Lake Placid - RealityCheck!

Today we played the top ranked team in the tournament. Just like ripping off a band aid, I have to just say it.

We lost 15 - 3. We got spanked. It was not pretty.

I don't want to take anything away from Team Denison. They play together all year, they play in a million games. They have plays even....imagine that.

They were the better team for sure, and deserved the win......but............

We played horribly. Maybe one of the worst efforts I have ever seen. Might sound dramatic, but it was not fun to watch. Dropped pass, after dropped pass. Terrible passing....nobody catching the ball....when you play lacrosse as long as we have, it just makes no sense. It is frustrating, and the thing is (in my opinion) I don't think any one on our team can say they were really happy about their own effort. I don't want to speak for them, so I will speak for myself. I was not happy with my effort.

I do want to give a pat on the back to Brad Hozack who took a nasty (dirty) hit to the head, and Scott Aird, who also took a cheap shot.

It was  a game to forget....and forget it I will. I wanted to do my blog, and then move on.

Some of the boys in warm up (we were still tied at this point)

We were on defence a lot.

But,one thing about lacrosse....after the game, you move on.

Tippy Tailgaiting.

I have said this before. A great group of guys, a beautiful place. Losing is not fun. But, I am ok now.

Lake Placid Lacrosse - Update 2

Lacrosse is all about the Team. Team effort, team camaraderie, and team solidarity.

Today was no different. After I visited the medic tent trying to come up with my (new) "Game Face", I was met by some of my team, ready to show solidarity and support in a way only my friends could do...I'll let the picture talk for itself:

Tippy, Strongheart, DJ, Messiah, and Beetle Baily (mocking me)

It was officially game time.

The scenery for this game was second to none. What's not to love? Mountains on all sides, The Lake Placid Olympic ski jump as a backdrop, and the weather was perfect. Referee whistles from a minimum of 10 fields all playing simultaneously - This is Field Lacrosse country.

We needed a win, and win we did. Final score 12 - 8 for team Canada. It was a bit of a battle,but to summarize, great goal tending (Sawicki)- great Long Poles on defence (Aird, McMillan, Donville and Simpson) - Midfield was solid, props to Board and Dimarco, and our Attack guys were great, Wasson had a big game.

We move on. Tomorrow at 4:30 we play the Number One team in our group. It will be a tough game.

But, with our Canadian Spirit...and Solidarity.....we might sneak out a win......I will let you know.





Lake Placid Day One - Injury update.

Lacrosse can be a tough sport. The toughest.

Patti and I and the Dimarcos, Cort and Sue and a few others from team Ontario have arrived in Lake Placid for the Lake Placid Classic Lacrosse tournament.

Within the first 5 minutes of arrival.....we had our first Lacrosse injury. We don't play our first game until tomorrow at 3pm......but the injury was definitely lacrosse related.

It was me.

I had finished unpacking the car, but for one item: My cooler of beer. I got the cooler out, excited to start discussing strategies for the weekend and shut the hatch firmly--on my head!

I wobbled...but hung tough. I realized there was a sense of pain, and then the blood began to flow.
My "team" quickly assessed things and decided I should make a trip to the medical clinic.

The nurse looked at me and said "Lacrosse"? and I said yes.....but then sheepishly told her, I don't play until tomorrow. Her next guess....? -And I am not kidding, she said, "you shut the hatch of your vehicle on your head"? I said yes, how did you know? - She said....."I have been doing this for a while."

Cora (my nurse) and the Doctor told us of their busy summer....rugby tournament, Ironman Triathlon, skating clubs, Lacrosse.....lots to do.

They fixed me up and were amazing. 6 stitches. (sorry Mom).

                                      Nurse Cora - me - and Doc. I look in agony....I was not. ha!

I am good to go. 3 pm tomorrow is game 1. I will let you know how we do.

From Lake Placid....talk to you soon.

p.s. Nurse Tristen - will you take my stitches out?