The possibility of a National Lacrosse League outdoor league, which would go head-to-head in the metro area against Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws, remains in the discussion stage for next summer.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and we’re still exploring if it makes sense,” said Steve Govett, general manager of the NLL champion Colorado Mammoth and a member of the NLL outdoor committee. “We want to do it right. We have to do our due diligence. Some teams are more excited about it than others.”
Not all current NLL teams would be expected to field an outdoor team.
“We’ll probably roll out with a smaller number of teams,” Govett said. “We want to put a toe in the water and make sure people are excited about it.”
There are currently 12 NLL teams, including the Chicago Shamrox, who make their debut next season. There are five markets in which NLL Outdoor would compete for the same fans and some of the same players as the MLL: Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, the Bay Area and Rochester, N.Y.
No definitive action was taken at the NLL’s recent board of governor’s meeting regarding the outdoor league. While many offseason meetings have dealt with problems such as franchises folding or relocating, the governor’s meeting centered on planning for the next five years.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” Govett said. “We’re more stable.”
Sonke returns
The Outlaws’ 19-15 defeat of New Jersey on Saturday was impressive not only because it was on the road against an established foe, but because it was accomplished despite the absence of MLL all-star midfielder Jeff Sonke, who was out with a hamstring injury. Sonke expects to play Saturday.
Sonke has been in Vail this week as a volunteer coach of the Boulder Select under-15 team, which advanced to the third-place game in the B division of the Vail Shootout. Midfield teammate Josh Sims is coaching the Boulder Select under-17 team and goaltender Trevor Tierney is coaching the under-13 team.
“It’s important to give back, to help out and teach kids the game of lacrosse,” Sonke said.
Up next
San Francisco (2-2) travels to Denver (4-1) for a 7:30 p.m. game Saturday at Invesco Field at Mile High. It’s the third meeting between the two expansion teams.
The Outlaws won the first contest 15-11 at Golden Gate Park on May 28. The Dragons claimed the second, 25-10 on June 10 in Denver. San Francisco’s Ryan Powell scored nine goals, tying an MLL single-game record.
Community programs
The Outlaws introduced two community programs Wednesday, “Sunday Sessions” and “Stix for Tix.” On June 25 and July 23 fans are invited to Invesco Field from 10 a.m. to noon to learn new skills, ask questions about rules and strategy and obtain autographs from players. Registration for “Sunday Sessions” is available by dialing 303-OUTLAWS or going online at www.denveroutlaws.com.
Continuing a lacrosse tradition, players can donate used lacrosse sticks for use at the “Sunday Sessions.” The sticks are then given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. Sticks will be collected at local Dick’s Sporting Goods stores beginning today. For each stick donation, players will receive a pair of tickets to an Outlaws game and a coupon for 10 percent off lacrosse gear at Dick’s.
Footnotes
Outlaws midfielder Brian Langtry, a Parker resident and local schoolteacher, ranks third in points in the MLL with 23 on 11 goals. … Matt Brown, a 2005 University of Denver graduate, is fourth with 22 points on 17 goals, including one from beyond the 15-yard arc.
