National Lacrosse League--The Next
Generation
by Kevin M. Neibauer
Hello fellow lacrosse fans. I say lacrosse fans and not just Wings fans because, If you are like me, you thirst for any lacrosse news, or action at any level.
That being said, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, I am Kevin Neibauer and I am happy to be supplying insight, recaps and whatever I can add to the wonderful JSAP's Wings Zone.
I would like to examine the world of the National Lacrosse League and the many changes that have occurred throughout the brief history of the "fastest game on two feet".
I have been following the Wings since the early days of the Eagle League when Barry Ashbee was the GM.....The MILL witnessed, John Tucker, Lou Delligatti, Kevin Bilger, names from the past, but a storied past it has been.
I am not going to rehash Wings history but look at the bright future of what ESPN The Magazine has called the "next biggest sport."
Expansion is not only doubling the league, but probably tripling it. In the days not too far removed, a 8 to 10 game schedule was the norm. Soon it will be as many as a 36 game schedule with teams from Western Canada and all over the Northern United States.
No longer will we be reading a players bio to see what his day job is. Box Lacrosse may finally make it to "mainstream" sports status. It is no longer a novelty designed to make two guys from Kansas City some extra cash.
Jim Jennings, the commissioner of the league is indeed a pioneer. Jennings has taken the product and has bullrushed it to the marketing wizards of Calgary, Vancouver and several other cities that five years ago, American lacrosse fans would never have imagined being involved.
The biggest obstacle that the league has to overcome is the fact that the league and sport is dominated by Canadians. Not necessarily a big deal, but tapping into the American youth and market figures to bring enormous success.
The league is finding that their are major differences between the American box game that we all have seen and the Canadian Box Lacrosse game. Toronto dominates the league stressing the defense first Canadian version while the Wings nip their heels with the American version.
A new Playstation game, NLL is due to be released on May 23, a new league, NLL2, will fire up in the near future. A new league? A minor league for the current NLL teams. It will be composed of American players and American referees.
The fledgling league is competition for the outdoor league, the Major Lacrosse League. Philadelphia was slated for a franchise but the league reversed its stance and Philly will no longer have a team.
To me, the owner and founder, Jake Steinfeld, made a big mistake by changing the plan. Philadelphia is the focal point of lacrosse on the Eastern Seaboard. Sure Baltimore has many more league and much more interest, but Philly is the financial kingpin.
Dallas Eliuk, the Goaltender for the Wings, feels that "Stienfeld should put his money in this league." Eliuk is obviously not a big fan of the outdoor version. Not everyone shares Eliuk's thoughts though. Steinfeld has rounded up some world class talent for his outdoor version. Look for Jake Bergey and many of the current Wings in the summer.
Usually, when the season ends, no matter how the Wings finished, I was left with a sense of anticipation for next season.
This season, more than any, I can't wait to see what looms on the horizon. The league hasn't even finished playing the game this season and expansion cities have already been introduced.
Seattle, Los Angeles, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, New Jersey, Chicago, Edmonton...the list is seemingly endless. Frank DuRoss is rumored to be trying to place a team in Florida. DuRoss owned the Boston Blazers, which are still hoping to make a return to the NLL.
In an era where sports fans are beginning to sour on the over priced, over paid big time professional sports, minor league teams like the Trenton Titans and reading Phillies pack the buildings and give fans an "affordable" night out.
Palatable prices, great entertainment and a good atmosphere are propelling minor league towns into sports hotbeds.
The National Lacrosse looks to tap that very same market. Blue collar working types embrace a game that features big hits, great playmaking and the occasional fight.
Sensing the void being left by NHL fans who are souring on the figure skating attitude that the league is adhereing to, the commissioner, Jennings, apparently has decided to strike while the irons are hot.
Truly, and Thankfully this league is becoming nation wide....