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Why Hockey Players Should Play Lacrosse

Why Hockey Players Should Play Lacrosse 

The oldest sport in North America, lacrosse blends a unique combination of speed, power and finesse. Those familiar with the "fastest game on two feet" believe that the crossover possibilities for hockey players and fans are very appealing. 

From Gretzky to Tavares, Shanahan to Stamkos, NHLers recommend playing lacrosse in the spring to improve hockey skills.  

“It’s lacrosse that helped teach me to spin off checks, take shots and protect the puck under pressure. My stick skills, the way to read the play quickly comes from lacrosse. The hand-eye coordination is just one of the little things that helps you in hockey.” -John Tavares, World Junior Hockey Champion 

 “I couldn’t wait for hockey season to end so I could pick up a lacrosse stick again.” -Wayne Gretzky 

“It’s such a great sport,I played it growing up and loved it. It’s my favourite sport to watch.” -Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames 

"There is no question that lacrosse helped me become a better all round athlete but more important to me are the memories. Small town rinks, competing for my community, summer fun at tournaments, teammates and family.” -Dave Bolland, Chicago Blackhawks 

 HOCKEY AND LACROSSE ARE VERY SIMILAR SPORTS  

Both hockey and lacrosse are high tempo, physical team sports that have similar elements to the game. Both sports utilize 5 players and a goalie, three periods and strategy of developing odd-man situations to create scoring opportunities. Hockey players excel in lacrosse. And, in turn, they become markedly better hockey players. Comparatively, lacrosse is a less expensive sport and uses much of the same protective upper body equipment. Hockey players benefit from lacrosse by: 
 • developing stick handling creativity  
• developing creativity in tight areas  
• learning to read the play offensively  
• developing strong, dynamic defensive tactics  
• building up strength and endurance  
• helping to prevent sport burn-out by playing a new, fast-paced sport  
• increasing hand-eye coordination  
• reinforcing the importance of quickness and agility around the net 
 • building self-esteem, respect, integrity and fairness 
 • developing leadership skills  
• learning to play both offensive and defensive positions and making quick transitions from defense to offence and vice versa  
• honing scoring skills from shooting at smaller targets and picking corners  
• developing the use of both hands   
• Hockey coaches teach similar strategies of team play and special teams.  
• Hockey coaches and players only have to look at great hockey players and see that they have one thing in common...they have all played lacrosse and have used the experience to enhance their hockey skills. 
 You can share in their experience by playing lacrosse! … 

 For more information about playing or coaching for the St. Catharines Athletics, visit our website at www.scmla.ca 
 

For more information about playing or coaching for the St. Catharines Athletics, visit our website at www.scmla.ca