Canada vs The World - Great Game

On a dreary winter day - at high noon....there was a lacrosse game.

It was the Team Canada (Molson Canadians) Grand Masters Field Lacrosse Team vs Team World (Mason Allstars).

We were playing at the beautiful Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC). in Oakville.

This Lacrosse facility is state of the art..and if you are a lacrosse player, or fan, I highly reccomend that you drop by and check out this place.

Today was a great opportunity to work off some Christmas Turkey, and get in some exercise.

The Molson Canadians are preparing to travel to Denver in July for The World Field Lacrosse Championships and compete in the Grand Masters Division (50 plus) against some tough competition. Our team is looking for games indoors and outdoors leading up to Denver.

This game was a lot of fun. Competetive, fast (in relative old man terms) and close.

The Young guns went out fast and were quickly up 2 to 0 before the old guys even had their Volteran beginning to work. But, the boys came back, and quickly it was 2 - 2. Game on.

From there it was a seesaw affair most of the day. The goaltenders on both sides were solid - playing in the big NLL Nets...which of course are a whopping 5" wider than the regular box lacrosse nets.

The Molson Canadians led the game late 10 to 8 and when Team World scored with just over a minute to play to make it 10 to 9  it was anybodies game. Team Canada's goalie Brad Sanderson would stand tall though and would preserve the win for the Denver Bound Squad.

Team Canada 10   Team World 9

Great game - Great fun.

The Countdown to Dnver is on.

Canada vs The World - Lacrosse Game

Canada vs Anybody......has a good ring to it. I love challenge games.

I love the Ryder Cup Golf  (U.S.A vs Europe)

I love The Presidents Cup Golf (U.S.A vs Interntaional Team)

World Cup Soccer, The World Juniors Hockey (which start on Boxing Day)

The Olympics 2014 (which start in February).

I am sure all of you know, and love a lot of these events.

But there is one Major Sporting event you may not know of.

Date: Decemeber 28 2013

Time: High Noon (reminds me of the Old Westerns on TV....showdown at High Noon).

Place: Toronto Rock Athletic Facility (Oakville, Ontario)

Teams:

Team Canada (sort of) - A group of age 50+ guys (old in other words) that are playing field lacrosse in the World Championships in Denver in the Summer of 2014 in the Grand Masters Division.

vs.

 

Team Mason AllStars (aka Team World) (sort of) - A make shift group of  young guys (compared to us) put together especially for this big game....that are ready to kick ass.

 

The Award:   The PassItOn Sports.ca Virtual Cup (in other words -Nothing)

 

This is a great chance for our Field Lacrosse guys to kick some rust off - work some turkey off, and get a little team bonding in....there are only 7 months until Denver and the time is ticking.

 

 

If you are tired of shopping, and worn out from food, and you have watched enough paint dry...come on by the TRAC and cheer on your favorite players.

 

 

Here are some Team Canada Stars.

 

                                  Kevin B, Scotty (Grant Jr.) and Warren (all World D.)

 

 

                                            Pete and Gary - Our Awesome Attack!

 

                                                             Bobby S - Focused!!

 

 

 

                                                        Super Joe and Cort.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  Warren D. and me.   (in training)

                           

 

 

Come on out and watch - if not, I will let you know how the big event goes. Should be a lot of fun.

 

In the Meantime - Myself and Patti want to wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas.

 

May all your dreams come true.

 

All the best.

 

 

 

Mike.

Toronto - First Place Baby!!

No...not the Leafs.....they are struggling a wee bit.
No...not the Argos...their season is over.
Not TFC (dead last this year) - Not the Toronto Rock (season is a month away).

Yes Basketball fans...you figured it out. The perennial powerhouse Toronto Raptors are in first place (in the Atlantic Division) in the NBA's Eastern Conference, and don't forget, being in first place, they are also seated 4th in the Conference and if the season ended today...they would HOST a playoff series.

Ha!!

That is amazing!! - Why is it so amazing?

Is it because they are on a roll right now?  No - they have lost 3 in a row.
Is it because they came out of the gates smoking? -No - Mediocre at best.

How is this possible...that a team that is playing "so so" (actually worse then that) - that has lost 3 in a row, and really don't look like they can win on any given night...how is it possible that they are in First Place?


Answer.

Amazing really - to me anyway.

This is not normally a slouch division, but alas, nobody here cares about winning, or just can't.

Raptors have 6 wins and 10 losses and are in first place. Now that is funny. (or is it sad)?

This is one of the reasons I am not a big fan of Divisions. I prefer Conferences....line up all the teams in One Big Conference and the top 8 teams are in. Seems too easy, too logical, maybe that is why it will never happen.

I am a big basketball fan...and furthermore I love the Toronto Raptors. I want a good team, a competitive team, and I want my team in the playoffs.

                                          Demar Derozan - A bright sport for the Raptors.

I was at the Raptor/Miami Heat game last week. The Heat won, 90 - 83. Nobody is surprised by that result. The Heat are two time defending champions, so big deal, they beat the lowly Raptors. But this is where true fans get mad. If you watched that game, Miami did not win..."easily" They did not dominate. The Raptors had so many chances, but missed open shots, made silly mistakes, sloppy turnovers etc. The Raptors could have won this, and The Raptors could win many other games this year they have lost...but they still have that one missing ingredient. This missing element from Toronto has been missing for a long time. The "Killer Instinct". I am not talking about one or two guys. I am talking the whole team. They have to be able to play with a lead and close it out. They can't. They won't. They let game after game after game get away. No Killer instinct.


Good teams close the deal. Are you hearing me Raptors? - Get mad. play tough. Close the deal.

But for now?  First place baby!!!!

Lacrosse Concussion Lawsuit

Concussion -  temporary unconsciousness or confusion and other symptoms caused by a blow to the head.

Concussions are the "hot topic" of the day...especially in heavy hitting sports like football and hockey. There is no question that this is a serious subject and all leagues are standing up and taking notice. Equipment is being improved, rules are being changed and everybody seems to be interested in making these sports more safe.

Here is what bothers me: The Lawsuits.

For example:

NFL
There has been a settlement worth a proposed $765 million in the NFL's concussion case that included some 4500 former players suing the league over head trauma. The settlement breaks down to $170,000, on average, per player (see more on this article)

NHL
It finally happened: Ten retired NHL players are suing the NHL in a class action lawsuit alleging that the league didn't do enough to protect their brains.
(see more on this article)

I do not want to make light of the seriousness of a concussion, as it causes a lot of pain and suffering for the victims, and their families -- and often long term.

...but...

Give me a break.

Actually, come to think of it...I think I might start my own class action lawsuit. We could be RICH!!! What a great idea. Who wants in?

Here is my plan.

1/ I will start my calling my buddy Stu. Not only is he a lawyer, he is also a lacrosse player (we have played together since I was six). He has also been hit on the noodle more times then a piñata at a Mike Tyson birthday party. He is the perfect guy for this. - In Stu's first year of lacrosse, helmets were optional...this is going to be great.

                                               Exhibit "A"  - Concussion Worthy?

2/ Determine who we should sue:

- Start with my parents I think, it is their fault after all to get me involved in this violent sport to begin with - What were they thinking? - I could get hurt...what is wrong with synchronized swimming or cross country running?
 - Of course, I would have to sue my brothers (sorry guys) - but you guys hit me in the head...a lot. Especially my youngest brother, also a lacrosse player. (Tippy). You may have read the story in an earlier blog - the one where he kicked me in the head with his one "sundaygotomeeting" shoe on. He is definitely getting sued. (read that old blog here)
- Next - Minor lacrosse must also be to blame, after all, it must be their fault that some crazy kid drove my head into the boards from behind and his crazy parents were cheering him on.(I will sue the crazy kid - he might be Rich now - and his crazy parents too).
- Sue all the lacrosse organizations: there should have been disclaimers at minor lacrosse registration that said "if you play lacrosse you might get your bell rung, and if you do, you cannot sue us many years later".
- Sue the equipment manufacturers...they should have designed better equipment, a long time ago...what were they waiting for?

                                        What a beauty!!

- We are definitely going to sue the NFL and the NHL - they have very deep pockets and my years of watching these two great sports made me think getting hit in the head was ok. This is going to be great. We will be Rich.   $$$$$

- Sue all the booster clubs I have ever been in. Lord knows how many times I have bumped heads in a booster club. We should have had helmets on. Someone should have told us.

I guess I could go on and on here. This could be the greatest lawsuit of all time.

**Notice**

For those of you that don't appreciate satire, let me say this. Although I have empathy for all those people that are affected by serious concussions, I do also think that ultimately, we have to take some responsibility for our own decisions. Especially the athletes that choose to play these rough, head jarring sports professionally, and get paid a lot of money to do it. I wonder out of all the NHL and NFL players that get money on this lawsuit played the game, just because they loved it. Playing a game they love...knowing it was rough, and getting paid...and now suing. Interesting.

I wonder if anyone has told the UFC guys about this whole concussion thing. Ha. That is funny.

Please share your comments on my facebook page or my twitter page @passitonsports and add #lacrosseheadbump to join the conversation.

My Top 5 Sports

What is your favorite sport?  Can you answer that without doubt? Or does it depend?

For me...it really depends. You can break down sports into 3 categories for me.

Favorite Sport to watch on Television.
Favorite Sport to watch live.
Favorite Sport to play.


After having a look at this myself...I was kind of surprised.

Here we go.


Top Five Sports to watch on TV  (for me)

1. NFL Football. The NFL just gets it. They have the best coverage, the best video highlights, the best announcers, the best analysis (sometimes too much) - It is a slick, professional production from start to finish. I guess that is why they have the best ratings....easily.

2. NBA Basketball.   I know the NBA is not on many peoples list as Number 2. But it is on mine. I almost put this as number one. The NBA is a sport I can watch...anytime, any teams. I love the sport. I love the athleticism and the skill displayed by these great athletes.

3.  NHL HOCKEY - For the people from Canada, I am sure this is Number One on a lot of lists. And why not...fast paced, hard hitting, and great television production. Nice way to spend a Saturday night. And the winner? - takes home The Stanley Cup.

4. PGA GOLF - For some Golf is a snooze fest. For me, It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. My Dad watched Golf for years, I never really got it. I do now. It takes me to a different place. Warm weather, green grass, and great golf. I love it. Of course, I do like the Majors the best...especially the Masters.

5. CFL Football - The CFL has been around for a very long time. It always struggles to get viewers...but from a purely "entertaining" product... I am a fan. It is a crazy quirky game, with tons of motion at all times. There are more great finishes in CFL games then you would believe. Try it out sometime.

Top 5 sports to see live


1. - NBA Basketball - love the whole experience - start to finish
2. - NHL Hockey - fast pace....lots going on
3. - NLL Lacrosse - a great "fan experience" - love the game (even without a consistent fast break)

 



 

 

4. - PGA Golf - have you ever seen these guys live....the are really really good.

 

5. - NCAA Football - If you have never done this....DO IT -  An experience you will not soon forget.

 

 

Top five sports that I like to play (includes my childhood)

 

1. - Lacrosse -  Far and away the best sport to play - ever. Box Lacrosse, Field Lacrosse, Pickup lacrosse, whatever....I love this game.

2. - Basketball - A "similar game" to lacrosse. I love this game too....competitive or even shooting hoops in the driveway.

3. - Ball Hockey - better known as road hockey back in the day...I could play this game forever on a crisp fall afternoon

4. - Golf - a Beautiful  4.5 hour walk...good exercise...good for the mind, and every single time it is a challenge, no matter what your skill level.

5. - Touch Football - get off of Facebook...forget about Twitter....get outside with some buddies and play some touch football, a great way to have some fun.

 

 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Some events I love to watch...I did not list....because they are in a Specialty category.

 

NCAA March Madness (Basketball)

 

Ryder Cup Golf

 

Olympics (Winter or Summer - I am easy)

 

Playoffs (if my team is in the playoffs, in any sport...the interest level picks up big time) - For example, I don't really like watching MLB Baseball...but when the Blue Jays were in it in the early 90's...I was glued to the TV and I hung on every pitch. It was amazing.

 

 

I know I have left a lot of Your Favorite Sports out. Please feel free to leave a comment.

 

This is MY List only.

 

 

 



The Sedins

 The Vancouver Canucks are not "my" team....but they are my Aunt Linda's and that is good enough for me.

The Canucks have long been a great hockey team and in 2011 were one win away from hoisting Lord Stanley above their heads. What happened after that loss (The Riot) has been a stain on a great city, and we are all, I think, trying to put that one behind us.

Controversy has also followed Goaltender Roberto Luongo, as the on again off again love affair with the city has grown a bit tiresome. In my humble opinion, Luongo is a top 5 goalie in the NHL, and if I owned a team, strictly from a performance standpoint....I would be happy to have him. (Aunt Linda might disagree....she does have her own opinions as well)

Roberto - By The Numbers.- I am not sure what you think is the best way to "judge a goalie" but I am a fan of save percentage. When you shoot a puck at a goalie, what percentage of the time does the netminder stop the puck. A fair assessment. Did you know that Luongo  is in the top 5 -All Time?

There are some good goaltenders on this list....and check out "Lou's" Games played. Pretty Impressive long time goalie.

I digress. This was not the purpose of this blog. Why has Vancouver been so successful for so long? Two reasons....or is it one? The Sedin Brothers. Henrick and Daniel. They "are" the Vancouver Canucks.

The brothers have free agency coming up (or did) - and could command a pretty penny on the open market. Whether they went as a pair, or individually...they would make some big coin.       
There has lot of joke about the twins of late, from various media types....I don't get it really. Maybe I don't get the "joke".  I have heard things like...why can't they get their own life? Why do they always have to be together? Why Why Why?

I say why not? If you have a team, any team...do you not want guys that get along? Do you not want guys that understand each other, support each other...make each other better? - I say a BIG yes to that. Good chemistry is always good for a team. Period. And the Sedin's  ooze chemistry. Simply put...they get it. They understand the game.

By the numbers.

Henrick has played 955 games in the NHL (all with Vancouver) and has 185 goals and 625 assists for 810 points..  Impressive playmaker to say the least.
Daniel has played 921 games and has 297 goals and 476 assists for 773 points. Wow.

So...to quickly summarize, I see two players that share the puck, rarely miss games and are always a positive addition to the ice.

They just resigned with Vancouver this week. The Swedish twins signed for 4 years for $28 million each. Some say they could have inked bigger deals elsewhere, if they decided to at free agency. I say to those people "GET A LIFE"!

You know I am a hopeless romantic that likes the feel good story. This story is right up there in the "Feel Good" archives.

1. They like playing for the Canucks.
2. They like living in Vancouver.
3. Their families also love the city. (who wouldn't)
4. They love playing on the same team

Kind of a no brainer. Every single year the Canucks are in the playoffs and contend. No kidding. Look at the numbers.

...and if you are worried they signed for "less" then they should have....let's play my favorites numbers game. $7 million translates to roughly $270,000 every 2 weeks (how much do you make every two weeks?) -
...if you make $80,000 per year (a decent salary) you need to work 87.5 years to make what they make in 1 year. Depressing (for us) - but, lets not get caught up in numbers all the time.

Bottom line...I have always admired guys who can play an entire career with one team. It is incredibly rare. But...I like it. Sure the Sedin's would like a Stanley Cup, and they might get one with Vancouver. Good Luck boys.




Oh, btw, tonight The Blue and White go to Vancouver to play.

I say Go Leafs Go. (I say 4 - 3 Leafs)

Getting "a little" Older?

Age is an interesting phenomenon. As we grow up, we grow older. Brilliant so far.

There is a funny transition that happens with age. As a teen...you normally want to be older than you are. As a matter of fact, I am sure if you looked up on "google" somehow, there is probably some stat that says when the "magic" age changes. What I mean by that is, what is the age...that when you arrive, you want to be younger.

Is it 25? maybe 32? or is it 40? I am not sure. I do know that at some point though people wish they were younger. Not all, but most, in my opinion.

I do. I wish I were younger. I wish I felt younger, but right now...I do not.

I found out about 3 years ago that I have osteoarthritis in my right hip. It sucks.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Arthritis means "joint inflammation." It causes pain and swelling in the body's joints, such as the knees or hips. There are many types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Also known as degenerative joint disease or age-related arthritis, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people get older.

Osteoarthritis occurs when inflammation and injury to a joint cause a breaking down of cartilage tissue. In turn, that breakdown causes pain, swelling, and deformity. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. It is primarily made up of water and proteins. The primary function of cartilage is to reduce friction in the joints and serve as a "shock absorber." The shock-absorbing quality of normal cartilage comes from its ability to change shape when compressed. It can do this because of its high water content. Although cartilage may undergo some repair when damaged, the body does not grow new cartilage after it is injured.

 

I copied that blurb off the internet...but I added the highlights. And I have to tell you...that hurts.

Who the hell are they to say I am old(er). What do they know?

 

I am a lacrosse player don't you know. A World Class Athlete (ask the Dimarco's)

 

I am playing in the Grand Masters Division of the World Championship of Field Lacrosse next summer in Denver. Old???? -I laugh in your face.

 

I can be rebuilt.

 

Step 1 - I am playing no sports right now...slowly trying to "rest" my hip to eliminate my pain. Good plan for pain relief I guess...not so good for staying in shape.

 

Step 2 - I am doing a weird combination of physio, massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic's. It is helping...but not fast enough. I need exercise.

 

Step 3 - might have to try some swimming...don't mind it...but needs a commitment.

 

Step 4 - Back to the gym...to fine tune this lacrosse playing machine body

 

Step 5 - MOB Lacrosse in the spring and summer to get my skill level up

 

Step 5 - Denver - World Championships - July 2014

 

Step 6 - Back to the rehabilitation.

 

Step 7 - Wayyyyyyyyyyy down the line. Decide if I call my brother or my son...to ensure they get a commission on my hip replacement surgery. (they both work for Zimmer One) - Let's not worry about that one just yet.

 

I will be back.

 

 

 

The "Showboat"

Sometimes I think we create controversy when there is nothing else to do.

This week is no different. Earlier in the week, the San Jose Sharks were playing the New York Rangers in a regular season NHL Game,

It was a blowout. Nineteen year old Tomas Hertl, playing in only his third game "ever" in the NHL was having a good game. He had already scored a hat trick, something most players will never do in their entire career.

                                                             Tomas Hertl - San Jose


With the score 7 to 2, Hertl was fed a pass and broke in on net, and he put an amazing move on the goalie and buried it for his 4th goal of the game.

Here is the goal.

Here is my question.

Pick one.

1. Was this a beautiful goal?
2. Was this "showboating"  or  "hot dogging" or whatever you want to call it,
3. Both of the above.

Washington Capital's Coach Adam Oates did not like the goal.
Adam said "“I’m upset. I was just talking to George [McPhee] and he said all the kids do that nowadays, which I understand. But would he have done it on his first goal?” Oates said. “He hasn’t scored yet tonight and he gets a breakaway, is he going to do that on his breakaway? We’ll see.
“Great move, don’t get me wrong — it’s a shootout move or something, and it’s great,” Oates said. “I’m glad the way San Jose treated it. As long as he doesn’t disrespect the league. The league’s hard.”

Adam Oates

Disrespect the League?? - Give me a break Adam. No offence, but please, you have got to be kidding. A nineteen year old kid scores his 4th goal of the game in only his 3rd game ever....a spectacular move....and this is disrespecting the league. That is laughable Oatesy.

You know me...I always like a lacrosse tie in. Adam Oates was an amazing hockey player. He might have been a better lacrosse player. He played Junior A Lacrosse for the Etobicoke Eclipse and in one "record setting" game Adam Oates scored 10 goals and 19 assists in one game. I am not making that up. A 29 point effort in one game. They won the game BIG.....real BIG. Could Adam have backed off a little bit? Was he "showboating"...was he "disrespecting" the league?

I say no. I remember his performance....and I remember thinking....Good On you Oatesy. Good on you. That is an amazing night, something to be proud of.

If you have read some of my blogs before you probably know....I love the best players in the world doing amazing things. It is what makes sports special to me.

Other examples?

• Peyton Manny throw 7 touchdown passes this year in one game
• Kobe puts up 82 points against the Raptors a couple of years ago
• Usain Bolt annihilates his competition in the 100 m race
• Tomas Hertl scores 4 goals in third game of the season, the 4th being a between the leg beauty. 

I say...way to go guys. I love it. Keep it up.

Colin Doyle (The Goalie?)

For those of you unaware, The Mann Cup is going on in Victoria, British Columbia between the Victoria Shamrocks and The Six Nations Chiefs.

I received an email from Mike Gibson today, a MOB Lacrosse player and Lacrosse Fan. I decided to share it with you.

Hey Mike, not sure if you’ve been watching/following the Mann Cup… but wow, talk a about a real feel good story and an excellent example of love for the sport (and a bit of a “shame on you” to the other team).

 

So last night was a huge game 5, with the series tied up at 2 a piece. Aside from a bad period here or there, the goaltending has been outstanding for both the Chiefs (Evan Kirk [Minnesota Swarm] and Brandon Miller [Philadelphia Wings]) and the Shamrokcs (Matt Vinc [Rochester Nighthawks]). Coming into the third period, trailing 7-4, the Shamrocks decided to request an equipment check on the Chiefs’ Brandon Miller. His shin pads were found to be slightly wider than the legal limit (probably NLL pads) and was assessed a 2 minute minor and a 10 minute game. This moved actually backfired, as the Chiefs wound up scoring shorthanded to make it 8-4 and then again right after coming out of the penalty box, Tommy Montour scored to make it 9-4. Now the Shamrocks get really desperate and decide to request another equipment check on the Chiefs’ second tender, who is also found to have illegal equipment. Now… down both goalies, with just over 11 minutes remaining in the game, what do the Chiefs do!?!?!? THEY PUT COLIN DOYLE IN NET!!! Yes, you read that correctly… Veteran, Toronto Rock attack man, Colin Doyle played goalie in a Mann Cup game AND… he won!!! By normal goalie standards, he wasn’t too great but for a  player, he was outstanding. He managed to make 6 saves on 9 shots, while picking up an assist, to allow the chiefs to hang on for an 11-7 win!!! Now that’s character! As for the Shamrocks and their desperation move… eeeeeh.

 

Anyways, enjoying the playoff lax… next game (possibly the final game) is Friday at 10pm. I’ve been watching the games on PPV and mirroring it on my Apple TV (onto the big screen). I have to say.. the West does a pretty good job with their webcasting.

 

WLA Pay Per View Webcasting…  http://www.theboxrocks.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?leagueID=20555&clientID=5357&pageID=12653

 

Regards,

Mike

 

                                           Toronto Rock Colin Doyle....getting it done in net.

 

 

A great story. Thanks Mike.

MOB Lacrosse - 2013 Finals

Another MOB lacrosse season has come and gone, and while it was still a great group of guys as always, this season had a distinct difference.

MOB Lacrosse has prided itself for years in being extremely competitive and yet still a lot of fun. The standings were always very close from top to bottom, with the winner always being a big question mark.

Somehow that never happened this year.

Red Heat got out to a fast and furious start and never looked back, while Black Storm got stuck in the mud early in the year, and continued to spin their wheels all year.

Blue Thunder and Gold Rush were tied for second the standings and played solid all year.

Wednesday night was The Finals.

Game one would see what is commonly called the "Toilet Bowl", the battle of the two "losers" of the semi-finals from the previous week. It would be a very strong Blue Thunder hosting the lowly Black Storm. The game had an extra element as The Blue Goalie on this night would be none other than my brother "Tippy". I was on the injured reserve and decided to coach my Black teammates. I thought perhaps I would lead them to the promised land, and maybe get picked up by a NLL team once they saw my coaching skills in action.
My first move was to see if my other brother Don, could blow a shot past our brother, and get the Blue team on their heels. It worked to perfection as my bro bounced a beauty past his younger brother. Black Storm was alive. The game was back and forth from there, and was actually quite entertaining. Early in the third period the score was tied at 5-5. it was anybody game at this point. Blue made it 6 - 5, when Dan Tavares dropped a "teardrop" over the shoulder shot that found the bottom right corner of the net. Black pulled it's goalie to try to get back in the game, but Blue grabbed the ball and scored an empty netter. It was over. The painful Black Storm Season had come to an end.
Fred Rooymans led the way for Blue with 3 goals and 4 assists.

Between games all 4 teams met at centre floor for a special award. The Scott Smith Award is given annually to the MOB player that demonstrates Commitment to the game, camaraderie and fun.
This years winner really made it simple. He showed up and played every week with energy and a smile. He often played 2 games a night to help out, which he did more often than he would admit.

The winner of the 2013 Scott Smith Trophy was Brad Sanderson.

                                                Congratulations Brad!!!


THE FINALS. - RED HEAT VS GOLD RUSH!

This game had all the makings of a classic. Great Goaltenders at each end. Gold Rush would have the great stopper Ronny Larose, and Red (who had been led to first place by Randy Tollefson) would have to borrow a goalie on this night....and guess who?? - It would be Brad Sanderson to step up one more time.

This would not be a high scoring games. Both teams are quick and would break out quickly, but also get back on defence just as quick.

There were some goals early by both teams as they felt each other out. The game would be back and forth all night and was very entertaining. Gold held a lead late, but a penalty shot was awarded o Jordan Steip and he fired the ball in the top corner to tie the game up. On the powerplay to follow Captain Kyle Johnston scored a beauty. to make it 6 - 5 late for Red. But...it was not over as Frank Lechowski scored a spectacular goal to tie the score. We are going to Overtime. 5 minutes of play, sudden death, first goal wins the championship. There were lots of chances, some great plays and great goaltending....and then it happened. Kyle Johnston fired an underhand past the goalie with 0.1 seconds left on the clock. Red Heat Wins. Red Heat Wins.

What a great Masters Lacrosse game it was. The "near"capacity crowd loved it.

Jordan Steip had an amazing game for Red scoring 5 simply beautiful goals.

                                              Kyle Johnston takes the Campbell Cup.

                              Red Heat - 2013 MOB Lacrosse Champions. Congrats!!!!

**Interesting Facts.

- Red Heat became the only First Place team to win the Campbell Cup (very curious stat) in MOB History
- Brad Sanderson becomes the only goalie to lose the Toilet Bowl and win The Campbell Cup
- Steve Tippy McMillan becomes the Toilet Bowl Winning goalie in two leagues. (is that good?)


Thanks to all who make MOB Lacrosse....The Best Masters Lacrosse League!!

See you next year.

Lake PLacid Lacrosse - 2013

Last week was a vacation week for me...and not that you need to know every thing in my life....it was a good sports week and I have to share.

 

I started to pack for my trip...and when I turned my back, I realized that the Duke of Exeter wanted to join me. Alas, I had to say no. A word he has heard a lot in the last few weeks.

 

 

 

 

Last week was our trip to Lake Placid for our annual Field Lacrosse Tourney. Once again it was an amazing time with some great people. Our Grand Masters Team is preparing for the World Championships to be held next year in the summer of 2014 in beautiful Denver, Colorado.

 

 

Our team was a little bit shorthanded this year. Our star Long Pole Stu Aird had rotator cuff surgery, but he made the trip anyway...as our head coach and did a great job running the bench.

 

In our first game we were playing a very tough team, Mr BOH... however we went out quickly went out to a 2 to 0 lead, only to see that quickly disappear, and we were behind after the first quarter

6 to 2.

We had "jet lag" I guess, and by the time we settled in, we could not make up the difference...losing 12 to 8.

 

The next morning, at 9am (early) - we came out slow again and were behind 5 - 2 to Griffin's Lacrosse...but on this day, we fought back and took the game 7 - 5 to even our record.

 

Saturday, 9am again we would again play early - 9am against Team Tarzan, a beautiful day in Placid. This was a classic field lacrosse game, back and forth battle. Tarzan scored late to tie the game at 9, forcing overtime. Halfway through the 3rd overtime, Team Leader Warren Dimarco caught a pass, the Tarzan defence split like the Red Sea and Warren D. drilled it in the top corner. We win!!!

 

The great think about Lake Placid is there is always something going on. After our tiring Saturday morning game, we found out that Team Canada was playing Team USA in World Junior Hockey....and for $15 we sat at centre ice to see the likes of youngster Conner McDavid, Max Domi etc play hockey.

                                             Canada/USA Junior Hockey - Great Seats

 

This is all part of their training camp...and I think the Canadian Coaches had a lot to talk about after this game. 5 on 5 Canadians were dominant...but, when you play 2 men short....twice. Not good.

The American squad killed us on Special teams....scoring 3 power play goals, 1 short handed and 1 four on four. Final score USA 5 Canada 1.

 

A lot of fun nonetheless.

 

Moving onto Saturday evening at 6pm, we would play The Remnants...a team ranked 3rd overall going into the tournament. It would be an epic battle. Our goaltender Ted Sawicki was nothing short of spectacular in this game, leading us to a 6 - 4 victory. It was a great game, one of the guys on the other team said that was the best goaltending he had seen at this level.

 

All in all a great result for us, going 3 wins against only 1 loss.

 

Here are the results.

 

 

 

 

Special Mention

 

Goaltender - Ted Sawicki - Awesome tourney

Long Pole - our long poles were tough all weekend.....special mention to Kevin Sterritt - played great

Midfield - the midfielders were short all weekend - did a lot of running (in our mind it was running).....and fought hard as a group - a lot of running

Attack - Pete Follows, Gary Walker were great......but once again the scoring leader was Scott (Grant Jr)  - alias Strongheart, alias The "Minesweeper" - he used his own brand of Table Hockey Lacrosse to lead the way with 8 goals.

 

Special thanks to Stu Aird for coaching us, and most of all to Warren Dimarco..."organizer Supreme" - for getting us down there.

 

I would personally like to thank Lisa and Ashley of the Millcroft Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic  in Burlington, for rebuilding me before I left, a very sore Achilles and a bad hip, thanks to them I made it to Placid, and played the four games, although you could clock my speed with a Sundial. I appreciate all that they did.

Here are a few pics.

                                   Pete and Gary - Our Shooters! (beautiful background too)

                                           Kevin, Scott and Warren (tailgating begins)

                                           Warren and I - post tournament celebration.

                                                     The Molson Canadians
                                      

Feel Good Sports News

There is a lot of great Sports Stories happening all around you...some of them on the Professional Stage, and some in your own back yard....and some both.

PGA Golf

For example, how about the Canadian Open (PGA) Golf Tournament being played at Glen Abbey this weekend. I always thought it was cool to have the best golfers in the world playing golf at a venue so close to us, and I have even played Glen Abbey, which adds an extra bit of excitement. Watching these guys "shoot the lights out" at this course is amazing. To the average golfer, this is not an easy course, for these guys...well let's just say they are scoring pretty well.
An interesting story developed yesterday when Hunter Mahan, who at the time was leading the Canadian Open...got a phone call, his wife was giving birth to their first child. Here is the dilemma, should he pack up and head home, giving up a possible Million Dollar payday, or rush home for the birth of his child. I would love to know your thoughts on this...but Hunter did the "father of the year" and "husband of the year" thing, he left the tournament, and went home to be with his wife.

                                                                   Hunter Mahan

In other Canadian Open News.....Canadian Golfer Mike Weir, is playing on Sunday, he has been struggling over the last couple of years..but had a charge up the leader board on Friday to make the cut. I still feel like Mike has some game left, and I am always cheering him on. He still draws some great cheers from the crowd at The Canadian Open.

Local Lacrosse

At this time of year, you can find some great playoff lacrosse, right in your own back yard. It might be minor lacrosse play downs and qualifiers, it might be Junior Lacrosse (A, B or C), or it might even be Senior (A or B) Lacrosse. No matter what you like, there is some really great lacrosse being played, and you never know what you might see if you go to a game.
For example...last Saturday, we went to the 5th and final game of the best of 5 playoff game between the Peterborough Junior A squad, playing against the hometown Burlington Chiefs. It was a warm night for sure, and the arena was a tad muggy. The lacrosse was fantastic. A back and forth game held everybody close to the edge of their seat the entire game. Peterborough scored a beautiful goal late in the game to win the game 10 - 9 and take the series 3 - 2 from the devastated home crowd.
The thing I wanted to share with you though, is something that if you don't go to these games, you will never see. Somewhere in the second period, a Peterborough player (I forget his name - sorry) scored a goal. I am here to tell you that it was one of the most spectacular goal I have ever seen...definitely "Top 5", possibly best ever. John Grant Jr. and John Tavares would have been standing and applauding this goal. It is hard to describe, but the shot clock was winding down, a Peterborough player fired a spectacular pass (which of course is key to any great goal) - he had about 3 inches to get the ball in and he hit his teammate right in the stick. The player was just outside the crease. The Burlington defender, did the right thing and whacked the opponents arm to dislodge the ball. The Boro player's hand was dislodged form the stick, but with one hand still on his stick, and the shot clock at 2 second, with one fluid motion swung his stick over his shoulder (the only thing he could have possibly done) and the ball was in the top corner of the net. The hometown crowd, albeit not happy about the goal, could do nothing but gasp, mouth opened, jaw dropping.....it was that good. Wow!

Warrior Dash

My son Stuart made a trip south (from Thunder Bay) for a vacation...and he had a lot planned. On his way home, his good buddies stopped for a little camping trip and while they were at it, participated in the Warrior Dash.
The Warrior Dash is an obstacle course that is ran with a team of 4...through the mud, up and over obstacles and across the finish line. This year passitonsports.ca  sponsored the boys, and they made me proud. Stuart finished 86th out of 2500 entrants...obviously the rugged north is doing him well.

                                 Cal, Ashby, Simon And Stu....The PassItOnSports.ca team.


Just another Feel Good week of sports.

\

Ladies Night at MOB Lacrosse

Every Summer the MOB Lacrosse Boys hold their annual Ladies night, and once again this event was a great success.

We invite the "shy" group of girls over to Glen Abbey Arena for some top flight Masters Lacrosse action.

After an hour or two of this painful experience (for the ladies) we all head back to our local watering hole. The Tin Cup in Oakville, always does a great job of accommodating our league. On this night we had close to 70 people. It was fantastic....The Tin Cup has a great staff, and fantastic food.

This was a great night for me personally as my Black Storm team include my long lost son from Thunder Bay(on vacation)..so it was truly a family affair for me.

A family night. Starting from the left....Brother Don, daughter Erin (scorekeeper) son Stuart, step daughter Tristen, me....my beautiful wife Patti (taking picture) - and of course my Mom was in the stands cheering us on.

We looked damn good before the game started....but things went a little south from there.

In the games....Red Heat beat Black Storm 9 - 4 and Blue Thunder beat the Gold Rush 8 - 2. For league standings and stats check it out on my Leagues Page.

Back at The Tin Cup....we all have some beverages, a bite to eat, and share some stories about how good we looked on the floor....those stories are short, trust me.

The highlight of the big night is the Prize Giveaways.....we had 32 Ladies that came to the big night...and guess what...we gave out 32 prizes....how good is that.

I would like to personally like to thank all those that contributed prizes to make this night happen...I know I will forget someone....and for that I apologize...and if I do forget...shoot me an email as a reminder, don't be shy,  mike@passitonsports.ca

So thank you to the following (in no particular order.)

Marc Noble - Jay Da Silva - Kim Crossman - Mike Hicks - Craig and Alison Mclean - Randy Pilon - The Tin Cup - Brad and Caroline Wales - John and Pam Elliot - MOB Lacrosse - Susan Steele - Brad Sanderson - passitonsports.ca

I would like to personally thank all the ladies for supporting us like you do. My favorite thing about MOB Lacrosse...is actually the people. A really great bunch.

See you next year.

Lacrosse World Championships

There is nothing better then a World Championship...in any sport. But for me a World Championship in Lacrosse? - Even Better.

• Raise your hand if you knew there is a World Lacrosse Championship going on this week 
• Raise your hand again if you knew it is in Oshawa.

The Women's World Cup for Lacrosse is taking place in Oshawa, Ontario this week. Not only that it is the 100th anniversary of Women's International Lacrosse.

Canada has a very strong team in this event, but as always will be in tough against the USA team.

Pool A has the 5 strongest teams, but it is great to see so many teams entered.

In Pool A you have United States, Australia, Canada, England and Wales.

 

 

Here are the key games coming up for the Canadians.

 

8pm Canada vs Aussies - Fri July 12

6pm  Canada vs England - Sat July 13

8pm  Canada vs USA - Tue July 16

 

Finals on Sat July 20.

 

 

Having coached women's field lacrosse and watched quite a bit, I can tell you this is an exciting, strategic sport, played by great athletes at a high level.

 

If you can make some time - head to Oshawa and cheer the girls on.

 

Here is the website to follow along. Check out all the teams entered.

  2013 World Women's Lacrosse

 

 

 

***Announcement***

 

At the other end of the spectrum.....next year the World Championships for men will be held in Denver, Colorado (home of my sister). Myself and the rest of the Molson Canadians will be taking part in this event (in the really old division).

 

To get ready, we are once again going to Lake Placid to participate in their great tournament and to prepare for that we are going to play a couple of practice games this Saturday in Burlington at City View Park. We play at 10 am and 1pm.

 

Here is my advice....if you want to see some really exciting lacrosse....make the drive to Oshawa and cheer on the Women.

 

Golf Day a Success

PassItOnSports.ca Golf Day is over, and was a great success and a lot of fun.

32 of us gathered at Spectacular Indian Wells in Burlington with the never-ending views.  It was a very tough test of golf, definitely a course you have to hit the ball straight, and pick the right club to make the next shot.

I love getting together with friends, and when I decided to organize PIOS Golf Day, I thought, maybe we could have a great day, and make a small donation to Right To Play.

I was a beautiful day...but it was hot...coming up hole #18 I felt like an egg on a frying pan...whew...it was warm...but what made it great was a bunch of the group were out on the deck (in the Heat) cheering the last group in.

We all went in after and gave out some "well earned" prizes...and talked over the round.

I would like to personally thank all of you who made the effort.

                                                 Glenn, Serge, John and Warren

                                             Leslie, Robin, Pam and Patti.

                                                Mark, Merebeth, Robin and Glen

                                              Tracy, Bob, Rosie and Don.

                                                 Phil, Rob, Harry and John.

                                        Stu (injured reserve) Scott, Ron, Dennis and Paul.

                                             

Tom, Bill, Mike and Paolo.

 

                                         

                                                               Me, Simon, Mike and Tom.


$5 from each entry went to Right to Play. My goal is $5000 and thanks to all my Golf Buddies, we are $160 closer.

Thanks again to all. It was a great day.