I don't even know where to begin...
- should I start with the incredible final game featuring the USA vs Canada?
(which Canada won 8 -5)
- or the awesome preliminary games (involving 37 countries)?
- or maybe it is the majestic views of the Denver landscape.
I should probably tell you what happened in our division...the Festival, in which me and 21 of my buddies took part in the Grand Masters Division (50 plus) in an 11 team (very competitive) tournament.
I am exhausted, yet incredibly fulfilled. My excitement was not limited just to lacrosse. I am a very lucky man, as I was able to visit a beautiful city (Denver), while playing the best game in the world (lacrosse), all the while spending time with my beautiful wife Patti, my sister Laura and family, my Mom was there, my son, two of my brothers...etc. I could go on...but on this vacation...I NAILED IT!
When we arrived on Friday, July 11, we drove straight to the mountain town of Frisco, CO., where we spent the next four days enjoying the mountains. We stayed in a cabin with a river in the backyard, a hot tub and the smell of mountain air.
On the Monday we headed to my sister's place and prepared for our first game from the Tourney. (the big boys that is) - We saw Canada romp to an easy win over Japan.
Wednesday was tournament day. We started against team Harley....a formidable opponent. You may have heard this line before....we could beat them...but we did not. We lost 8 - 6 (sloppy game)
We then played Team Israel...and handled them easily. Our next game was against an old foe...Mr BOH....we knew it would be a tough game...and it was a must win. (We were up by 4 - we lost) - and it hurt big time. Mr. BOH and Team Harley would go on to play in the championship game. We should have been there.
Our next game we were down, came out flat. Down 7 - 2 late in the 3rd quarter...something clicked. It was a great comeback and we won 8 - 7 in triple overtime. Yahoooo - that felt good.
Our final game was against the England Lions Lacrosse Club. True Gentlemen of the game on and off the field. It was a pleasure to play the again (last time was 2010 - Manchester.) We won this game, but our English friends, short of players and weary. After the game we shared a photo and a cold beer. Fitting end to a tremendous tourney.
I cannot express how grateful I am for so many things....my teammates, my family and friends and even my opponents. This event was everything I had hoped.
I am going to share some pics....and even some MVP picks that I made.
How to pick an MVP is not easy....so instead of picking one.....I picked a few.
My pal - Stu Aird. - Played long pole...was amazing as always....(and played for two teams - winning Gold with the other team)
Gary Walker played Attack and was fierce. He had a phenomenal Tourney (I forgive the green shirt)
The McMillan/Ross/Neely fan base were at every game....Thank you all.
We went 4 wins and 2 losses....ended up in fifth place. Not what we wanted...but what the heck.
The Canadian pride at the event was fun to be a part of. The final game saw Canada play heavily favoured USA and the sea of Red Shirts at the game (thanks to Jason Donville) was great to see. When a US superstar went down in a heap...a chant of FIFA rang out from the crowd. I am not going to say who might have started the chant...but she plays in our MOB summer league and is a great physio. ;-)
Well done Canada. Well Done.
