Green Gaels win Prague tournament

[LIX-LAX]

Green Gaels, a select team put together bu Oshawa Doug Luey won the Prague box lacrosse tournament last sunday. 14 teams, 8 countries.

15-2 win over Pilsen (CZ)
13-1 win over Dublin (Ireland)
12-4 against Boston
7-3 over Jizni Mesto (CZ)
8-1 in final against TJ Malesice

Before returning they played the czech national team that will particpate in the world indoor next month in Halifax and beat them 12-4

See links:

Tournament: http://www.lcc-radotin.cz/EN/index.htm
Exhibition game pictures: http://www.lacrosse.cz/index.php?xid=news/2007/wilc07-plz-foto
Team web page: http://unofficialola.com/prague/07gaelstravelteam.html

[CanuckLax]

They hadn't been there before how could they know they weren't going to lose? Sounds like you were disappointed about being left off the roster...

[#15Roadies]

They went there to spread the game of box lacrosse to the Czech Republic!

What would be the point of a bunch of "C" teams playing each other and never trying to improve their game or see what high level lacrosse is all about. One thing about the Czechs is that they are FAST learners and it won't be long before they are producing great players of their own. When they start doing that then someone will say it started with the Green Gaels coming over.

And THAT... is good for lacrosse...

[BLC0529]

Wow what a surprise. Why even bother...whats the point?

Being there for the Philly team, I think I can speak for all of my guys by saying that it was really good to see the Gaels there. I'm glad they had the chance to come over and play, along with getting the experience of being in the Czech Republic.
Not to detract from their perfomance in any way, but #15Roadies pretty much hit the nail on the head: we're not talking about a tournament that's put on in Canada or the US, where the talent pool and budget allow for a very high level of competition. I'd also imagine that they are NOT wondering if there was "a point" of being there...of course it's a competition, but it's also about developing the sport we love in an area outside of its Canadian roots. I certainly hope that the Green Gaels don't just see this as some other exhibition/competition that's only about winning. Sure winning is ideal--we're all competitive--but does that mean that the 8 Austrian guys who didn't even have a goalie had no point being there?
In my opinion, the guys who play on the Czech teams played well--yet they've never really seen a highly organized team with a pretty deep bench at that tournament. They've seen highly talented smaller teams (like the old Rebel team), and the local competition they have there (physical game, but very fundamental), but that's about it.
The Gaels being there introduced the Czechs to a different game, and I'm sure it will prove very benificial to the Czechs and that tournament in the future.
I just wish we (Philly) could have been bracketed against the Gaels--I really would have enjoyed seeing some of those shots.
Never the less, congrats to the Green Gaels!
Looking forward to next year.

[laxgoalieking]

I do not doubt the intentions of Gaels staff and Mr. Louey, And i now retract my 1st post.

They hadn't been there before how could they know they weren't going to lose? Sounds like you were disappointed about being left off the roster...
what roster? why would i play for a gaels alum. team?

If for some reason you think im upset at being cut from the junior squad, you've been severly mislead. My goal going into the warriors camp, and later the gaels, was to get noticed, and show what i could bring to future Green Gaels squads. A feat I, and others, beleived I accomplished with my play on the floor at the classic. Now was i dissappointed? Yes, who wouldnt be after giving up one goal in 2 games, espeacily since the one goal was a 5 on 3 powerplay for the saints. I learned alot from attending both camps, evenmore so after waldo took me somewhat under his wing. Getting cut was without doubt one of the better things that has happened in my lacrosse career. Now i get to play for two great coaches in the Richards brothers, aswell as work with a great goaltending coach, a great grpup of players, And most importantly improve my game as much as possible so i can make that jump to the next level.

[Hape]

First of all I'd like to say thank you to Green Gaels for coming. They were the second team from Canada which came to Prague, the first one was Langley Knights (BC) in 1991. But now we are able to learn much more than 16 years ago.
Second, I am very sorry our team (I mean TJ Malesice) was not better opponent in the final. Unfortunately our best player (and captain) Martin Mrlik was injured in the beginning of the tournament, two good defenders and one excellent attack player were not able to come and our pool of players is not so rich to replace them. Anyway, it was great experience for our young players.
I hope more Canadian teams will come in the near future to help us to spread out boxlacrosse game here - we still believe we could start something in Europe.

[sengler55]

the gaels going and spreading lax is great, we played them in '05 at Founders, lost 13-5, but they were a great team to learn from and we definetely used the tape from that game to improve in Moose Jaw

[laxgoalieking]

gaels didnt play in the 05 founders.

[sengler55]

ya sorry meant 04

[DonnieUtah]

I've been to tourney the last two years, and it was wonderful to have the Gaels there. You really have to go and experience the whole thing for yourself to really see the impact the tourney has for european box lacrosse. There's teams from everyone there, and every year gets bigger and better.

I for one learned a ton, and came away with a better understanding of the Canadian style of play. Off the pitch the lads where great as well. Tons of fun at the boat races...

I'm planing on coming back for next year as well. It's be great to have the Gaels, or another Canadian team come out. Looking forward to it!