Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
It’s understood, the best players in Ontario Lacrosse play Major.
I understand the fastest lacrosse is at the Junior A level
And I’m willing to suggest the most rugged lacrosse is in Senior, certainly as exhibited Sunday afternoon when the Owen Sound NorthStars & Six Nations Rivermen hooked up for Game 2 of their semifinal series.
That’s not to say the skill level in Senior isn’t high, or that the game wasn’t rapid- it was. But what stood out was how difficult it was for either team to gain an inch while on the attack.
Sunday was a battle, no question, with both teams holding the lead at various points and the issue not really decided until Mat MacLeod’s power play marker in overtime sent a large crowd, boosted by a local Minor Lacrosse promotion, into a delightful roar.
I found it fitting that Mat MacLeod, an Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse grad, would score the game winner on such a day.
It was a good day and a fun day for lacrosse in the city.
The Paperweights played a Mini-Game, the Peewees won the Pizza Party, a young girl named Ella won the Jelly Bean contest and the PA Announcer won the tennis ball toss.
Also highlighted were close to a dozen young ladies who will represent Owen Sound in field lacrosse events at the provincial, national and international level in the days and months ahead.
Plus I was also reminded that Junior A semifinals includes a handful of Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse grads; Brandon Welsh is with Brampton who are in against The Beaches in the Final 4 while Jordan Caskenette plays for Orangeville who are going head to head with St Catharines whose lineup includes Jake McNabb.
I’m Fred Wallace