National Lacrosse League Review: Preseason Week 1

For anybody who may not be aware, there are two variations of professional men's lacrosse unlike any other sport. There is the outdoor field lacrosse game known as the Major League Lacrosse (MLL), and there is also an indoor box league known as the National Lacrosse League (NLL). This past weekend saw 8 professional indoor box lacrosse games for the NLL preseason. Here's a quick recap of what went down... nll-preseason-1 The Rochester Knighthawks look to turn around a their first losing season since 2012. Finishing 7-11 last year they look to correct their path without the help of Joe Walters. Walters recently retired from the indoor game this off season to focus solely on his professional outdoor career with the New York Lizards. I know it's preseason, but Rochester isn't off to the start they had wished, Losing the first game of the NLL Preseason to the Buffalo Bandits. The Thompson trio is trying to improve on their 8-10 season with the Georgia Swarm despite making a playoff appearance last year. The Bandits from Buffalo tied the New England Blackwolfs in a 12-12 game. The Reigning, defending, two-time NLL champion Saskatchewan Rush went 1-1 on the weekend; Beating Colorado by 6 but losing to Vancouver by 1. Rochester and Colorado both redeemed themselves with 1 goal wins against New England and Calgary respectively. The more popular field lacrosse variation of the sport barely gets TV time as it is.. Box lacrosse might be bigger in some parts of the world, but down here in the lower 48, it's still gaining popularity, so it is rarely televised. Hardcore lacrosse enthusiasts will be aware, but the every day person might not be. If you get a chance, check out an indoor game. It is faster paced than the outdoor game and a little more "edgy". Fighting is allowed in box lacrosse much like hockey and some see fighting as a right of passage for the younger players in the league. If you like hockey, chances are you'll probably love the NLL.

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