After four months of incredible lacrosse, the Canadian Lacrosse League wrapped up its 2013 season over the weekend. On Saturday fans were treated to a Final Four double header followed by the Creator’s Cup championship the following day; a game that was won by the Iroquois Ironmen. For the last time this season, here are the CLax Three Stars from the championship weekend.
Third Star – Kevin Croswell of the Durham TurfDogs
Although the TurfDogs lost in the semi finals to the Toronto Shooting Stars, Croswell played a stellar game and was the best goaltender of the weekend. He made 48 saves including some huge stops late in the game. Toronto peppered Croswell in the sudden death overtime and the game would have been over a lot sooner if it weren’t for his outstanding performance in goal. If Croswell stays with the TurfDogs next season, the rest of the CLax is in trouble.
Second Star – Aaron Grayson of the Toronto Shooting Stars
Grayson was a beast all weekend for Toronto and he never gave up; he played hard right until the final buzzer of that championship game. His intensity even continued into the post game as he tried to get a piece of Iroquois’ Chris Attwood during the handshake. Grayson’s passion for lacrosse has been evident all year but it really showed this weekend with his gritty, hard nosed played. He scored the overtime winner against Durham in the Final Four and when he jumped up to celebrate, his head almost hit the ceiling; this guy loves to play and he loves to win.
First Star – Josh Johnson of the Iroquois Ironmen
Even though he didn’t win the Creator’s Cup Most Valuable Player Award, Josh Johnson was the best player on the turf this weekend. He scored four goals in the semis and they were all rockets from the exact same spot; the shooter position on the left hand side. Everyone knew the shot was coming but it was launched so hard that it didn’t matter; it was going to find the back of the net regardless. Johnson also chipped with two assists that game and they weren’t the cheesy assists that are sometimes dished out. Johnson found teammates cutting to the net and although he didn’t physically score those goals, they were definitely created by him. In the finals Johnson added two goals and four assists and was a dominant force at both ends of the floor. He caused several turnovers and was the most aggressive player out there, making several huge hits on his opponents. Josh Johnson really stepped up his game this weekend and for that reason he is the CLax First Star.
