Last weekend of camp is usually always just a few days before the holidays. Over the last few years this has been my favorite weekend of camp because the staff always has some team bonding events for us.
This weekend we don’t have any exhibitions or scrimmages against other teams on the schedule just two practices and our annual Nut Cracker Blue and Yellow game. There is usually a lot of trash talk leading up to this game (primarily between the coaches and between Andrew Suitor and I). The coaches always have a friendly wager and have a draft before the game. The prize for us players is to be chosen with the first overall pick. Friday night before the game Suits reminded me at least 63 times that he’s been undefeated since we have started this tradition “3 and O baby”.
Saturday’s schedule was fantastic. We got to sleep in until about 10am and for anyone with a new born at home you can relate. Getting to sleep a whole night until 10am is something you learn to not take for granted. After breakfast we all head over to the mall to do some last minute secret Santa shopping and the long wait for the announcement of who goes #1.
We get on the floor line up across the restraining line as Nut Cracker commissioner Sullivan steps up to the podium (aka the but end of a lacrosse stick as a microphone). “and with the first pick in the 2014 Nut Cracker draft team Keast select’s Greg Downing”. As player’s are selected one by one things start heating up with the anticipation to dethrone Suitor. Neither Suits nor I are dressed for the game so we will be honorary coaches for our respected teams.
There were some pretty great plays during the game especially from rookie Joe Maracle who scored two beauties between the leg goals but it was the MVP of the game that was the difference maker Referee Joe Sullivan. It was tied with 30 seconds left in the game and a questionable stick call, which awarded a penalty shot to Miles Thompson. With the game on the line Miles buried to send his team to victory, hopefully this is a taste of things to come during the season. Once again Suitor can claim victory and extends his streak to 4-0.
Saturday night we have our little team party, dinner and secret Santa gift exchange. Our last real opportunity at team bonding before we head into week one of the regular season.
There truly is a great feeling within this organization this year and a team made up of some great individuals. Training camp was one of the most fun camps I’ve experienced in my 10 year career and cannot wait to take the floor at the X.
