C-Lax Players & Coaches Participate in World Indoor Lacrosse Championships
From September 18-27, the Onondaga Nation hosted the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships (WILC). This event saw thirteen Nations gather together to compete and celebrate the game of lacrosse. C-Lax is proud to have been a part of this important international event by having nineteen current and former players and coaches participating:
Jake Henhawk – Team USA – Ohsweken Demons
Josh Becker – Team Iroquois – Ohsweken Demons
Kevin Harper – Team Israel – Barrie Blizzard
Mike Gillan – Team England – Barrie Blizzard
Roger Vyse – Team Iroquois – Ohsweken Demons
Tom Montour – Team Iroquois – Ohsweken Demons
Tyler Glebe – Team Germany – Southwest Cyclops
Ohsweken Demons player, Josh Becker suited up for Team Iroquois at the tournament. Becker and Team Iroquois advanced to the finals before falling to Team Canada. Despite the outcome, Becker felt that the tournament was monumental. “Not only was it good medicine for our Haudenosaunee people but for lacrosse fans from across the world. The biggest highlight for me besides playing against Canada and US was probably when we saluted our fans and supporters after each game. Win or lose they cheered us on and supported us the whole way. It was a great feeling and sent chills through me every time.”
This was the first time that the Federation of International Lacrosse held the WILC at the Onondaga Nation. Becker said, “It really meant a lot to me to have the games hosted by the Haudenosaunee at Onondaga. The Onondaga Nation did a great job hosting the event and telling the story of our Iroquois People. All the Iroquois Nations were represented well throughout the games and it was amazing to have the games “come home”.
Current GMs/Coaches/League Staff
Brad MacArthur – Team Israel Head Coach – Barrie Blizzard
Clancy Almas – Team Ireland Assistant Coach – Niagara Lock Monsters
Jeff Dowling – Team Ireland Head Coach – C-Lax Exec. VP/Dir. of Lacrosse Operations
Jonas Derks – Team Serbia Offence Coach – Durham Turfdogs
Barrie Blizzard Head Coach, Brad MacArthur led Team Israel to a fourth place finish in their inaugural tournament appearance said, “There were several highlights that are too numerous to mention. Our first win over Serbia, the opening ceremonies, and the playoff win over the Czech Republic all stand out. We also had a team meeting Saturday night prior to the Bronze medal game that was a real eye opener and highlight for us; it was a significant family moment.”
The WILC truly is a celebration of lacrosse and a key event in growing the sport. MacArthur feels, “These types of international events put lacrosse on a grand stage. It also opens eyes to another version of lacrosse apart from the field game. It provides an opportunity for developing nations like us to see how USA, but more importantly the Iroquois and Canada play the game. Behind the scenes you also have people talking about lacrosse development in different areas of the world, sharing ideas, and providing expertise and assistance in making the game better in an attempt to grow it.”
C-Lax Alumni Participating in WILC
Glen Clark – Team Canada Assistant Coach – Toronto Shooting Stars
Jason Crosbie – Team Israel Assistant Coach – Durham Turfdogs
Jesse Cracknell – Team Germany Head Coach – Southwest Cyclops
Jim Veltman – Team Czech Republic Head Coach – Former C-Lax Commissioner
Kedoh Hill – Team Iroquois – Ohsweken Demons
Scott Komer – Team Turkey – Barrie Blizzard
Wenster Green – Team Iroquois – Barrie Blizzard
Zach Higgins – Team Israel – Durham Turfdogs
