How did the New Jersey Northmen box lacrosse team come to be. What led to the abrupt postponement of their inaugural season. Why is box lacrosse gaining popularity in the United States. How does box lacrosse differ from field lacrosse.
The Birth and Demise of New Jersey’s Indoor Box Lacrosse Team
In a surprising turn of events, New Jersey’s newly formed indoor box lacrosse team, the Northmen, has seen its inaugural season come to an abrupt halt. The league’s unexpected decision to postpone the season has left players, fans, and organizers in a state of disappointment and uncertainty.
The Northmen were set to bring the fast-paced, high-intensity sport of box lacrosse to the Garden State, offering a unique sporting experience for both players and spectators. However, the team’s journey was cut short before it could truly begin.
What Led to the Season’s Postponement?
While the exact reasons for the league’s decision remain unclear, it’s likely that a combination of factors contributed to this outcome. These may include:
- Financial challenges
- Logistical issues
- Lack of sufficient team registrations
- Venue-related problems
- Regulatory hurdles
The abrupt nature of the announcement suggests that these issues may have come to a head unexpectedly, leaving little time for alternative solutions.
The Rise of Box Lacrosse in the United States
Despite this setback, the popularity of box lacrosse has been on the rise in the United States. Traditionally more popular in Canada, this indoor version of the sport has been gaining traction south of the border in recent years.
Why is Box Lacrosse Gaining Popularity?
Several factors contribute to the growing appeal of box lacrosse:
- Fast-paced gameplay: The smaller indoor arena leads to quicker, more intense action.
- Year-round play: Indoor facilities allow for play regardless of weather conditions.
- Skill development: Many players and coaches believe box lacrosse helps develop crucial skills that translate well to the field game.
- Professional opportunities: The success of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) has created more opportunities for players.
- Cross-training benefits: Many field lacrosse players use box lacrosse as off-season training.
Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse: Understanding the Differences
For those unfamiliar with box lacrosse, it’s important to understand how it differs from the more widely known field version of the sport.
Key Differences Between Box and Field Lacrosse
- Playing area: Box lacrosse is played indoors on a smaller, enclosed field, often a hockey rink with turf laid over the ice.
- Number of players: Box lacrosse teams have 6 players on the field, including a goalie, compared to 10 in field lacrosse.
- Equipment: Box lacrosse goalies wear significantly more padding due to the confined space and harder shots.
- Rules: Box lacrosse has a shot clock and allows more physical contact than field lacrosse.
- Scoring: Due to the smaller playing area and goal, scores in box lacrosse tend to be higher.
The Impact of Box Lacrosse on Player Development
Many lacrosse experts believe that playing box lacrosse can significantly enhance a player’s overall skill set. The confined space and fast-paced nature of the game force players to make quick decisions and improve their stick skills.
How Does Box Lacrosse Benefit Field Lacrosse Players?
Box lacrosse can contribute to player development in several ways:
- Improved stick skills: The constant action and close quarters require precise ball handling.
- Better spatial awareness: Players must navigate a smaller, more crowded field.
- Increased physical toughness: The more physical nature of box lacrosse builds resilience.
- Enhanced shooting accuracy: Smaller goals and larger goalies demand more precise shooting.
- Faster decision-making: The shot clock and tight spaces require quick thinking and execution.
The Future of Box Lacrosse in New Jersey
While the postponement of the Northmen’s season is undoubtedly a setback, it doesn’t necessarily spell the end for box lacrosse in New Jersey. The sport’s growing popularity and the benefits it offers to players suggest that there may still be a future for indoor lacrosse in the state.
Potential Next Steps for Box Lacrosse in New Jersey
Several avenues could be explored to keep the momentum of box lacrosse going in the state:
- Restructuring the league: Addressing the issues that led to the postponement and relaunching with a more sustainable model.
- Grassroots development: Focusing on youth and high school programs to build a strong foundation for the sport.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with existing field lacrosse organizations to introduce box lacrosse as a complementary offering.
- Exhibition games: Organizing showcase events to maintain interest and demonstrate the excitement of box lacrosse.
- Training programs: Establishing box lacrosse-specific training sessions for players looking to improve their skills.
The Role of Box Lacrosse in the Professional Lacrosse Landscape
The influence of box lacrosse extends beyond amateur and youth levels, playing a significant role in professional lacrosse as well. Many of the top players in outdoor professional leagues, such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), have backgrounds in box lacrosse.
How Does Box Lacrosse Experience Translate to Professional Success?
The skills developed in box lacrosse often translate well to the professional outdoor game:
- Improved close-quarters play: Essential in face-offs and near the goal.
- Enhanced creativity: The tight spaces of box lacrosse foster innovative play-making.
- Better off-ball movement: Critical for creating scoring opportunities in both indoor and outdoor games.
- Increased toughness: The physical nature of box lacrosse prepares players for professional-level contact.
- Versatility: Many box players develop skills applicable to multiple positions.
Notable professional players with box lacrosse backgrounds include PLL MVP Trevor Baptiste and Attackman of the Year Lyle Thompson, both of whom also compete in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
The Economic Impact of Box Lacrosse
While the postponement of the Northmen’s season is disappointing from a sporting perspective, it also represents a missed economic opportunity for New Jersey. Successful sports franchises can bring significant benefits to their local communities.
Potential Economic Benefits of a Box Lacrosse Team
A thriving box lacrosse team could contribute to the local economy in several ways:
- Job creation: From players and coaches to support staff and arena workers.
- Increased tourism: Out-of-town fans traveling for games can boost local hospitality businesses.
- Revenue generation: Ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions can provide direct economic input.
- Community engagement: Sports teams often participate in local charitable events and initiatives.
- Infrastructure development: The need for suitable venues can lead to investment in local facilities.
While these benefits won’t be realized in the immediate future due to the season’s postponement, they represent the potential upside of establishing a successful box lacrosse presence in New Jersey.
Learning from the Northmen’s Experience
The challenges faced by the New Jersey Northmen provide valuable lessons for future attempts to establish box lacrosse teams or leagues in the United States. By analyzing what went wrong, organizers can better prepare for success in the future.
Key Takeaways from the Northmen’s Postponed Season
Several important lessons can be drawn from this experience:
- Proper financial planning: Ensuring sufficient funding and realistic revenue projections are crucial.
- Strong organizational structure: A well-organized league with clear leadership is essential.
- Community engagement: Building a strong fan base and community support can help weather challenges.
- Flexible scheduling: The ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances is vital.
- Transparent communication: Keeping stakeholders informed can help maintain trust and support.
By learning from these experiences, future box lacrosse initiatives in New Jersey and beyond can be better positioned for success.
Box Lacrosse | Youth & HS League – Patriot Lacrosse
Location: Inline Morristown, 30 Pine Street, Morristown, NJ
(corner of Dumont Place & Pine Street. Additional parking in large public lot behind building)
The Tourney Machine has been updated with this weekend’s scores and next weekend’s game schedule.
Reminder:
- Every team plays 8 games in total, regardless of record.
- Each division’s BRACKET (on Tourney Machine) will show the complete schedule of that division
- Your team’s schedule will only show next week’s games as that outcome determines the date and time of your final game
- Dates remaining: Playoffs 1/28 or 1/29. Final Games 2/4 or 2/12
We appreciate your cooperation in the modifications made this weekend. Keep up the great work and continue to #upyourgame !
League Information:
- 8 Weekends – 6 scheduled games and 2 playoff games
- Saturdays & Sundays
- Youth – Saturday’s 2pm – 9pm (Occasional Sunday games)
- High School – Sunday’s 8am – 6pm
- Dates:
- Dec 3-4, Dec 10-11, Dec 17-18
- OFF Dec 24-25, Dec 31, Jan 1.
- Jan 7-8, Jan 14-15, Jan 21-22, Jan 28-29
- Feb 4, OFF SUPERBOWL, 12
- Minimum Roster 16: 15 Field Players + 1 Goalie (League Provides Goalie Equipment), 18 recommended.
- SCHEDULE: http://www.tourneymachine.com/R25376
- Players listed by Last Name: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xyONA7qC0kJLa-adZy6Cri-n_PMqzLmK0sek2gE7P68/edit?usp=sharing
- Youth Games are 2 – 20 minute running time halves, plus 15 minute skill session
- High School Games are 2 – 25 minute running time halves, no skill session
- 30 Second Shot Clock for both youth and high school
- Games are on the hour.
- Short sticks only
- Patriot Lacrosse issues players reversible pinnys that must be worn at each game.
- NO CLEATS. This is a sport court surface, sneakers are appropriate.
- Goalies must wear box goalie equipment (goalie equipment provided by Patriot)
- Have a complete team? Contact: John Naslonski, mobile: 973-418-0642, email: [email protected]
- 8 games (1 game per week, no practice). League format depends on the number of teams in each division.
- Divisions – 3rd/4th – 5th/6th – 7th/8th – HS
- $200 per player.
All players must check in each week.
After check in- Read the white board to find your team room and color of the pinny.
All players must wear a Patriot league pinny. If you forget your pinny, you must obtain a temporary from the front desk.
Only registered players and waivered coaches on the bench and team rooms. no siblings,parents, spectators, etc.
Spectator viewing area is opposite the the player rooms and bench.
Please keep the walkways clear.
Please do not congregate at the front door check-in area allowing players to enter and exit freely.
Goalies- proceed to our loaner Goalie equipment area and return the equipment to the same location. Parent/Coach should assist their goalie in dressing.
New Jersey Northmen
1/11 HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE CANCELLED
Tournament Schedule
- January 14th: Scrimmage at Pingry
- January 28-29: Fusion Best in Box- Hatfield, PA
- February 18-19: NXT Philadelphia Indoor Lacrosse Championships- Hatfield, PA
Program Benefits
- Best-in-the-industry coaching led by Luke Wiles and Murf Butler!
- 8+ Team Practices (One per week on weeknights)
- Chances to play against the best, in the best events!
- Exclusive Team Apparel and Equipment
Experience lacrosse in its purest form.
Fast, physical, and gritty; box lacrosse is the furnace that shapes the very best players in our game.
Tryout to join us this Winter as we offer the newest box-specific travel team in the region!
Practice Schedule
Middle School/Youth
High School
Box Players in the PLL
There are a number of the sport’s top stars who play in the NLL and PLL throughout the year, but when you look at the players who are named some of the best in the sport…
- PLL MVP: Trevor Baptiste, plays with the Philadelphia Wings in the NLL
- Attackman of the Year: Lyle Thompson, plays with the Georgia Swarm in the NLL
- Midfielder of the Year: Tom Schreiber, plays with the Toronto Rock in the NLL
Position-by-Position Benefits
- OFFENSE: Next play mentality, no out of bounds keeps the game FAST, learning how to have spacing, improving as a scorer, working together as an offensive unit
- DEFENSE: Number of touches, learning the defensive 2 man game, more involved in every defensive play, learning to play in transition and be involved on Offense
- FACEOFFS: Better on contested groundballs, faster decision-making
- GOALIE: learn to be patient on inside shots, stay balanced in the net
Quotes from Coaches You May Know
- “Box layers in new skillsets while others sit still during traditional offseason”-Anthony Kelly, 17 year pro player, USA Box player
- “I believe that box lacrosse gives young people many more opportunities to excel in our game. If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of twelve play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse, far surpasses what happens to young people on a 110 x 60 yard field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.” – Bill Tierney, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Denver University Head Coach, Princeton 6x National Champion, Team USA 1998
- “American field players would really help themselves if they were exposed to a steady stream of box experience. Box lacrosse is an extremely valuable background for a young player, we need to incorporate more of the indoor skills into the field game. It is almost a requirement to have a top player with indoor experience on your roster right now.” – Former University of Virginia Head Coach, Dom Starsia
- “If box lacrosse were played by kids in the U. S. In the fall the way it is played in Canada, it would completely change the complexion of the game in terms of the quality of play and the balance of power. The trend of competitive balance at the DI level would be expedited. Now, the game is growing faster than ever, but one doesn’t see improvement in players from certain regions as expected with such large growth. Box Lacrosse would change all of that.” – Jamie Munro, former Head Coach of University of Denver Men’s Lacrosse
- “I knew that if I wanted to be one of the best players in the world, I would have to dedicate myself to both the indoor and the outdoor game. Playing indoor lacrosse has been a great thing for my career.” – Casey Powell, MLL/NLL All-Star
If I had my choice, I would have every player under the age of twelve play box lacrosse exclusively or at least a majority of the time. The number of touches of the ball and the ability to develop better stick skills in a game of box lacrosse, far surpasses what happens to young people on a 110 x 60 yard field. Learning how to pass and catch in traffic, understanding how to shoot, and developing a sense of physicality are all positive traits developed by the box game.” – Bill Tierney, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Denver University Head Coach, Princeton 6x National Champion, Team USA 1998
S. In the fall the way it is played in Canada, it would completely change the complexion of the game in terms of the quality of play and the balance of power. The trend of competitive balance at the DI level would be expedited. Now, the game is growing faster than ever, but one doesn’t see improvement in players from certain regions as expected with such large growth. Box Lacrosse would change all of that.” – Jamie Munro, former Head Coach of University of Denver Men’s Lacrosse
National Lacrosse League The league is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The NLL ranks third in average professional indoor sports attendance worldwide, behind only the NHL and the NBA. Each team in the NLL plays eighteen games during the regular season, nine home and nine away.
The teams are divided into two conferences: the eight-team Eastern Conference and the seven-team Western Conference (after the expansion franchise). NLL games are usually played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. At the end of the regular season, the playoffs are held, where the four best teams from the conferences go out, in which the champion of the National Lacrosse League is already revealed.
In the NLL, the game lasts 60 minutes, four 15-minute quarters with a 2-minute break between quarters and a 16-minute break between halves. If the game in regular time ends in a draw, then the teams play to the first goal (sudden death) in overtime. Each team consists of 19 players: 2 goalkeepers and 17 “runners” (outfield players).
The major Box Lacrosse League began its history in 1987 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League (EPBLL). Four teams (“Philadelphia Wings”, “New Jersey Saints”, “Baltimore Thunder” and “Washington Wave”) played a six-game regular season followed by a post-season tournament in which all four teams played elimination matches.
The season concluded with the “Baltimore Thunder” (now “Colorado Mammoth”) becoming the first EPBLL Champion at 1987 year. Under Bob Grib, Baltimore defeated Washington Wave 11-10.
In 1988, the League changes its name to the Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL / Major Indoor Lacrosse League). All the same four teams from the first season entered the fight, but this time they played 8 matches in the regular season. The New Jersey Saints eventually became the champion, beating the same Washington Waves in the final with a score of 17:16 in front of 8,125 fans at the Capital Center.
In total, under the guise of Major Indoor Lacrosse League, the League will spend 10 seasons. At the end of the 1997 season, a decision would be made to add two more expansion teams, the Syracuse Smash and the Ontario Raiders, and rename the league to the National Lacrosse League (NLL). This name of the League is to this day.
In total, since its inception, the League has played 35 seasons, of which the 2020 season was not completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2021 it was not held at all for the same reason.
Over the entire history of the tournament, 38 team names have appeared, some eventually completely disappeared, some changed their place of residence, some changed their name and hosts. As a result, at the moment, 15 franchises will take part in the 2022-2023 season:
- Albany Fie Wolves
- Buffalo Bandits
- Calgary Roughnecks
- Colorado Mammoth
- Georgia Swarm
- Halifax Thunderbirds
- Las Vegas Desert Dogs
- New York Riptide
- Panther City Lacrosse Club
- Philadelphia Wings
- Rochester Knighthawks
- Saskatchewan Rush
- San Diego Seals
- Toronto Rock
- Vancouver Warriors
All National Lacrosse League Champions:
- 2022 – Colorado Mammoth
- 2021 – not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2020 – season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019- Calgary Roughnecks
- 2018 – Saskatchewan Rush
- 2017 – Georgia Swarm
- 2016 – Saskatchewan Rush
- 2015 – Edmonton Rush
- 2014 – Rochester Knighthawks
- 2013 – Rochester Knighthawks
- 2012 – Rochester Knighthawks
- 2011 – Toronto Rock
- 2010 – Washington Stealth
- 2009 – Calgary Roughnecks
- 2008 – Buffalo Bandits
- 2007 – Rochester Knighthawks
- 2006 – Colorado Mammoth
- 2005 – Toronto Rock
- 2004 – Calgary Roughnecks
- 2003 – Toronto Rock
- 2002 – Toronto Rock
- 2001 – Philadelphia Wings
- 2000 – Toronto Rock
- 1999 – Toronto Rock
- 1998 – Philadelphia Wings
- 1997 – Rochester Knighthawks
- 1996 – Buffalo Bandits
- 1995 – Philadelphia Wings
- 1994 – Philadelphia Wings
- 1993 – Buffalo Bandits
- 1992 – Buffalo Bandits
- 1991 – Detroit Turbo
- 1990 – Philadelphia Wings
- 1989 – Philadelphia Wings
- 1988 – New Jersey Saints
- 1987 – Baltimore Thunder
List of franchise champions:
“Toronto Rock” – 6 times (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2011)
“Philadelphia Wings / Albany FireWolves ” – 6 times (1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001)
“Rochester Knighthawks / Halifax Thunderbirds” – 5 times (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014)
“Buffalo Bandits” – 4 times (1992, 1993, 1996, 2008)
“Edmonton / Saskatchewan Rush” – 3 times (2015, 2016, 2018)
“Calgary Roughnecks” – 3 times ( 2004, 2009 2019)
“Baltimore Thunder / Colorado Mammoth” – 3 times (1987, 2006, 2022)
“Detroit Turbos” – 1 time (1991)
“Georgia Swarm” – 1 time (2017)
900 02 New Jersey Saints” – 1 time (1988)
“Washington Stealth / Vancouver Warriors” – 1 time (2010)
“The coaches said they see my potential, but I’m aiming higher for myself.
”
Charlie Kitchen often spends his summer days on the beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey. But one day, in the hot sunny season of 2019
In the middle of his record-breaking five-year season at the University of Delaware, the school that helped produce outstanding NLL forwards such as John Grant Jr. and Curtis Dixon, Kitchen traveled north to Toronto to play in the OJALL junior league for Toronto Jr. Beaches”.
Kitchen, a big right winger who outclasses most lacrosse players, grew up watching the original Philadelphia Wings. But taking on the challenge of learning how to play box lacrosse at 21 was no small feat. Luckily for him, he had great mentors in Glen Clark and Clem D’Orazio who coached him during his first exposure to box lacrosse. Despite some differences between on-field lacrosse and indoor lacrosse, Kitchen excelled in his first-ever season. He finished the summer with the Beaches ranked 2nd on the team in goals (20) and 5th in assists (21) in 17 games played.
What could have ended in a failed experiment has turned into a potential career path. Everything was closed the following summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Clarke and D’Orazio didn’t forget Kitchen’s impressive time at the Beaches. The coaches were so impressed that they contacted the New Jersey native and asked if he was interested in playing in the NLL for their Albany FireWolves.
“I’m so glad the junior league experience worked out,” says Kitchen. “Coach Clark and Coach D’Orazio treated me like one of their own from the start. When they called me that summer and said they would pick me in the draft, it was a dream come true.”
While the OJALL experience seemed to go off without a hitch, Kitchen’s introduction to NLL would be anything but traditional. Due to the unpredictable pandemic that forced the cancellation of the 2020-21 season, Kitchen’s NLL debut will be delayed. This will change his plans as Kitchen will be selected by the Panther City Lacrosse Club in the 2021 expansion draft after he was undefended prior to the draft.
He then spent several months trying to fit in with the PCLC, including spending much of training camp working with their system and team. And just weeks before the start of the 2021-22 NLL season, he learns that he has been traded back to the FireWolves.
Once his chance finally came, Kitchen did his best to forge his way into the Fire Wolves’ attack. It took a while, but midway through the season, Kitchen became his team’s reliable offensive weapon, scoring in all of their last eight games. However, despite 14 goals and 8 assists, Kitchen was not satisfied with his first year record.
“I’m not happy with the way I played,” Kitchen said. “The coaches said that I did well in the first year and that they see my potential, but personally I set myself higher goals.”
After being thrown to the front lines to take on the best lacrosse players in the world, Kitchen was surprised at how difficult it was to score. At 24, Kitchen is still a very young player compared to his competitors.
