Randy Staats Reflects on the Creator's Game
November 24, 2020 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release
BOSTON -ÃÂ Upon the game's inception, the Native Americans who first played lacrosse said it is so meaningful, it has the ability to heal those who play it. Boston Cannons Attackman Randy Staats has to agree.
"I always grew up on the reserve, but not in our traditional ways," he said. "Whenever I played lacrosse, I never really thought of anything outside or let anything bother me. It was a getaway from what I had going on in my life at the time."
Staats also elaborated on the healing aspect of the Creator's Game for the spectators.
"The way I think about it as a healing game is there's a lot of people that come to our games; they come from all walks of life, and they're cheering. So, this sport uplifts their spirits whether it's a bad call, or whether someone scores a goal, they're emotionally invested in the game," Staats explained. "No matter how bad or good the day is, [the fans] are there cheering and smiling. That is the good medicine, in my mind, that people talk about."
During his decorative five years in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), Staats has been named an All-Star twice. His accomplishments within the sport span further than MLL as he was the third-highest scorer during the past National Lacrosse League (NLL) season. The Six Nations, Ontario native has represented the Iroquois Nationals for the past 12 years, and yet throughout his expansive career, Staats continues to learn more about the Creator's Game with each experience he gets.
"Over the course of my life, I've learned a lot more as I've gotten older, and now, I really understand the effect [the game] has on my people and indigenous people across the world," he said. "We bring positive energy, we bring them home, and we give them a voice, which is huge."
When putting on an Iroquois Nationals jersey, Staats is playing for more than himself. He's playing for his friends, his family, and most importantly, his people.
"We're giving all indigenous people a voice to be heard," he said. "That is very important to me because a lot of times throughout our history we've had that taken away, and I feel it's important for us to speak the truth on how we feel. It's crazy that a single team gives you that platform and that's the beauty of it."
Staats' love for the game goes beyond his own enjoyment; he plays to give his people a voice.
"I'm so grateful for the sport and that the Creator gave it to us, but it's given our people a voice, and what we're seeing is that people are sometimes listening."
Boston Cannons Twitter:ÃÂ @BostonCannons
Boston Cannons Instagram:ÃÂ @LaxCannons
Randy Staats Twitter:ÃÂ @Staats83
Randy Staats Instagram:ÃÂ @Staats83
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from November 24, 2020
- Randy Staats Reflects on the Creator's Game - Boston Cannons
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