Hamilton Nationals - Game Recap vs Chesapeake Bayhawks

The Hamilton Nationals ended their road trip with a 17-11 win over the Rochester Rattlers and were pumped to be back at home to host the Bayhawks for their second match up this season. Joe Walters drew first blood finding the back of the net early .. much like the game in Boca, Raton.
Although Joe started off the scoring early the Bayhawks quickly answered his goal. At the end of the first quarter Chesapeake was leading by one. Roy Lang kicked off the second with a goal to tie up the game... But the Bayhawks were close behind to answer it with a goal from Drew Westervelt who started the Bayhawks 8 goal streak.
Jordan Hall put in two goals during the third, for his third and fourth goals of the season. His first two goals were on June 1st when they beat the Bayhawks in Chesapeake. Hall scored the game winning goal 22 seconds into over-time, for their fifth win of the season.
Hamilton didn't start to get into the swing of things until the fourth quarter which was just too little too late for the Nationals.
Joe Walters connected with both Cody Jamieson and Martin Cahill to put in two more goals for the Nationals and to chip away at the 10 point lead. The Nationals held Chesapeake to just one goal in the fourth and final quarter, but there still was not enough time on the clock for a comeback. Although there wasn't enough time for a come back .. there was enough time for Kevin Crowley to find the back of the net just once and continue his game point streak for the Nationals.
The Bayhawks managed to keep him quiet with no assists and no goals until nearing the end of the final quarter. With the leading scorer in the leauge in the shadows, it's no surprise that the bayhawks managed to dominate on the offense to take a 17-10 over Hamilton.

Although the Bayhawks take home this win, they still sit in third in the standings with a 5-4 record. Hamilton continues to hold the second place spot as they head to Rochester to take on the Rattlers for the second time season. If Hamilton can pull out another win like last weeks game against Rochester they are a shoe - in for the playoffs as they currently stand with a 6-3 record under the undefeated Denver Outlaws.

CFL - WEEK ONE !

The CFL kicked off it's regular season this week,with some great match ups including the defending champions taking on their rivals. Opening week not only saw the defending champions take on their rivals but also some other close knit games ... and one tough start to a season.

The Argonauts and the Ti-Cats met up in the Toronto Friday night. After Hamilton went 2-0 with their pre-season match ups,  some fans were looking at a win for the season opener, but the Argo's had other plans for them. Toronto Argonauts, the defending champions of the grey cup put the first points on the board with a Touchdown from Jason Barnes. Hamilton then coming back to pull ahead and end the first quarter 21-8. The Tiger cats kept their lead up until late in the fourth when the Argo's pulled ahead to take the game 39-34. For a season opener with two rivals it was a thriller and nail biter. Their next match up this season will not take place until October fourth, once again in Hamilton before heading to Guelph to play the Ti-Cats at their temporary home on the 14th.

The Alouettes headed to Winnipeg to take on the Blue Bombers in week one CFL action. Another pretty close knit match nearing the end of the game. Montreal put up 14 points before the Blue Bombers' Justin Palardy put in a 35 yarder. They would end the half 23-13 in favour of the Alouettes. Winnipeg dominated the third quarter putting in three touchdowns and a field goal to take the lead over Montreal heading into the final quarter. Although the Blue Bombers managed to take control of the third, they were unable to maintain their control, and didn't put up any points in the final quarter. Buck Pierce throwing an interception with under 20 seconds left, to end the game with a 38-33 loss for the Blue Bombers. Pierce had 3 interceptions through out the night, one leading to a touchdown, one to a field goal, and the last to end the game.

The BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders had quite the contest. The Stampeders came out strong and dominated the first half, allowing just six points in the first half. The touchdown from the Lions didn't come until almost midway through the second when Travis Lulay threw a 53 yard pass to Emmanuel Arceneaux. The first half ended with Calgary up by 25. Not to fret because the Lions would start their comeback early in the second half. The Lions held Calgary to just 7 points in the third and 6 in the fourth. The Lions found their roar in the second half but it wasn't enough to stop the stampeders from taking home the 44-32 Win.

The Edmonton Eskimos were shut down by the Rough riders being held to just one point in the first half. The Eskimo's defence managed to hold back the roughriders to just two touchdowns in the first quarter, not putting up any points themselves. Their lone point would come later into the second, just before Saskatchewn's Renauld Williams would get a pick 6 for 19 yards. The Eskimo's didn't see much more in the second half with just 5 points in the third and 12 in the fourth. Saskatchewan would take the win 39-18. With a tough home opener loss to the Roughriders, Edmonton will have to make it up next week when they take on the Tiger-Cats in their temporary home at the University of Guelph.

Next weeks match ups: 

Winnipeg at Montreal 

Lions vs Argonauts

Calgary at Saskatchewan

Tiger-cats vs Eskimos

keep posted for predictions for week two.

Aaron Rodgers writes letter to 17 year old self.

ESPN had several athletes write themselves a letter to their younger selves. Aaron Rodgers decided to write his to his 17 year old self.

What an incredible idea. Not only does this bring the fans closer to who they player is as a person now, but who they were growing up and where they've come from. It shows the fans a different perspective and portrays these athletes as individuals and people that have been through several similar circumstances.
This not only shows you that Aaron Rodgers wasn't always the player that he is now and the confident person that he is now as a team leader, but that there was a time when he thought about throwing in the towel like several people do. It shows that hard work pays off and that you can get thrown off of the plan that you have for yourself, but things can still work.
I think the best part, is the end. Not that it's a journey and to enjoy yourself but the lottery numbers he tossed in there. It shows that he has a sense of humour, and much like anyone else (or at least myself) that is very important information to have! 

So take a second and read the letter. Maybe even write one for yourself.
I've done it before, and I've also written a letter to my future self in hopes that one day I can open it and see how many things I wanted to achieve have actually come true. 

MLL - playoff predictions

Going into the second half of the season it’s the time of year we start talking play offs. With just 8 teams in the league things can change pretty quickly especially with the game of lacrosse.
But when you have teams like Denver who have gone 8-0, just dominating other teams. There is no doubt that they will continue their hot streak and be in first place to enter the playoffs.
The Nationals started off their season 5-0, but couldn’t handle the pressure from the Outlaws. The loss then started them on a short lose streak which ended with a 17-11 win over the Rattlers. Last year the Nationals were far from playoffs landing in 7^th place in the league just above Ohio. This year it’s looking to be a different story. Hamilton could lose 2 more games and make the playoffs ranked 2^nd or even lose 3 more games and still get into playoffs ranked third.
The Bayhawks and Hounds are currently both 4-4 records right now, but Chesapeake has a hard game this week in Hamilton… And three of those 4 losses have been in over time. The Bayhawks have a chance to pull ahead of the Hounds (who will face Denver this weekend) or they can continue to be tied for third place.

Between the Bayhawks and the Hounds it could come down to the last week of the season when they face off against each other for the final time of regular season.
The Boston Cannons currently with a 3-5 record are ranking in fifth in the standings, but their schedule is looking good for the second half of the season and they could see playoffs in the fourth spot.

My predictions for playoffs are these five teams with Denver in 1, Hamilton in 2, Charlotte in 3, and Chesapeake and Boston fighting for the fourth spot.

MLL re scores Nationals - Rattlers Game

The MLL has re-scored the Nationals - Rattlers game that took place on June 22nd in Boca Raton Florida. Due to the re-scoring, Goalie Brett Queener of the Hamilton Nationals did not break the franchise record for saves.
Queener made 22 saves through out the contest, which is just two away from tying the record that was set in 2009 against Boston by Doc Schneider.

For the revised Stats click here.

The Nationals play at home on Saturday June 29th against the Chesapeake Bayhawks. This will be the second match up with the Bayhawks, after the Nationals over time win on June 1st.

Hamilton Nationals - Tucker Durkin named Warrior Defensive Player of the Week

Tucker Durkin has been named the Warrior Defensive player of the week. Durkin, the Johns Hopkins product was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hounds and later acquired by Hamilton. In the Nationals last game, he played a huge role, dominating the crease and holding Ned Crotty to just one goal.

Durkin was the second player in Johns Hopkins history and the eighth in college lacrosse history to win the C. Schmeisser Award as the top defenseman. This season he has scooped up 9 ground balls so far in his 5 games with the Nationals.

Durkin made his debut with the Nationals on May 17^th in Hamilton when the Nationals hosted the Charlotte Hounds. In his debut game he picked up three ground balls.

The Hamilton Nationals will be back at home this weekend to host the Chesapeake Bayhawks for the second time this season. While the Bayhawks will be looking for redemption after their over time loss on June 1^st, they’ll have to get past Durkin and the Nationals defense… And Brett Queener who currently leads the league with a .620 save percentage. The game will air live on Youtube at 7pm.

Hamilton Nationals - MLL 2013 All Star Game

The MLL has announced which players have made it to the 2013 All Star Game in Charlotte on July 13th. Five of your Hamilton Nationals will be making an appearance. 

Kevin Crowley who currently leads the MLL in points and goals,  and is on 23 game point streak will head to Charlotte for his first ever appearance in the all star game. He's in his third season with the MLL and started off the season of fire and has yet to burn out. So far this season he has averaged 3 goals a game. Crowley also put in the first two pointer of his career on May 11th to win the game for the Nationals with just 4 seconds left against the New York LIzards.

Nationals Rookie Kevin Cunningham will also be making his first appearance in the MLL All star game. Cunningham leads the Nationals with 15 assists ad is third on the team for points with 23. In their last game he put in two goals and added two assists.

Joe Walters, another key asset to the Nationals offense will be heading the all star game for the sixth time in his career. Walters made his 2013 debut with the Nationals on May 23^rd in Ohio, after winning the NLL Championship with the Rochester Knighthawks. Not only did he put in their game winning goal for the Cup, but came back to the Nationals and within the first few games was in the top 10 in the MLL. He is currently tied for sixth place in the standings with 25 points. Last game Walters lead the Nationals to their 17-11 win over Rochester with 6 points.

Brodie Merrill is heading to Charlotte for his eighth all star game. Merrill has won Warrior Defensive Player of the year six times and is currently the leagues all time leader in ground balls. So far this season, he’s scooped up 45 ground balls in his 7 games.

The last National that will be heading to the All star game, just set a team record after stopping 25 shots in the Rochester Rattlers game. Brett Queener heads to the all star game for the fourth time in his career. He’s played 5 games with the Nationals this season and holds a 4-1 record. Queener is currently third in the MLL with an 11.26 goals against average but leads with a .620 save percentage.

Hamilton Nationals - News and Notes June 24th

The Hamilton Nationals ended their road trip on a high note with a 17-11 win over the Rochester Rattlers. The Nationals remained in second place with a 6-2 record.

Joe Walters continues to be a huge asset for the Nationals leading with six points this past weekend (3+3). Coming off an NLL season in which he scored the game-winning goal in the Championship Game for the Rochester Knighthawks, Walters has 25 points in six games for the Nats. This weekend he started off the scoring early, finding the back of the net just 22 seconds into the contest. Rochester teammates Cody Jamieson (1+0) and Stephen Keogh (2+1) also contributed to the victory.  

Kevin Crowley continues to lead the Nationals and the MLL in points (35) and is tied for first in goals 26. Crowley has already surpassed the number of goals he scored last season and is just three points away from surpassing his point total from 2012 as well. He is the midst of a franchise-record 23-game point sgtreak.

Martin Cahill was back on the active roster after missing the last three games, and didn’t skip a beat. Cahill put in a four goals, including a two pointer to help the Nationals defeat Rochester. With Cahill’s two pointer, the Nationals are just one two-point goal away from tying their two point goals from last season (5). Other two pointers this season have come from Crowley, John Austin and MJ Kiekebelt.

Also back with the Nationals was No. 23, Brett Queener, who made 25 stops to set a team record.

The Nationals will host the Chesapeake Bayhawks this Saturday at Ron Joyce Stadium. The contest is the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams. In the first game, Jordan Hall scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Hamilton a 12-11 win over Chesapeake on June 1^st. For tickets, call 905-525-NATS (6287).

Hamilton Nationals vs Rattlers - Game Recap

The Hamilton Nationals ended their long haul road trip on a high note, with Brett Queener making 25  saves  and Joe Walters leading on offense with 6 points (3+3) to help the Nationals beat the Rattlers 17 – 11 . Hamilton started off early in the first  with a goal from Walters just 22 seconds in, before Kevin Crowley found the back of the net for the second Nationals goal. Rochester getting on the board just under five minutes into the first with a goal from Tom Montelli , which was quickly answered by Crowley. Martin Cahill would put one more in for the Nationals and John Ranagan for the Rattlers before the end of the first.

Starting off the second quarter Rochester’s Kevin Leveille found the back of the net for the Rattlers, but Stephen Keogh was close behind to answer it and start the Nationals off on a 4 goal streak with goals from Cody Jamison, Crowley, and a two pointer from Cahill. Leveille putting another one in, to be answered by Roy Lang; ending the half 10-4 in favour of Hamilton. 

Rookie Kevin Cunningham got the ball rolling in the second half with an assist from Joe Walters for his first of the contest. Cahill putting in his third of the night to seal a hat trick in his first game back on the active roster after two weeks off. Dave Lawson getting one past Queener, followed by Ranagan to start chipping away at the Nationals lead, and cutting it to 6.  

The Rattlers finally getting into a rhythum with two goals to start off the fourth and continue to chip away at the Nationals lead. Keogh ending their two goal streak as he finds the back of the net only to be answered by Ned Crotty. Walters chipped in his second and third goals of the contest during the fourth as well as Cahill with his fourth of the game.  

Ottawa and the CFL

Ottawa founded the RoughRiders in 1876, and they went on to win nine grey cups five of which were between the 1960's and 1970's. In 1996 the Ottawa RoughRiders folded. Just five years later in 2002 Ottawa returned to the CFL with a new team, the renegades. The Renegades lasted until 2006 when they were suspended indefinitely. Now just over 6 years later, Ottawa is back in the CFL for the 2014 season with the RedBlacks.
Will the Ottawa RedBlacks last and become a well known organization and long term member of the CFL or will it fold in just a few short years once again?
The Redblacks are offering past season ticket holders their former seats as well as pre registration for new fans.

The CFL may not seem to be as big as the NFL for some people, but with the addition of a new team it's a step in the right direction to create an even larger fan base. It adds a positive attitude to the community and surrounding area with the excitement of a professional team. Not only will this be good for the Ottawa community but also for Canadian athletes. Opening up more opportunities for the CIS players to get noticed and to continue their football careers. I look forward to the 2014 season to see what the Redblacks have to offer, what Ottawa has to offer the CFL, and what Canadian talent is out there that has yet to have a chance to be seen.

Hamilton Nationals - Q&A with Kevin Crowley

Kevin Crowley was first overall draft pick in both the NLL and MLL drafts, and is in his second year as a National. 

This season Kevin Crowley has set a career high for goals against the Ohio Machine with 5, and then tied it with 5 goals against the NY Lizards. In the Home Opener on May 11th Crowley scored the game winning goal against the Lizards with just four seconds left in the contest. 

Not only does Crowley currently lead the MLL in both points and goals with 32 points nad 23 goals but he has also set a new record for the Nationals game point streak at 22 games. Nationals Digital Media Coordinator Becca Luden had the opportunity to chat with Crowley about his lacrosse career.

Becca Luden: How did you get started in lacrosse?

Kevin Crowley: My grandpa was a lacrosse player and he put a stick in my hand when I was probably 2 or 3 years old. I didn’t start playing organized sports until I was 5 , and that was organized lacrosse.

BL: Did you play any other sports as well, or were you strictly lacrosse?

KC: I played Hockey, I dabbled in Basketball, played a little bit of golf but mainly hockey and lacrosse. 

BL: Oh Nice.. So what has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

KC: Uh , geeze I think uh, going first overall in both drafts was probably my biggest accomplishment. I wish I had more of a team oriented one but I haven’t really won any big championships.

BL: And Who is your athletic Motivation ?

KC: Geeze, that’s a good one. I’d have to say Michael Jordan. The way that he’s conducted himself as a professional and his work ethic as admirable, it’s something I strive to copy.

BL: He’s definitely a great athlete. I know there are some athletes that have superstitions and weird pre game rituals or routines so what do you do to prepare for a game?

KC: I don’t really have any weird superstitions or anything like that. Normally it’s just the shoot around, lunch and then I have a big nap and then head to the game and eat something late. That’s really my pre game ritual I don’t really have any superstitions.  What are some of the other ones you’ve heard?

BL: Well some are just like certain meals or certain games or songs before a game.

KC: In Lacrosse it’s too hard to have a regimentied you have to eat this because of the way flights and stuff like that go. If you’re a very superstitious person like that chances are you’re going to get thrown off easily when it comes time to play, you know what I’m saying?

BL: Yah, for sure! So what are some of the songs on your Ipod that you wouldn’t tell anyone about?

KC: Uhhhh , Backstreet Boys. All three of their CD’s well they got more than that but I have three of their CD’s.

BL: What three do you have?

KC: Oh I don’t even know the names on them.

BL: Do you have a favourite song?

KC: Uh, What’s the one , oh boy sitting in the airport right now.. uhm I want it that way.

BL: Oh yah I deffinitly know that one. If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you would do?

KC: Take care of my family.

BL: So I take it you’re really Family orientated?

KC: No I hate them. Yeah no, I love them I’m a really family oriented person. Probably because I don’t get to see them a lot I’m not home all that much. So I’d have to take care of them.

BL: Aww, thats so nice. What was your favourite show when you were younger?

KC: Oh, I feel like I’d have to ask my mom on this one. Captain planet … I was a big captain planet fan.I couldn’t even tell you what it was about … probably saving the planet. I just had an action figure.

BL: Did you have captain planet sheets to go with it too?

KC: ahhh no , I was a Goosebumps fan too,  I had those sheets. And Ducktail set of sheets too.

BL: hahah, nice! So what’s your favorite book right now?

KC: Well Coach Hunts is making us read The Gold Standard by Coach K, and I’m enjoying that right now.

Halifax Embarrasses the Knights

The London knights have made the memorial cup for the past few years, and will host the 2014 Cup in London. Although the continue to make the Memorial cup.. they seem to choke every year and this year hasn’t been very different .. with only one win over Saskatoon.
Halifax dominated the Knights ending the game 9-2 and knocking out the Knights. Halifax was undefeated throughout their playoffs until losing 5-2 to Saskatoon, but they continue their memorial cup journey heading onto to semi finals.
The Mooseheads started off early by dominating the first period with 5 goals to none. Although the knights put 2 in during the second period, they didn’t have enough to come back. Halifax put in 3 more in the second and the 9th goal in the final period.
Frik Martin sealed his hat trick with 1 goal late in the first and a pair in the second.
London saw goals from Matt Rupert and Seth Griffith. London will be appearing in the Memorial Cup in 2014 when they host it at the John Labatt Arena.

London Knights vs Windsor Spitfires

The London Knights and the Windsor Spitfires have been rivals for quite some time.
London fans think of course they are better, and they go to more memorial cups ..(yadda yadda)
Windsor thinks well the opposite. (but there are facts)
But when it comes down to the facts.
Windsor and London have have the same number of appearances in the Memorial Cup.
3 for 3. Meaning they have both won the same number of OHL Titles. (J.Robertson Cups)
Now for the Memorial Cup… London has won 1 Memorial Cup. Windsor won back to back Memorial Cups in 2009 - 2010. (Thats 2)

This is for the Knights fans .. so just let that sink in.
And don’t come back with the fact that you’re going to be in the memorial cup next year .. because whether or not you win the OHL Championship , you’re in it because yah you get to host it .. so they basically just go hi here’s your free pass.
(Maybe i’m still bitter that london gets to host it)

Controversy - Packers / Seahawks

The replacement referees in the NFL have been calling several things that either don’t exist or are over board with calls. It seems that they lack knowledge of the rules and the game in general and should stick to high school and college ball. It wasn’t until Monday Night when the Seahawks hosted the packers that their calls actually cost a game.
With just seconds left in the 4th quarter, Wilson threw a hail mary into the endzone on the 4th down. Jennings, Tate, and several others jumped for the ball.
Jennings came down with the ball but at the same time Tate grabbed a hold of it as well. The play was reviewed as every scoring play is, and it was called a touchdown. This caused several eruptions throughout the packers and the NFL fan base.


Although the rule book does state:
”Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states:Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.”

There was pass interference on the play as well. If pass interference had been called the play would have stopped, ending the game. The touchdown would have been void and the packers would have come out with a win.
So really, did the seahawks win because of skill or because of a bad call.. were the green bay packers robbed of a win?

The NFL is backing the referees on the call as a touchdown because of the simultaneous catch rule, but will the fans continue to watch football sundays , mondays, and thursdays with these replacement referees due to the integrity of the game diminishing?

Charles Woodson Back To Raiders

In 1988 the Oakland Raiders selected Charles Woodson in the first round of the NFL Draft, now in 2013 after becoming a free agent he is back in the black and silver. Woodson was released from the packers in February where he then became a free agent when he said he wanted to play for a contender.
The Raiders may not be seen as a contender like other teams that he has met with earlier in his free agency but he says that he is excited to be back with the team.


37 year old Charles Woodson although will stay in the hearts and minds of Packers alongside Greg Jennings who is now with the Minnisota Vikings.. has gone back to the fans that welcomed him into the Leauge several years ago.

Around the League

Alright so let’s start off with “Black Monday” … the number of people fired this year around the leauge was just outrageous. Somehow Rex Ryan got by without being fired, but instead the GM, Mike Tannenbaum was. (personally i think they fired the wrong guy. seriously rex needs to go if the jets want to turn their team around)
Seven coaches were canned including:

1. Lovie Smith from the Chicago Bears.
Every year there is one that is a surprise, and this is probably the most surprising one to go due to fact he had coached the bears to a 10-6 season. Last year he coached the bears to a good season as well. Although the bears haven’t made playoffs in the past two years it has not been because of the coaching. Smith would have been in a re-signing year.
(I think that it would stir up something if lovie went and coached the eagles.. who have also canned their coach, and is worth some good money , so it won’t be long before he gets picked up.)

2. Andy Reid - Philadelphia Eagles
3. Ken Whisenhunt - Arizona Cardinals.
I’m not surprised, i mean after Kurt Warner the team went downhill. They started off this year going 0-4 and then continued into a downward spiral.

4. Norv Turner - San Diego
5. Chan Gailey - Buffalo Bills
6. Pat Shurmer - Cleaveland
7. Romeo Crennel - Kansas City.

* The Detroit Lions are still un sure of whether Shwartz will continue to have a job after this season. One of the reasons that he may not be fired is due to the fact the contact was just recently renewed and in order to cut the contract short it would be costly. *

Several others were fired from coaching staffs around the league as well as General Managers, if you’re interested in who else they are updating nfl.com constantly with who is currently being interviewed for positions and other firings. .. There are several college coaches that are being looked at to move up to the NFL coaching level, such as the Penn State coach although he has only been there for one year.

Is Sanchez in Hot Water?

During wednesdays practice Mark Sanchez through three interceptions throughout the two sessions. The Jets have yet to decide on who their starting quarterback will be this season. Sanchez was benched last season, and after wednesdays practice proving why.. he may be looking at the bench as an addition to his uniform if he doesn’t smarten up on the field. Geno smith threw one interception with 14 snaps compared to Snachez’s three with 15 snaps. Rex Ryan called his performance a disappointment.

Rex Ryan isn’t the only one frustrated over Mark Sanchez, he’s also losing respect on the field from some of his team mates. The team agrees that although they like him as a person when it comes to game time.. it’s time to give someone else a chance.

My Thoughts:
The jets are tied to Sanchez for the amount of money they’re paying him. They don’t want to be paying him that much to be sitting on the bench. But they need to figure out a way to stops the turnovers. Two key receivers were out on Wednesday with injury, but that doesn’t take away the fact that he’s the king of turnovers. Respect from your team mates both on and off the field helps win games. You’re not going to win respect or get the work put out on the field that coaches and GM’s look for if there is doubt in your team leader. Smith could bring several possibilities to the Jets.. but working under Sanchez and the amount of ties that are there could hold smith back. Best case scenario for the Jets … they split it between Smith and Sanchez. Not only will they get the bang for the buck .. as much bang as you’re gonna get from Sanchez, but you’re going to mold smith into the quarterback you want for the future.

Brian Urlacher Retires

Brian Urlacher has spent the past 13 years wearing the colors of the Chicago Bears, and after today he will hang up the jersey and put away his cleats.
After he suffered a knee injury in 2012 his foot speed was decreased drastically, and not being able to come to terms with the new contract put forth by the bears, and struggling in the free agency retirement became his path.
Although his career has ended, he is still known as one of the greats. Urlacher was an 8 time Pro Bowl selection. In his rookie year he racked up 8 sacks to give him Rookie of the Year in 2000. In 2008 he won the AP Defensive Player of the year, and made 4 All Pro teams.

Also retiring this year is Ray Lewis, who was a defining player and one of the greats in the AFC. It will be a different season for both the Ravens and the Bears without these two defining players on their defense.

My Thoughts:
Urlacher was a phenomenal player, and i’m sure that he could have played at least one more season… but it wouldn’t have been for the bears. To spend 13 years under one team, they become like a family. It’s better to retire with no regrets under the team that has formed you in to the player that you are and the fan base that has stood behind you for years, rather than go to a different team for just one year and then retire. I’m not a bears fan, but Urlacher was the leader of their defense. Briggs was learning from him every game and every practice, so i’m sure we will still see some urlachers traits on the field this season, and seasons to come.

Hamilton Nationals - Q&A with Tucker Durkin

Tucker Durkin made his MLL debut on May 17^th with the Nationals against the Charlotte Hounds at Ron Joyce Stadium. Durkin played all four years of his College career at Johns Hopkins, and started in every game. In 2012 he was awarded the William C Schmeisser Award as the nation’s top defenseman, and was first team all American. Durkin was awarded the top defensive player again in 2013 and is the eighth player in college lacrosse history to win it twice.  Durkin was originally drafted to the Hounds (3^rd overall) and then later traded to the Nationals.

Becca Luden: How did you get into lacrosse?
Tucker Durkin: I started playing when I was in like fourth grade and I actually played baseball originally like as a kid growing up. My best friend Mike and my older brothers were all lacrosse players and I kinda wanted to play baseball but they made me switch and every since then I kinda ell in love with the sport. 

BL:  What have been your greatest accomplishments?
TD: Uhm, greatest accomplishment was probably playing for Johns Hopkins and getting recruited there. Just having the opportunity to play for that program for four years and uh under coach Petro and uh just the whole experience at Hopkins. Id say is my greatest accomplishment, being able to play there.

BL: So who is your athletic motivation?
TD: My athletic motivation , wow. Uhm I gotta think about this one. Uhm, like a person? Obviously.Well in high school one of my high school coaches was a denfensiman , Tony Resh and hes regarded as one of the best defenceman ever, best lacrosse defenceman ever and I kind of always you know looked up to him and respected him as a player and a coach and when I got serious in lacrosse starting in high school uhm so im gonna have to go with him.

BL: Superman or Batman?
TD: Im gonna have to go with Batman.
BL: Really ? Why ? 
TD: Yah I’m gonna go with batman because uhm, I just like his stealth image that he has that superman doesn’t have. Batman’s really mysterious and I really like that about him.
BL: Which ones your favourite one?
TD: uhh, the one with heath ledger whatever one that is. That might have been two times ago.

BL: Yeah , I think so .. What’s your favourite holiday and why?
TD: Uhm , Im gonna have to go Christmas just cause uhm, normally a lot of family comes in and its good to see family and friends. Christmas is kinda like the whole month of cdecember where the other holidays really last like a day or two. So it’s like a season and I kinda like that about it.

BL: And what is a song on your ipod that you wouldn’t want people to know about?
TD: uhm, wouldn’t want people to know about. Whats that song I love it that just came out?
BL: oh yah that’s a pretty good song, its really catchy I didn’t like it at first tho
TD: yah no im pretty much singing it all the time after I hear it. 

BL: Haha Same.. Justin beiber or one direction?
TD: oh my God. Uhm, im gonna go with beiber even though im not a huge fan of either. I do respect them, after I watched the beiber movie, I have a little more respect for him so im gonna say beiber.
BL: So you watched the Justin beiber movie?
TD: yeah I did watch 
BL: were you forced?
TD: yah .. I mean I didn’t watch it alone. 

BL: haha , What is your biggest pet peeve?
TD: My biggest pet peeve … probably be when like I see or hear about the amount of little kids playing video games and not being outside and doing outdoors type activities. I feel like video games should be illegal.