Or pancakes. Or both. Yeah, I went with both, but that was my big decision for one Christmas. That, and whether I was going to be playing left or right defense at my hockey tournament the next day. Those were the days; where breakfast for dinner was the biggest decision on my plate (pun intended).

As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but think back to all the holiday tournaments we played in as kids. Every single Thanksgiving and Christmas our celebrations would be cut short as my brother and I would pack up our hockey bags into our parents’ car and travel to some tournament that year.

Every. Single. Year. [Read more…]

Sometimes, it’s okay to break the status quo.

Lacrosse has been my sport since I could walk. Cliche, I know, but it’s the truth. Five years ago, my dreams became a reality as I turned pro in both Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Looking back, it’s impossible not to give credit to my coaches for my achievements. And I’ve had a lot of them. Some good, some not so good (I’ll leave it at that), and some who have changed me as a person and a player and I will be forever grateful for. The one thing that differentiates the good from the bad, and really made a difference in my career, are the ones that embraced creativity.

Fundamentals are important in lacrosse, like any sport. You need to learn the correct way to hold your stick, the correct way to pass, and the correct way to catch. These things need to be taught and practiced on a regular basis, just as a basketball player needs to be taught how to shoot or a hockey player needs to be taught how to skate. But, what I have come to learn, and firmly believe, is that the skills that are learned outside of the practice and game fields are what make good players great. 

[Read more…]