Canada Tops USA
With John Grant Jr unable to play for Canada in the FIL, the team rallied around that and were able to breakout. USA stopped Canada in the first game of the tournament and didn’t look back, going 5-0 in pool play and dominating the playoffs. However, Canada proved to be too much. Thanks to Dillon Ward, USA could only score five times as Canada defeated them 8-5.
Knighthawks Three Peat
The Rochester Knighthawks won their third straight NLL title when they defeated the Calgary Roughnecks. Rochester lost the first game at Calgary before winning game two and advancing to the mini game, where they caught Mike Poulin and his defense off guard. Dan Dawson won MVP of the tournament while Cody Jamieson and Johnny Powless also broke out.
Run of the Rush
The Edmonton Rush finished their regular season at 16-2. It was the first 18 game season in the league’s history, but that didn’t seem the phase the Rush. They lost only twice and they advanced to the NLL western finals where they lost to the Calgary Roughnecks, their rivals, thanks to a game two and mini game loss. However, their defense and goaltending carried them throughout the season as they debuted a new winning formula.
Ohio and Rochester’s Emergence
Both the Ohio Machine and Rochester Rattlers were surprise teams in 2014. Rochester advanced to the finals against Denver after missing out on the playoffs in 2013. They relied on rookies Miles Thompson and Jordan Wolf along with young defensemen Mike Manley and John Ranagan. Meanwhile, Ohio was dead last in 2013 and had the first overall pick, Tom Schreiber. They also had Peter Baum in their lineup thanks to the LXM partnership. Ohio advanced to the semi finals but lost to Rochester.
Denver’s First Title
The Denver Outlaws have made the playoffs every year of their existence since they founded in 2006. However, they have been yet to win the league title. They even went 14-0 last season before losing to the Charlotte Hounds in the first round. This season they advanced to the championship in Atlanta where they faced an upstart Rochester team. Thanks to terrific performances from John Grant Jr in their semi final and the championship, they finally took home a title.
Thompson Brothers
The Thompsons took the lacrosse world by storm in 2014. They led Albany to the playoffs where they nearly got past Notre Dame in one of the games of the year. Miles and Ty were drafted by the Rochester Rattlers in MLL, and Miles to Minnesota and Ty to New England in the NLL. Miles and Lyle, who is returning to Albany in 2015, were the first pair ever to win the Tewaaraton award together. They might make this list again in 2015.
Duke’s Title
In a rematch of 2010, Duke defeated Notre Dame 11-9 to win the NCAA Division One title. Notre Dame came very close, thought Duke held the lead all game. Jordan Wolf, who graduated and was drafted by the Rochester Rattlers, led the team with two goals and four assists in that title contest. It was Duke’s second straight championship.
Six Nations Dominance
The Six Nations lacrosse scene dominated Canada this summer. The Chiefs defeated the Victoria Shamrocks to win the Mann Cup. The Arrows defeated the Adanacs for the Minto Cup, and the Rebels winning the Jr B title. The Six Nations Rivermen even won a silver medal in the Sr B circuit’s President Cup.
Niagara’s Win in CLax
The Niagara Lock Monsters won their first Canadian Lacrosse League title in 2014 when they defeated the Ohsweken Demons 10-9 in overtime. A native team had won it every year of CLax until Niagara took home the title. Niagara advanced to and won the finals thanks to rookie goaltender Dave DiRuscio.
Israel’s Run
Israel was the biggest surprise of the FIL tournament, entering as a first year team and leaving as the 7th ranked nation in the world. Israel defeated Germany, a power in their division, and even the ninth ranked Ireland. They did lose to blue division teams England and Australia, which is what kept them out of that division.
Zack Dorn
When MLL held their all star game in Boston this season, they also held their annual skills competition which included the hardest shot contest. This year they allowed a fan to participate, but the winner of the entry contest wasn’t just a fan; it was Chicago Outlaws CILL forward Zach Dorn. Dorn shattered the record for the hardest shot at 116 mph to take the title.
