Thursday, March 19, 2015

Isle Be There: The New York Lizards & Their Long Island Roots


In a series of articles, called Isle Be There, my intention is to focus on the different social groups that support your New York Islanders team & its players. This will also include current events, situations and personalities in and around the team as it relates to its fan base and community.

As your New York Islanders make a push in the 2015 NHL playoffs for their chance to compete for the Stanley Cup, Isles fans should also check out the only other major league team on Long Island that plays their games at nearby Shuart Stadium on the Hofstra University campus.  The New York Lizards.

Smithtown native, Rob Pannell - 2013 Cascade Rookie of the Year, MLL All-Star


Having played Lacrosse in High School & College at the club level, I have always been a huge fan of the game.  Like Hockey, Lacrosse requires speed, stamina, physicality and tremendous strength by its players, who must strive to play equally in both their right and left handed stick techniques on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game.  It also follows many offensive and defensive schemes, shared by its ice based counterpart. And let’s just say good goaltending is just as important.


I always wanted to see what Lacrosse would look like on the professional level.  While I did enjoy watching the indoor hybrid version of the game, I really wanted to see the pure excitement of the traditional game executed by some of the best LAX players in the world.  I got my chance in 2001 with the inception of the MLL.


Major League Lacrosse began play in 2001 to capitalize on the growing demand for world-class field lacrosse driven by dramatic growth in the U.S. lacrosse market. The MLL was praised and heralded for its on-field play, regarded as the best ever seen. With a year-on-year attendance increase, Major League Lacrosse has continued to lead the sport of lacrosse into the mainstream of competitive team sports.”


All-Stars, Paul Rabil - @PaulRabil (WWE Fan) & Mike Stone (Hockey Fan) were just added in a couple of major moves by the Lizards organization in the off season. And along with established veterans, another strong draft class and other key acquisitions made via trade, the Lizards have made a statement that they are ready to return to the top of the standings behind a top coaching staff led by Long Island native, Joe Spallina.

Hey @PaulRabil, any chance we see you at a @NYIslanders game any time soon? You work close by. ;) @LizardsLacrosse

The MLL brings the pro experience to the original speed and pace of the traditional outdoor game.  If you haven’t already, all Islanders fans should consider checking out a MLL game and support another Long Island original with the New York Lizards.  Maybe we could even entice the mighty @section329 to organize appearances and lend their special brand of support to the local boys.  


Yes! Yes! Yes!



@LizardsLacrosse open their season against the Ohio Machine on April 12th @ 5pm, Shuart Stadium @ Hofstra University, Gerald Street/Stadium Road, Uniondale, NY 11553


Season tickets are still available by calling 1-855-NYLizards. Single game tickets will go on sale March 1. 

More information is available at www.nylizards.com.




Isles Notes:

The Islanders have no easy games left. They need to open Devils game w more than just a good effort this weekend. Very badly need to rebuild momentum & ride it into playoffs.


Mikhail Grabovski and Lubo Visnovsky skated prior to practice and are possible for next week (Staple). Nick Leddy participated in a full skate and could be ready for Saturday. Jaroslav Halak is “good to go.”  Kevin Poulin has been returned to the BST.

Lines in practice:  Lee-Tavares-Bailey, Kulemin-Nielsen-McDonald-Okposo, Grabner-Nelson-Kennedy-Strome, Martin-Boulton-Cizikas-Clutterbuck.

Per Mike Morreale, “Isles prospect Michael Dal Colle named 'Most Dangerous in the Goal Area', and 'Best Shot' for Oshawa in Eastern Conference.”

There will be no further supplemental discipline for Andrew Shaw (CHI) on head-butting Brock Nelson.
 


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