Originally known as stickball, lacrosse dates back to 1100 A.D. when the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois people, played in what is now the Northeastern United States and Canada. Revered as the Creator’s game, the sport was played for many reasons—for toughening young warriors, for recreation and for its spiritual components.
You can now enjoy box lacrosse, a modern version of the game played atop turf within the bounds of a hockey rink, where the ball can be played off the walls. It’s known as the fastest game on two feet, and fans can expect cunning game play and a decent helping of roughhousing from one of the newest teams in the sport—the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, who face off against the Calgary Roughnecks this week on the Las Vegas Strip.
“It looks like hockey; there’s five players and a goalie on and we’re in a hockey rink, but we specialize (positions). Our offensive guys play offense only, then they get off and (others) play defense, so there’s lots of interchanging,” head coach, general manager and National Lacrosse League Hall of Famer Shawn Williams said. “And I would equate the movements and patterns to that of basketball … You add a little football with some big hits, so there’s a little bit of everything.”
Forwards Rob Hellyer (No. 10) and Zack Greer (No. 88) form a dynamic pair whose combined skill set lays the foundation for a challenging offense. Facing a goal that stands a mere 4 feet tall and 4 feet 9 inches wide—and guarded by a largely padded goaltender—means scoring requires keen accuracy and movement that deceives the opposing goalie. Sharpshooters like Charlie Bertrand (No. 61) and Jack Hannah (No. 33) add to the intimidating offense, finding frequent scoring opportunities.
Cleaning up loose balls is another forward to look out for—Jacob Ruest (No. 20.) Offering a 50/50 opportunity to gain possession of the ball, loose ball pickups can change the course of the game.
Defensively, the Dogs lock it down with quick footwork and acute field awareness. You’ll see defensemen forcing opposing attackers out of the scoring area, looking to gain possession of the ball and blocking shots before they can reach the goaltender. Holding down for Vegas, Travis Cornwall (No. 90) and James Barclay (No. 25) cause turnovers, while Tor Reinholdt (No. 7) leads in loose ball recoveries.
Heavily armored and posted up in the goal, a goalie must track the ball through chaotic game play, using swift yet precise movements to make saves. Landon Kells (No. 42), the team’s leading goaltender, is patient in play, stopping shots with nimble but bold movement.
Impressive game play aside, a Desert Dogs game is always a good time. With your typical game-day atmosphere, a talented dance squad and pregame and half-time entertainment, there’s little reason not to check out the newest game in town.
Mandalay Bay, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, axs.com
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