Welcome to the Weekly Fast Break, where we update you on news and notes from the lacrosse world from the prior week. From major stories to entertaining social media posts and beyond, we’ve got you covered to catch you up on the latest news and opinion on and off the lacrosse field.
This past week saw some major announcements in the lacrosse community, so let’s jump right in!
FIL Given Provisional Recognition by IOC
The International Olympic Committee gave the Federation of International Lacrosse provisional status on Friday, in a move that puts lacrosse on the path to becoming an Olympic sport.
According to the IOC, “These three International Federations will now be able to receive funding from the IOC and can apply for development programs, while full recognition has to be granted by the IOC Session.”
However, rules for the sport at the international level may undergo some major changes.
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings voiced her support for lacrosse in the Olympics, in addition to her support for the Premier Lacrosse League launching next summer:
YEAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! This amazing Olympic news + your launch of the @PremierLacrosse means ? I pray #PLL is the meat & potatoes while the Games = icing on the cake. Be relevant EVERY year!!!! https://t.co/WFwvPzFilL
— Kerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) December 1, 2018
Read the full article on the announcement here.
LAS Team Stops By New England Black Wolves Training Camp
LaxAllStars’ Ryan and Katie Conwell stopped by the New England Black Wolves training camp this past weekend. Katie grabbed some great shots of the action, displayed below. Watch for the Black Wolves season preview to be released Tuesday.
Ashley Dabb Joins Know the Game Podcast
The Chief Marketing Officer for the National Lacrosse League, Ashley Dabb, joined Ryan Conwell on the Know the Game Podcast this past week to talk about the tools the NLL has to grow the league and what they have learned from other professional leagues on how to do this.
They also discuss more of the marketing strategy of the NLL and the difficulty in balancing having coordinated league initiatives and letting teams cater to their individual markets.
For all the sports business junkies out there, this is a podcast you shouldn’t have missed. Check it out here on our site, or on Soundcloud, iTunes and Google Play.
Buffalo Bandits Season Preview
LaxAllStars contributor Steve Wizniuk wrote his season preview for the Buffalo Bandits, as the opening day for the National Lacrosse League approaches. We will be bringing you a preview of each NLL team leading up to opening day, so stay tuned for all of our NLL coverage.
Wizniuk discusses the addition NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc and how that will factor into the Bandits improving their defense from last year. Wizniuk also discusses the two head coaches system that Buffalo is currently running, and whether or not that is going to be successful.
Read the full preview here.
NLL Releases Amended Schedule
The NLL released their amended schedule for the 2018-2019 season on Thursday. Each team in the league will play a full 18 regular season games. The season will kick off in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center as the Wings will host the Bandits on December 15.
NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said in the statement, “Fans will not only get a complete season, but also see much improved broadcast quality on B/R Live and receive more access to the League than ever before.”
Read the full release here.
Carly Reed Joins Cassie Brunelle on Outside the Eight Podcast
Carly Reed, a member of the WPLL’s New England Command and former national champion at the University of North Carolina joined host Cassie Brunelle on the Outside the Eight Podcast this past week. They talk about making the transition from high school to college lacrosse, the new business that Carly launched and much, much more.
Click here to listen on our site. Also available on iTunes, Google Play and Soundcloud.
NLL Announces Partnership With Arena Lacrosse League
The NLL announced a new partnership with the Arena Lacrosse League. This new partnership “is a great first step in producing a natural funnel from the amateur level to the professional ranks” league commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said.
Sakiwicz also added, “The ability for the league and its teams to establish year-round evaluation of ALL players, officials, and management, will build a process for sustained growth.”
Read the full release here.
MLL Releases 2019 Schedule
Major League Lacrosse released their 2019 schedule on Thursday. LaxAllStars’ Ryan Conwell was there to bring you insight and analysis into the new schedule, and how that factors into the league’s overall goal of making big changes to better the league.
Click here to read the full analysis.
San Diego Seals Pres. Steve Govett and Mammoth Assistant Andrew McBride Stop By Lacrosse Classified
San Diego Seals president Steve Govett and Colorado Mammoth assistant coach Andrew McBride stopped by the Lacrosse Classified Podcast. To listen to the podcast again, click here or find us on iTunes, Google Play or Soundcloud.
