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NLL Junior Tournament this Weekend

August 26, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release


The Edmonton Rush are gearing up to face off against North America's best, but it won't be the big club suiting up this Labour Day long weekend.

The NLL Junior Tournament is set to take place for the second time, with NLL teams across the league being represented by players from Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget. This year will be the first for the Rush who will be sending a Pee Wee and a Bantam team.

"We have a good mix of big bodies and small sticks, and I think the best thing I can say about this team is they're all receptive to learn and they work really hard." said Head Coach of the Bantam team and Edmonton Rush Defensive Coach Jimmy Quinlan

"There's room for growth but they're a pleasure to work with because of how much they want to improve."

For the Pee Wee's, Head Coach Gord Henry is excited about his team.

"The kids are looking good, I have a bunch who were on Team Alberta who know me and the kids I don't know look great too, so I'm pretty happy."

The boys will be playing NLL rules as compared to the CLA sanctioned rules they are used to playing with, including the ability to dive into the crease and the 8 second rule that forces the players to move the ball across the center of the floor in under 8 seconds. Both Quinlan and Henry are both ready for the switch.

"We've gone over the specific scenarios, and the 8 second rule will be a big one. Players usually like to make the safe play but when you're facing pressure you don't really get that luxury." said Quinlan on the rule changes.

The dimensions of the goal will also change as the nets used in the NLL are 9 inches wider than the ones used in minor box lacrosse across Canada.

"Defensively, we really going to have to work on keeping the middle of the floor closed off and not give them any opportunities from the primary areas on the floor. I like the rules, and I think the smaller players will benefit from the fact you don't have as much off ball contact. It will take some time to adjust but I think we're doing our best to prep them in practice."

"The biggest adjustment might be for the goalies, but the boys are going to love the NLL rules, the issue might be keeping them discipline and playing the proper game," added Henry.

The tournaments development aspects also had the coaches excited.

"It's such a great experience for the boys, they're going to love it out in Toronto, cause at these kind of tournaments they treat them like professionals. We know the level of competitiveness there is outside of Alberta, these players see the level these Ontario and BC kids play at and they realize how much they have to work, and they get to see the big picture which brings the game up." said Henry

Quinlan is just happy to have the kids on the floor.

"The biggest thing for players in Alberta is it allows them to play lacrosse for an additional month. It's a high-caliber, primer tournament. It brings a little exposure to the kids, but most importantly it keeps them playing the game at a high level."

While both teams feature high quality players, Skylar Wilson and Griffin Wilson might just have a bit of an edge. The 14 year old twin brothers are coming off of their seconds provincial championship with the Edmonton Warriors and are ready to lead the Bantam Rush into another best on best tournament. The brothers have twice represented Alberta at Nationals and most recently participated on the world stage at the FIL World Field Lacrosse Championships in Denver last month playing up a division with 15 year olds on a team out of Virginia.

"The games are a lot tougher than the games we play here in Edmonton, but it's defiantly good for everyone and it's a lot of fun because it's high paced, high intensity, and there's a high skill level." Skylar said just after practice.

Griffin added, "These tournaments are great for exposure, and it's great to push yourself against high quality players so you can be better than them."

Coach Quinlan had high praise for the brothers.

"I have had the opportunity to work with them at Vimy Ridge Academy for a number of years already so it's nice to coach them out of school. They're excellent athletes, tremendous workers, and very receptive to coaching and constructive criticism. They do a great job of protecting and moving the ball and we are going to play them all over. They'll play offense, defense and take face-offs so they're very well rounded and mature. The biggest compliment I can give them is they work. "

Both players hope they can secure an NCAA Division One scholarship, but the goal for the immediate future is to bring the championship back home to Edmonton.

The Pee Wees will play their first game this Friday at 1 pm against the Rochester Knighthawks, while the Bantams will play the Minnesota Swarm at 2 pm.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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