Be A Lacrosse Fan

I love lacrosse. That is no secret. I love to play. I love to coach. I love to watch. Lacrosse is such a great game, and over the years the lacrosse purists have wanted fans to share our passion.

The frustrating part, for the most part is that “selling” our game to the non lacrosse people out there has not always been easy. Lacrosse people love lacrosse, but the problem is lacrosse people DO NOT fill lacrosse arenas to watch lacrosse. What is that you ask? – “What are you talking about Mike”? “We love to watch lacrosse”. Well, sorry to tell you, that is not the case.

Case in Point!

·         When you go to a Senior A lacrosse game in Ontario in the summer, is it sold out? No, it is not. Not even close. There is a smattering of loyal fans, family, friends and fans….but not many. Keep in mind that the players playing in the Summer League are for the most part the Pros that you watch in the winter. Weird, don’t you think?

·         In order to attract fans to the game we love, the rules have been “played” with. For example, probably the biggest change was the bigger nets. Wow. To me, that was a big mistake.

 (but that is me)

So the thing that continually haunts me….I mean really it bothers me…how do you make fans fall in love with lacrosse to the same level that I love to play.

Let me re-word that. I love Lacrosse.  (I know I said that) – I have a passion for this game that is even hard to describe…so here is our challenge. How do we transfer our love for this game to a fan?

If the fans loved this game as much as I love to play this game…the arenas would not be big enough to hold the fans. Seriously. That is the solution. However, that is not the case…and the fans are not filling the arenas…not to capacity. I want capacity. The thought of capacity crowds excite me.

I was one of the coaches for The Brampton Excelsiors when we won the Mann Cup in 1992. It was a sudden death overtime victory where present Toronto Rock Coach Troy Cordinley scored a beautiful top corner goal and the capacity crowd in the “sweaty” over capacity arena went wild. I remember my brother-in-law (not a lacrosse player, but a big sports fan) said after the game to me that “that was possibly the best sporting event I have ever seen”.  That type of energy is what we need. How do we get there? That is the big question.

The crowds in the NLL have been solid, I would even say loyal…but they are not capacity…and I am greedy. I want capacity crowds. Athletes feed off of fans, and fans feed off of players…you all know the feeling I am talking about. Have you been to a sporting event that it felt “electric”? It is Crazy!

The Canadian Lacrosse League (known as CLax) is a new Professional Lacrosse League that begins play in January of 2012.

There are three venues, The GM Centre in Oshawa will be home to the Oshawa Machine and The Durham Turfdogs. The Brampton Powerade Centre will house the Peel Avengers and the Brampton Inferno. The Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations will be home for the Iroquois Ironmen and the Oshweken Demons.

This new league is trying something a little different, and that is what has me interested. CLax is creating an entire lacrosse experience. There is of course the Pro’s. These players did not make the NLL (yet) but the Lacrosse talent pool is huge…and these athletes will be quick, strong and fun to watch.

There is a Junior CLax League for players from 10 – 19 that will be able to “play like a pro” – same jerseys, same venues, it is going to be a lot of fun.

There is a Masters CLax League for players 22 and over that just want to have some fun. Same venue, following the Pro Game .  I am sure you know by now, I am the Commissioner of the new Masters League…and the main reason (aside from my love of the game) – is I believe in what the CLax Pro league is doing. There have been rule changes…but not really “new” rules…more like the “old” rules that are “new” again. The game will be fast…really fast….edge of the seat fast, and you don’t want to miss it.

Go to the CLAX website right now and order your tickets….and get ready for Lacrosse.

For Junior CLax contact Joel at jjohnson@clax.ca

For Masters CLax contact Mike at mike@passitonsports.ca

Websites.  – To order tickets or to sign up for leagues go to www.clax.ca  

Also there is Masters Registration at www.passitonsports.ca

Let's Be A Lacrosse Fan.

CLax Big News!!

Good day Everyone.

 

 

CLax (the NEW Canadian Lacrosse League) has announced a great addition the the season with the creation of the CLax Master's Lacrosse League...and guess who is commisioner. 

 

Yours Truly Mike McMillan has been named Commissioner of The New Exciting Master's League.

The New Master's League will be a 4 - 6 team league for players 22 and over with teams in Brampton and Peel playing out of the Powerade Centre and Oshawa and Durham playing out of the GM centre in Oshawa.

I am not sure how much you know about the new CLax league, but it is a new Pro league that has made some interesting rule changes. The funny thing is the rules are going "back" to the way we use to play in a way. There will be much less 5 men on and 5 men off (which is something that I think has slowed the game down) and there will be no moving picks or slashing off the ball. Promises to be a fast paced exciting game.

 

As a matter of fact they have a tremendous season ticket offer out right now. Follow your favorite team for only $75. Wow, that is a great price....works out to $5.77 a ticket.

They are also operating a Junior CLax league for players between 10 - 19 that will give the kids a "pro" experience. Great idea. Anyone interested in the Junior CLax for their kids...email Joel at jjohnson@clax.ca

Now, back to TheCLax Master's League will run from January to the end of March and will feature players like ex Toronto Rock Jim Veltman. Imagine yourself passing Jim Veltman the ball on a breakaway, and he shoots it wide. You get to trash talk him. (he might score though) add that to your lacrosse resume.

 

Should be a lot of fun.

 

•  A 12 game schedule that will see Masters playing after the Pro games, plus playoff participation in the Final Four Championship Weekend.
• We can Accommodate up to 6 Master's Teams - 15 players 2 goalies
• Weekend Game Nights - Friday's (10:15 - 11:15pm), Saturday's (9:15 or 10:15pm games) and Sunday (8:15,9:15 or 10:15pm games).
• Four 12 minute quarters - 5 minute overtime and shootouts, no sister kissers (ties)
• All venue floor time, referee costs and insurance as well as team t-shirts is covered in registration.

And here is the Big Plus!!!

A League pass to all Pro games including Final Four Weekend (a $300.00 value)

For more information and to register

please contact Clax Masters Commissioner Mike McMillan at mike@passitonsports.ca

 

It is a first come - first served, league. If you email me, I will send you a copy of the League Flyer and a registration form, otherwise, it will be available starting tomorrow on my website.

 

              www.passitonsports.ca

 

and the CLax website

 

                www.clax.ca

 

 

I feel as though the concept of this league is totally in line with everything I know about lacrosse.

The sport that we love, and a league that includes kids, and Master's and offers a great brand of exciting lacrosse.

 

Don't miss it. Be a part of something really special.

 

                                 

 

CLax Master's Commisionner

Mike McMillan

Believe in Magic?

There is one thing I have learned over the years, in every facet of my life, and that is...have an open mind.
Do not be afraid to try new things, things you never ever thought you would try when you were younger.

My subject today is physical therapy, and the many different options available to you.

I have found that as many people that you ask about methods of healing, you will get that many different answers, so it is something that experience is definitely the best teacher.

I don't even want to get into the massive debate about  Western Medicine vs  Eastern Medicine. That is an interesting debate. I of course will be Sweden in this argument-- neutral, simply because, I have a good family doctor that I trust and rely on, plus I do use some alternative therapies that I have found success with.

I have played sports my entire life, and for the most part have been somewhat injury free...no horrible injuries that have sidelined me for a long period of time. However, as I occasionally check my driver's licence (your age is right on there my boss reminds me) and I get older, and continue to play sports, the injury situation seems to be escalating. I get calf injuries, achilles, groin, hamstrings, back, and now hip.
A physical specimen really.

Physiotherapy

I have been a physiotherapy supporter as long as I can remember, maybe because my Mom worked in the office for a clinic for a long time, but mostly because when I have had injuries in sports, I have gone to a physio and had success.
My most recent experience with a physical therapist is my friend Silvana Yee. As some of you know, she accompanied us to Manchester, England for the 2010 World Field Lacrosse Championships.
We played in the Grand Master's Division (45+) so Silvana definitely had her work to do...and what Ms. Yee did in England was nothing short of magic. Our team had a lot of injuries and for her to keep us on the field and competitive, was amazing.
Silvana works at Upper James Physio in Hamilton. Drop in for some "magic".

Chiropractor

At first I admit, I was not a big fan, all the back "cracking" and neck "twisting, can't be good for you. Well guess what, that is because I never went, I never understood what they did. I was very wrong.
For well over a year I had calf, hamstring and achilles problems, it felt like they were "pulls" but they came and went and always seemed to happen at the strangest time. Someone suggested I go to a chiropractor, and there was actually a new clinc, five minutes from my house. I met Dr. Julie C. Aucoin-Costanz, and she x-rayed my back, and in no time diagnosed my sciatica and started my treatment. One month later (and this was five years ago) I was better, and this problem has not come back. Was it magic?

Massage Therapy

If you have never had massage therapy, you have no idea what you are missing. A good massage therapist can do so much for aches and pains in your body. I once had a really painful calf injury, I went to a massage therapist. He asked me what my pain threshold was, and I said, pretty good. He said the deeper into the tissue he can get, the more he can help me. Well guess what? It hurt like hell, I was waiting for him to give me a bullet to bite down on, and a shot of whiskey. But...three sessions later, I was running again. Magic, no?

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, like most therapies, is not for everyone. I have talked to numerous people, for some it works, for others not. I can tell you, I am one of those that has tried acupuncture with great success. I am actually fascinated with it. For those of you that don't understand it, it is basically the art of inserting needles into pressure points in your body to relieve and control pain. If you have pain and have not been able to manage it, you may want to consider acupuncture. It truly is magical.

I am fortunate enough to have a great massage and acupuncture clinic within walking distance of my house. A husband and wife team (Bill and Lee Lee) - professional and effective team. They operate as Thomas Therapy and Rehab Clinic at 7-3375 Thomas Street in Mississauga. 289-997-5918.
 Give them a call and tell them Mike sent you.

It will be magical!

The Kid is back!!

Sid the Kid (Sidney Crosby) is back, playing for the first time in the NHL in 11 months.

He is playing tonight in Pittsburg against the New York Islanders.

There is a lot of buzz around the league, around the country, pretty much any where you go, they are talking about Mr.Crosby. I, for one, am thrilled to see him back. He is a superstar, and we need superstars in the NHL. I love watching sports, and if you know me, I have said many times, I love to watch athletes who are the very best at their sport.

When Sidney left the game with his concussion(s) last January, he was hot. He was putting up big numbers, and it was exciting. To top it off, nobody is really lighting it up the year. Phil Kessel is leading the league in goals and points, and has from the start of the year, almost 2 months.

PHIL KESSEL!! Not to malign Phil, but where are the Sedins? Alex Ovechkin? Nobody is dominating. We need someone to light it up.

Can Sidney do it? Will he be strong enough? Will he be mentally tough enough? Will he go into the boards with reckless abandon, or will he be tentative? All good questions, and only time will tell.

I am not a Doctor, not sure if you knew that...so I really am not sure where Sid's "melon" stands right now, and what will happen if he gets hit. I have heard so many discussions about silly things (or maybe not silly)...but here goes:

•  Who will give Sid his first body check?
• If it is a cheap shot or head shot, how will the team react?
• Furthermore, how will the league react?
• More importantly, how will Sid react?
• Will he be the same athlete?

ok, my opinion?  Here we go.

Sidney Crosby is a phenomenal athlete and hockey player, and a great ambassador for this game. I personally think that after the Kid laces up his skates tonight, takes a couple of shifts to shake out some nerves, takes a couple bumps, makes and takes a couple of passes or shots....then all will be well. Seriously.

This is his game. He has played it since he could walk...(or skate). Athletes like this are rare, and you will see this over the next couple of weeks. The "old" Sid, is back...and I for one am thrilled.

Go Sid. Show them all. Just be yourself.

Canadian Pro Lacrosse

I am sure a lot of you know this by know, but if you do not, let me be the first to tell you, there is a new pro lacrosse league in Canada, and it is called CLax.

For now The Canadian Lacrosse League will be operating in Ontario only, involving 6 cities.
The teams are as follows:

There has been a lot of attempts at pro lacrosse over the years, dating back to the 70's. Some have worked, most have not. The NLL seems to be doing a decent job, however there are still some problems i have with it. CLax is a league I personally do not know a lot about, but I do have an opinion as to what I think about this new league.

Here are some thing I really like:

1. Two teams sharing one venue. Smart. For example Oshweken and Iroquois will play at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations. Peel and Brampton will share The Powerade Centrre in Brampton and Oshawa and Durham will share the GM Centre in Oshawa.
2. Good people. Lacrosse names like Paul St. John and Jim Veltman can only be good for any lacrosse league.
3. Affordable. They have a season ticket deal going for $75 - awesome. They have a Triple Header in Oshawa on December 17 for $2. I have always said we need to get people to the games...take the opportunity and go.
4. Involve youth. CLax has a program where they have a mini-pro league with the kids...same venues, same uniforms, the whole experience of the pros. I love it.
5. Offense. For those of you that know me, you know I like offense, goals, shots etc. You know how I feel about the Pro lacrosse now. Remember my Blog in June? Pro Lacrosse. CLax is addressing some of my concerns with some cool rule changes. They are not allowing the 5 on 5 off on offense and defence...I really like that...and they are not allowing moving picks. The "cross check pick" and moving picks in the NLL I find ridiculous. Clax is also not allowing players cutting the middle to be crosschecked. Should be a really fast paced game. For all rules check out CLax Rules.

I am sure there are some you out there that can find some "cons" of CLax to my "pros" - but for now, I am all for it. From these eyes...Job well done. (so far)

Canadian Lacrosse League

Good Luck to all!

Golf is not Over

I am sure most of you know of The Ryder's Cup. A golf team event where the best golfers in the USA takes on the best golfers in Europe in a team format golf tournament. I love it.


 This week it is The President's Cup.

The President's Cup is happening this week in Australia at  The Royal Melbourne Golf Club. This is again the greatest golfers from the USA, this time competing against the best International Players in the world. The way this works is the top 10 golfers automatically qualify by points, based on their performance throughout the year and then the Captain's can pick two more players each to give them each 12 players.

The Captain for Team USA is Freddie (Boom Boom) Couples, one of my favorite golfers, a player that I think could easily be playing in this weeks matches and do well, but this time he is the leader.

Team International is being Captained by the incomparable Greg Norman, another of my favorite golfers.

Now for the teams.



I am not about to analyze these two teams, and tell you will win...but I will say this. There are a lot of really solid golfers in this group and I think this could be an incredible event to watch....and the good news is....wait for it.....You can watch it Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Prime Time. Does TV get any better than that? I have not even told Patti about this television viewing opportunity yet, but I am sure she will agree....this is going to be a great event.

For more on the format and times follow along on the PGA website.

p.s. I pick The Internationals to win.

Lest We Forget!

There is so much going on in the world...it has me perplexed. I understand some of it, I sort of understand some more of it, and then there are the things that I just don't get.

Let's start in reverse order.

Things I just don't get.

• occupyers (is that even a word?) I am not sure I get their point. Yes I too wish I was in the 99th% of wealth, but alas, I am not. I work hard, really hard, and my mind is always open to new ideas and opportunities, always hoping to sometime have it all. It has never once occurred to me to go to a city park and plop down a tent. I don't know why they are still there, they made some valid points...(I guess)....but it is time to leave.
• poppy box stealer's. - really, stealing poppy boxes?...hard to fathom for most....weird thing is, the cameras in stores these days are really getting a lot clearer....I just don't get why people don't know that.
• student rioters in State College,P.A. - if you are a Paterno fan, fine, but for students to violently protest the firing of a man who knew of a really pathetic deprived situation, and he said nothing about it? -Why are you protesting? I don't get that.

Thing I sort of get.

• I understand why Sidney Crosby and James Reimer are not playing. Sort of. I mean Sidney to a couple of nasty shots to the head and suffering from a concussion...but what is really going on? I want Sidney back, the NHL needs him. When will he be back?
• James Reimer? Weird, took a shot to the noggin, and that's it has not been back. Nobody is saying what is wrong. "upper body injury".Not even his Mom seems to know what is going on. Now that is secrecy. It is only hockey guys...just tell us, what is wrong?

Things I totally understand.

• This is November. However, for some people it is Movember...which for those of you that don't know is a fundraising project. Men who participate shave on the 1st day of Movember and for the rest of the month work on their moustaches, all the while raising vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer. My Dad had prostrate cancer along with Alzheimer's when he passed away. My brother Steve and my son Stuart are both participating, they are on Team ZimMo Canada. If you wish to have a look at their 'stache and even donate to the cause got the the Movember Website and search out their team.
• Remembrance Day. November 11, 2011. Take a moment to remember the men and women that gave their lives so that we can live ours, with freedom and dignity. Thank You so much.

Sports Update

I am sure a lot of you are up to date on the sports news that is going on, but I like to make sure you are tune with the Right Stuff.

1/. Did you know what The Baggataway Cup is, and if you do, did you know it is happening this weekend in London, Ontario? The Baggatawy Cup is awarded annually to the Canadian University Men's Field Lacrosse Champion. Last year's champion was McMaster, but this year they did not make it to the championship weekend.
Last night Brock defeated Carleton by a score of 13 - 7 and will play McGill in the Semi-Finals @6pm, Saturday Nov 5th.
Also Bishop's defeated the home team Western 8 - 4 and will now face Guelph in the other semi @8pm, Saturday Nov 5th.

Good Luck boys!!

Click to follow weekend. 

2./ The Minnesota Vikings -

My team. I consider myself brave to put that out there. But I am not shy. The Viking are horrible this year, and have caused me years of stress and heartbreak. The Vikings have been to the "big show" 4 times and lost. Even worse than that was the Brett Favre interception a few years back against New Orleans. That just hurt. However, I soldier on, knowing (hoping) that next year is the year. The vikings need a new stadium...have a look at their promo video...makes you want to wear purple don't you think?   New Stadium.

3./ While I am pushing "my" teams......



                                                            I am just saying.



4/. Steve Williams - ex caddie of Tiger Woods, present caddie of Adam Scott.
Last night he made a statement in front of a lot of people in Shanghai at an awards ceremony. He was asked about his first tournament with Adam Scott in Akron, Ohio, with Tiger in the field. His answer was "My aim at Akron was to shove it right up that black a**hole," said Williams.
The entire room was shocked. I am shocked. Why do people in the limelight continually do things to sabotage their own careers. Steve Williams has made millions off of Tiger....and continues to make money with Adam. He has it all. (he had it all)
Well, in my opinion...not any more. Adam Scott should fire him....and nobody else dare pick him up.
He is done. Maybe other people can learn from this...and maybe my Mom was right when I was growing up....she always said (you may have heard this) "If you don't have something nice to say about someone, than say nothing at all".
She's a smart one, that Mom of mine.