rusty with three days off,’’ he said. “But, you know, we’re in the final and that’s what we came here for, to try and have another opportunity to win.

     “It’s going to be a tough task to beat Canada. They’re loaded with talent. For us to give ourselves an opportunity we have to come and play and give it our all every shift.’’

     Having Mike Thompson in goal means anything is possible.

     “Any time you’ve got a top-notch goaltender it never hurts,’’ he said.

     Czech coach Jim Veltman, the Toronto teacher and former captain of the NLL Rock, fielded an all-Czech lineup as he gave his Canadian players to rest up for the game for bronze against the United States on Saturday. The players he used trailed only 3-1 after one quarter before getting blown away.

     He was asked what his thoughts were on the Canada-Iroquois final.

     “In one game of lacrosse anything can happen,’’ he said. “When you have goalies like they do, and they are very physical, Canada is going to have to run, run by them, and transition them as much as possible. I think Canada has more speed but maybe the Iroquois have more toughness. It’s going to be a good game.’’

Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com

From Canadian Men’s Indoor Lacrosse Team

May 27, 2011

CANADA’S OFFENCE KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR

     Canada’s offence took a while to get going but once it kicked into high gear a semifinal win over the United States at the world indoor lacrosse tournament was in the bag.

     It ended up 15-10.

     Goals by Rhys Duch and John Grant to start the third quarter broke a 5-5 tie and Canada was on its way. The Americans got one back but consecutive goals by Duch, Colin Doyle and Duch again made it 10-6. The way Matt Vinc was stopping shots and the defence was pushing Americans to the outside, victory was assured.

     Another run in the fourth, with Doyle connecting on the power play and Dan Dawson adding two quick goals sealed the win.

     Duch and Dawson wound up with four goals each and Grant three, Doyle two and Jeff Zywicki one. An empty-netter by defenceman Jeff Moleski capped the scoring.

     “I started a little show,’’ said Duch. “I couldn’t really catch a break at the beginning.

     “I wasn’t placing my shots too well. They say shoot till you’re hot so I guess that was true for me tonight.’’

     The attackers figured they owed Vinc and the defence some goals after a slow start.

     “That one was for the defence and Vino,’’ Dawson said as the players snacked on bananas and peanut butter sandwiches and downed water and juices to rehydrate.

      “I thought once we got our legs going we were real good,’’ said Josh Sanderson. “Them playing yesterday I think helped them at the start and Vino made some saves for us and then once we got going, especially in the second half, we were good.’’

     Grant looked forward to a good night’s sleep to get ready for the final against the Iroquois Nationals.

     “We’re where we want to be,’’ he said. “We got a good test, which we wanted.

     “We wanted to test our mettle and find out what we have and I think we came to play when we needed to from top to bottom. We’re on the right track and we’ve got a bigger one (Saturday).’’

     Casey Powell led the U.S., with four goals.<

     “We needed to play a near-perfect game,’’ said Powell. “We hung in there.

     “We seemed to dictate the game in the first half. We tied it up after being down three but we came out a little flat in the second half. They took advantage. They’re very smart and well-coached and they made adjustments. They got a nice little cushion and rode that to the end. They had a fantastic team out there so there’s nothing to be ashamed of on our side. We have to regroup and try to win a medal (Saturday).’’

     Captain Chris Schiller said his team’s defence broke down early in the second half.

     “We didn’t start off the way we wanted to in the second half,’’ he said. “What can you do?

     “That’s why they’re the world champs. We fought our tail off. What can you way? They’re a great team.’’

     The Americans are competitively closer to Canada every four years when the world tournament rolls around.

     “U.S. lacrosse is getting better at indoor,’’ said Schiller. “The Canadian players made a couple of comments to me like, `It was a great game.’ It’s all about earning respect and I think we definitely made a step here for U.S. lacrosse in terms of the indoor game so hopefully in four years we can go even higher.’’

 Team Canada media contact: Neil Stevens at loose47@live.com