story by James Brady
Folks, let me set the stage for you, in the event you have not attended either of the first two professional indoor National Lacrosse League (NLL) games held at Mohegan Sun Arena. In the past two weeks, New England Blackwolves has hosted the Buffalo Bandits and the Rochester Knighthawks…and won both games! It has proven to be an absolutely incredible acquisition by the Mohegan Tribe.
The season opener began with a traditional ceremony and tribute to the Iroquois Nation which was nothing short of amazing. Mohegan Tribal member and lacrosse player Ashley Murthas received an original Native American lacrosse stick, which she handed to Tribal Chairman Kevin Brown. He raised the lacrosse stick over his head in a manner in which I found myself ready to charge onto the field and do battle.
The crowd was involved with every aspect of the event, enthusiastic and howling. “AH OOWWW” could be heard across the region. The Blackwolves made us all proud as they fought to a 128 victory over the Bandits in game one. It really didn’t seem to matter if you were an avid lacrosse fan or a relative newcomer, the entire place was alive. They handily defeated the three time defending NLL champs with a score of 177.
The games themselves are quite different from typical outdoor lacrosse…the field is smaller and similar to a hockey rink, with the same boards and protective glass as a rink, minus the ice. There are 6 players per side, unlike 10 with outdoor lacrosse. The game is lightning fast, with quick player substitutions or “shift changes”. The stick handling skills and passing… phenomenal. The crowd favorite, and wild action that has the observer on high alert, is the ‘checking’, often into the boards, with enthusiasm, that often results in the hockey-style free for all. The penalty box, also reminiscent of hockey, has regular occupants, most locked in for illegal checking.
Professional indoor lacrosse is far from the ivy league game you may have read about… when these players smile there may be something missing and believe me it ain’t guts. Most have day jobs…they play for the love of lacrosse.
It is becoming quite easy to claim the New England Black Wolves as OUR OWN professional lacrosse team. A sport originated by Native Americans, originally known as “stickball,” has evolved into an amazing spectator sport growing in popularity, and now, thankfully, because of the Mohegan Tribe, we can enjoy it in the comforts of their arena.
The next home game is January 24, 2015 at 7 p.m. Trust me when I say, “It’s a must see game!” The Native American Heritage will be well represented when New England Blackwolves’ Bill O’Brien will have to defend his cousin, one of the league’s most lethal scorers, Miles Thompson of the Minnesota Swarm. Be sure you say, “Hello” to Mohegan Tribal Chairman Kevin Brown, who wouldn’t miss a game or shake hands with Tribal Elder Maynard Strickland whom you may see, as well. The Resident’s State Trooper will be on the scene for every game… so be to sure say, “Hello,” but never in the middle of an AHH WWOOOO!