Where can you find top-quality lacrosse gear in Chicago. How is The Lax Shop revolutionizing the lacrosse shopping experience. What unique features does The Lax Shop offer to lacrosse enthusiasts.
The Rise of Lacrosse in Chicago: A Growing Demand for Specialized Equipment
The sport of lacrosse has been experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States, and Chicago is no exception. In recent years, the Windy City has seen a dramatic increase in lacrosse participation, particularly among youth players. This growth has created a pressing need for a dedicated lacrosse equipment store to serve the burgeoning community of players and enthusiasts.
Just how significant has this growth been? Consider this: the Chicago Youth Lacrosse league, which had a mere 50 members just five years ago, now boasts an impressive roster of over 1,000 players. This exponential growth underscores the sport’s rapidly expanding footprint in the Chicago area and highlights the demand for specialized equipment and expertise.
Introducing The Lax Shop: Chicago’s First Dedicated Lacrosse Store
Recognizing this opportunity, Chicago businessman and former lacrosse player Justin Smith has stepped up to fill the void. On April 30, 2011, Smith is set to open The Lax Shop, a groundbreaking retail establishment dedicated entirely to the sport of lacrosse. Located at 1216 W. Belmont Avenue in the vibrant Lakeview/Wrigleyville neighborhood, The Lax Shop is poised to become the go-to destination for lacrosse players of all skill levels in the Chicagoland area.
What sets The Lax Shop apart from other sporting goods stores? For starters, its impressive 2,000 square feet of retail space is devoted exclusively to lacrosse equipment and apparel. This specialized focus allows The Lax Shop to offer an unparalleled selection of gear from top manufacturers such as Warrior, Brine, STX, Maverik, and Cascade.
A One-Stop Shop for All Things Lacrosse
The Lax Shop aims to be more than just a store; it’s designed to be a comprehensive lacrosse headquarters. Here’s what customers can expect to find:
- A complete inventory of lacrosse equipment for both male and female players
- Helmets, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, sticks, cleats, and mouth guards
- A wide selection of non-lacrosse athletic apparel for cross-training
- Custom t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Plans for a unique equipment rental program for beginners
The Shooting Cage: A Game-Changing Feature
Perhaps the most exciting and innovative aspect of The Lax Shop is its state-of-the-art “shooting cage.” This unique feature sets the store apart from traditional sporting goods retailers and offers customers an immersive, hands-on experience.
What exactly is the shooting cage? It’s a dedicated space within the store where customers can test out equipment, receive coaching tips, and even measure the speed and accuracy of their shots using a radar gun. This interactive element allows players to ensure they’re selecting the right gear for their individual skills and playing style.
How does the shooting cage benefit customers? By providing a try-before-you-buy experience, similar to what golfers enjoy when testing clubs, The Lax Shop ensures that every customer leaves with equipment they’re confident in and know how to use effectively.
Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Lacrosse Professional
Behind The Lax Shop’s concept is owner Justin Smith, a man with deep roots in the lacrosse community. Smith’s credentials speak volumes about his passion for and expertise in the sport:
- 1993 graduate of Lake Forest High School
- Named a high school lacrosse All-American
- Three-time Illinois all-state team member
- Collegiate lacrosse star at Denison University in Ohio
- Team captain and three-time all-conference honoree at Denison
- Assistant coach at Chicago’s Saint Ignatius College Prep (2009 Class “B” Illinois state champion)
- Coach in the Chicago Youth Lacrosse (CYL) program
Smith’s extensive experience as both a player and coach uniquely positions him to understand the needs of lacrosse enthusiasts at all levels. His vision for The Lax Shop goes beyond simply selling equipment; he aims to create a hub for the lacrosse community where players can gain knowledge, improve their skills, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Serving the Entire Lacrosse Community: From Beginners to Advanced Athletes
One of The Lax Shop’s key strengths is its commitment to serving players across the entire spectrum of skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a lacrosse stick for the first time or you’re a seasoned veteran looking to fine-tune your game, The Lax Shop has something to offer.
For beginners, the store plans to introduce a unique equipment rental program. This initiative will allow new players to equip themselves with all the necessary gear – including sticks, helmets, arm and shoulder pads, and gloves – for an entire season. This program lowers the barrier to entry for those interested in trying out the sport without committing to purchasing expensive equipment upfront.
On the other end of the spectrum, advanced players will appreciate the store’s extensive selection of high-performance gear from top manufacturers. The ability to test equipment in the shooting cage ensures that even the most discerning players can find the perfect fit for their playing style.
Supporting Team Sports: Equipping Schools and Clubs
Beyond serving individual players, The Lax Shop is also positioned to support the growth of organized lacrosse programs in the Chicago area. Smith has developed a bulk ordering program that will allow the store to provide equipment and uniforms for entire school and club teams at affordable prices.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is considering sanctioning both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as state-sponsored sports in the future. Currently, there are approximately 15-20 high school lacrosse programs in the city of Chicago, with potential for growth at the junior high and intermediate levels as well.
By offering competitive pricing for team orders, The Lax Shop aims to facilitate the expansion of lacrosse programs throughout the region, making the sport more accessible to a wider range of schools and clubs.
Educating and Inspiring: Bringing Lacrosse History to Life
Recognizing that many people in the Chicago area are still new to lacrosse, Smith has incorporated an educational element into The Lax Shop’s design. Throughout the store, customers will find historical data and information about the sport, helping to contextualize its rich heritage and cultural significance.
Why is this historical context important? Lacrosse has a fascinating history that spans hundreds of years, originating with Native North Americans. By sharing this information, The Lax Shop aims to deepen customers’ appreciation for the sport and inspire a connection to its longstanding traditions.
This educational approach aligns with Smith’s vision of The Lax Shop as more than just a retail outlet, but as a center for lacrosse culture and community in Chicago.
The Future of Lacrosse in Chicago: Prospects for Growth
The opening of The Lax Shop comes at a pivotal moment for lacrosse in Chicago. With participation numbers on the rise and increasing interest from schools and youth organizations, the sport appears poised for significant growth in the coming years.
What factors are driving this growth? Several key elements contribute to lacrosse’s increasing popularity:
- The fast-paced, exciting nature of the game (often referred to as “the fastest game on two feet”)
- Increasing exposure through college and professional leagues
- The sport’s appeal to both male and female athletes
- The potential for skill development and scholarship opportunities
As the sport continues to gain traction, The Lax Shop is well-positioned to serve as a catalyst for further growth. By providing easy access to high-quality equipment, expert advice, and a sense of community, the store can play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of lacrosse players in Chicago.
Expanding Beyond Equipment: Building a Lacrosse Community
While The Lax Shop’s primary focus is on providing top-notch lacrosse equipment and apparel, its potential impact extends far beyond retail. As the only dedicated lacrosse store in the Chicagoland area, it has the opportunity to become a central hub for the local lacrosse community.
How might The Lax Shop foster community engagement? Here are some possibilities:
- Hosting clinics and workshops with local coaches and players
- Organizing demo days for new equipment releases
- Facilitating connections between players, teams, and leagues
- Sponsoring local tournaments and events
- Providing a space for lacrosse enthusiasts to gather and share their passion for the sport
By embracing these community-building initiatives, The Lax Shop can establish itself as more than just a store – it can become an integral part of Chicago’s growing lacrosse culture.
The Lax Shop: A Game-Changer for Chicago’s Lacrosse Scene
As The Lax Shop prepares to open its doors on April 30, 2011, it stands poised to make a significant impact on the lacrosse landscape in Chicago. With its comprehensive inventory, innovative features like the shooting cage, and the expertise of owner Justin Smith, the store is well-equipped to meet the needs of the city’s burgeoning lacrosse community.
What makes The Lax Shop a potential game-changer for Chicago lacrosse? Consider these key factors:
- Specialized focus: By dedicating its entire space to lacrosse, The Lax Shop offers an unparalleled selection and depth of inventory.
- Expert guidance: Justin Smith’s extensive background in lacrosse ensures that customers receive knowledgeable advice and support.
- Interactive experience: The shooting cage provides a unique, hands-on way for customers to test and select equipment.
- Community hub: As the only dedicated lacrosse store in the area, The Lax Shop has the potential to become a central gathering place for players and enthusiasts.
- Support for growth: Through its team ordering program and potential equipment rentals, the store can facilitate the expansion of lacrosse programs throughout the region.
As lacrosse continues to gain popularity in Chicago and across the United States, The Lax Shop is positioning itself at the forefront of this exciting trend. By providing high-quality equipment, expert guidance, and a sense of community, it aims to support and nurture the sport’s growth for years to come.
For lacrosse players, coaches, and fans in the Chicagoland area, The Lax Shop’s grand opening on April 30 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the city’s sporting landscape. As the store establishes itself and evolves to meet the needs of its customers, it has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of lacrosse in Chicago and beyond.
New Store Opens In Chicago To Serve Booming Growth of Lacrosse
Chicago, IL (MMD Newswire) April 26, 2011 — With the booming popularity of the sport of lacrosse (“the fastest game on two feet”) in the Chicago area and across the USA, a unique new store to equip and teach both male and female players is opening downtown in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area.
The LAX Shop, the only store of its kind in the Chicagoland area, is opening Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m., according to the store’s owner, Chicago businessman Justin Smith. The LAX Shop, 1216 W. Belmont Avenue, will feature nearly 2,000 square feet of lacrosse equipment and apparel plus a one-of-a-kind “shooting cage” in the rear of the store.
“The time is right for a state-of-the-art lacrosse store downtown,” Smith said. “Just a few years ago, Chicago Youth Lacrosse had about 50 players in the sport and this year there are nearly a thousand. And, all indications are that the sport will continue to grow at a rapid pace with both males and females playing at all age levels.
”
Smith has designed The LAX Shop as a one-stop lacrosse headquarters for players from beginners to advanced athletes. The new store will carry a complete inventory of lacrosse equipment for both males and females, including helmets, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, sticks, cleats, mouth guards, and much more.
Equipment will be from the top manufacturers in the industry, including Warrior, Brine, STX, Maverik, Cascade and others. In addition, the store will carry a wide selection of non-lacrosse athletic apparel (cross training shoes, workout gear, custom t-shirts and sweatshirts) for other sports. Future plans call for a unique equipment rental program to equip beginning players with the sticks, helmets, arm and shoulder pads, and gloves they need for an entire season.
An exclusive feature of the new store is a “shooting cage,” with a radar gun for checking shot speed and accuracy. Here customers can try out equipment, get some coaching tips and have some fun. Similar to golf stores where customers can test different clubs, The LAX Shop customers can try out a certain brand of stick to ensure that it fits his or her skills.
“Our goal,” says Smith, “is to ensure that when a customer leaves the store, he or she will be completely satisfied with their gear and know exactly how to wear it and use it safely and successfully.”
With the growing popularity of lacrosse, it appears that the Illinois High School Association (ISHA) could possibly sanction both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as state-sponsored sports in the future. There are currently some 15-20 high school lacrosse programs in the city of Chicago. Down the road, the lower level schools (junior high, intermediate) will also begin to have boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams.
“Many people in the area are still new to the game,” says Smith. “I will have historical data about the sport throughout the store. This will help people understand the longevity and power of the game, which is hundreds of years old. (Lacrosse in North America originated with Native North Americans.)
Smith will provide equipment and uniforms for entire school and club teams at affordable prices because of the efficient store’s bulk ordering program.
Justin Smith knows lacrosse. A 1993 graduate of Lake Forest High School, he was named a high school lacrosse All-American and three times was named to the Illinois all-state team. He also played football and hockey at Lake Forest. He then went on to star in lacrosse on the collegiate level at Denison University in Ohio, where he was team captain as a senior and three times earned all-conference honors. More recently he has been a lacrosse assistant coach at Chicago’s Saint Ignatius College Prep (the 2009 Class “B” Illinois state champion) and also coaches in the Chicago Youth Lacrosse (CYL) program.
Smith resides in the city with his wife Margie, daughter Ainsley and son Bo.
For more information, call (773) 525-1600, or visit the website at www.thelaxshop.com.
Lacrosse store lands in Chicago
April 25, 2011 07:00 AM
(Crain’s) — The LAX Shop, the first Chicago store dedicated solely to the sport of lacrosse, will open at 1216 W. Belmont Ave. in Lakeview next weekend.
At nearly 2,000 square feet, the LAX Shop will feature men’s and women’s apparel and equipment, from helmets and shoulder pads to sticks and cleats. A “shooting cage” in the back of the store will allow customers to check the speed and accuracy of their shot with a radar gun.
Owner Justin Smith, a Lake Forest native who played lacrosse at Denison University in Granville, Ohio in the 1990s, said the store will combine gear, coaching tips and a golf driving range-style environment.
“There’s a real need for a store downtown,” he said, noting that the Chicago Youth Lacrosse league currently counts more than 1,000 members, up from 50 five years ago. “It’s starting to explode, but parents still don’t know much about the game. They need guidance.”
They also need to be prepared to drop a lot of money. Mr. Smith said sticks range from $30 to $150. All told, a complete set of lower-end gear starts at about $300 and higher-end equipment can run more than $500.
“It’s less than hockey, but it’s still a major expense,” he said.
Mr. Smith, who has coached at Chicago’s St. Ignatius College Prep and in the Chicago Youth Lacrosse league, said the store will open an equipment rental business this summer to offset the sport’s prohibitive costs.
A staple of the East Coast prep and collegiate athletic scene since the 1990s, lacrosse has made slower inroads in the Midwest.
Major League Lacrosse, founded in 1999, included the Chicago Machine franchise from 2006 to 2010. After playing as a traveling team with no Chicago-area games last year, the franchise relocated to Rochester, N.Y., in November.
High-school lacrosse here is considered a club sport with no varsity teams or state competition. In 2009, the Illinois High School Assn. said it would sanction boys’ lacrosse beginning in 2011, provided at least 65 teams participated. Early this year, however, only 47 teams across the state agreed to participate, delaying the sport’s varsity designation until at least next year.
But Chicago-area lacrosse programs have nonetheless expanded rapidly in the last five years.
Aurora University is in the middle of its first NCAA Division III varsity men’s season. Earlier this year, Benedictine University in Lisle announced it will sponsor Division III men’s and women’s teams beginning in 2013.
The Illinois High School Lacrosse Assn., meanwhile, counts 79 public and parochial teams across the state, though Mr. Smith said additional schools have teams that are not registered. He said the number of high-school teams is actually more than 100, up from 13 in 1993.
Another local retailer, Chicago Lacrosse Co.formerly Lacrosse America—operates stores in Northbrook, Libertyville, La range and Naperville.
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15KB 90,000 Panarin knocked out 500 points in the NHL – he made 2 + 2 in a match with an almost native “Chicago”.
Only superstars were faster than him – Hockey news
The anniversary crept up unnoticed.
“Saad fits in perfectly with our squad – it’s a well-known fact. We always hoped to get him back, at some point,” Chicago general manager Stan Bowman explained in June 2017 after Panarin’s shocking trade to Columbus for an American.
A lot of time has passed since then: the Blackhawks won only one playoff game (except for the covid qualifying round), gave the worst start in their history in 2021, Stan Bowman was fired from the club due to a sexual assault case years ago, and Brandon Saad is already scoring points for St. Louis (in 2020, Chicago traded him to Colorado for Zadorov!).
Not to say that at the same time Panarin massively collects cups and awards, but at least he made some noise with the Blue Jackets in the playoffs, and in the Rangers he finally strengthened his status as one of the main stars of the league. New York is traditionally stormy, but it seems that this season the team is ready to take a step forward – in any case, the current “Chicago” is definitely no match for him.
That showed the match on Tuesday.
Already in the second minute of the match, the Rangers opened the scoring – Panarin gave the puck for Jake Truba’s shot.
At the 24th minute, Panarin already scored himself, closing an excellent pass in the majority:
And in the third period, Artemy helped Kreider score in the 5×4 format.
Artemy scored one more goal into an empty net, although it was not the last one for the teams in the match.
“Today he was incredible,” Mika Zibanejad said about his partner. “Great game from him.”
During the evening, the leader of the Rangers scored 2 + 2, but the numbers for his entire overseas career are much more interesting: 174 + 329 over 457 games. His transfer to Truba at the very beginning of the match became the 500th anniversary score. Of the current players, only four reached half a thousand faster – the company is very solid.
An important point: players from the top 4 scored their first 500 points (why, all their points) by playing for only one club.
