New Balance purchased Warrior, the market leader in Lacrosse equipment as their first step into Lacrosse.  Recently New Balance purchased Brine, one of the next largest Lacrosse manufacturing companies in the market.  This has both retailers and customers alike interested to see how the acquisition actually works out for the consumer.  

To me, Lacrosse has been a stage for some of greatest successes of the human spirit.  Personal tragedy, crippling sickness, natural disasters, programs in financial or structural dire straights all have been opportunities to demonstrate true strength of character, compassion and support for those in need through communal support. 

After two scrimmages and 5 hard matches in just two weeks, Letvia was once again at the opposite end of the field from us.

It was a slow match (again) where none of the teams wanted to risk to much. Latvia was more dangerous and got ahead by a few goals. Their defense was strong and their goalie sucked up most of what we could throw at him.

JUDGEMENT DAY

One year ago Finland beat Denmark in double overtime in the Scandinavian Challenge tournament. since then we've looked forward to a rematch, to force luck on to our side and get that victory. A victory over Finland was the primary objective of our 2006 lacrosse world games.

THE TWO FACES OF DENMARK

On a day where Finland took the front page of the local newspaper before their game against Canada, with a story written by a journalist who apparently are into slow movies*, a cruel joke was also played on the famous Irish national team coach Richie Moran. After the defeat of his team to Australia a few beautiful flowers had been laid down on the sidewalk leading to the players dinning hall, with the words printed on the concrete: In memory of R. Moran. As if he was dead.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Correction: It appears that I have unwillingly mislead you. The Bermuda, Spain and Latvia matches does count! But only Denmark or Finland can move on to the post-games.

Good thing we beat Bermuda then. Denmark's first ever world games match resulted in a 10-6 victory. Both teams played a slow match looking for their chance against the other team. We got ahead by two in the first quarter and kept Bermuda at arms length throughout the match. Though it was a splendid victory, everybody will need to do a lot more running in order to move on.

EVEN WINNERS CAN LOSE

The day off was apparently hard to get over. Perhaps it broke our rhythm or maybe it reminded people that they were tired. Whatever the reason, Denmark did not play good lacrosse today and so Latvija walked away with a 7-3 victory. Directed by coach Stephen Jacobson (If you know who Don Vito from the TV-show Jackass is, this guy is just like him!) they won their first in the tournament.

A DAY OFF

Today was our day off. I was not the only one who chose to get out of bed late. Last night was beer (not too many) and dancing with Canadian girls (not enough), today is relaxing with the best imaginable lacrosse match: USA vs. Canada. The fact that we're in Canada only makes that game more exciting.

EXCITEMENT INTACT

Denmark is 2-0. We managed to defeat Spain (curiously enough with the same digits as Finland) 16-11. Finland is also undefeated.

Once again Spain, led by the talented Gonzalez duo and De La Casa, jumped to the lead in the first. Denmark managed to catch up and take the lead in the second Spain held on though and even took the lead again once. Denmark rallied together and Spain was a little bit out of breath and that decided the match.

GAME ON

Running laps at 6.30 in the morning is not my favorite pastime. No sir. Nevertheless, life of the pro-athlete demands it and so i must abide. I will not desend to complaining. No. Not even when I repeatedly trip in my laces or balls bounce of my helmet because my vision is blured with sleep.

The Denmark National team has 2 of our locals at their helm; Matt Cone and Dave Piechowski. Both will be keeping us up to date on their progress during the World Championship games.  In addition one of their players, Rasmus Stouby is sending us a daily blog for your enjoyment.

ARRIVAL IN DETROIT

Bonding on team Denmark is on the fast track. A little too fast if you're soft skinned and shy.  I arrived at Detroit Wayne County airport earlier than anyone and intended to spend the extra time typing up some thoughts for this blog. My mind was too distracted by thoughts on the coming weeks and the many beautiful Michigan girls strutting by to focus though. So I took a nap instead and all of a sudden everybody was there.

GOODBYE TRAINING CAMP, HELLO WORLD CUP!

Easy breezy morning practice today, with an emphasis on defensive training. I am finally beginning to understand my defensive duties. It is quite a relief to know your responsibilities.

In what could only be described as a thoroughly dominant performance, the Crease Monkeys successfully defended their PNLA title and drank from the Everett Smith Cup.

Multnomah vs Coopers
            Coopers got on the board first, but played a lot of defense. After Multnomah tied it up at 1-1 Coopers took over, scoring 3 unanswered goals, one of which was a man-up ending the 1st quarter 4-1, in favor of Coopers.

Erik, you have been at the helm of Seattle Officials for a long time, what are the aspects of Lacrosse you are most proud of?
I’d say the aspect I am most proud of is the overall professionalism that has come to the high school level.  Over the past couple of years, we have really seen not only increase in numbers, but a significant improvement in the job on the field at all levels.