It was an experience of a lifetime for Brayden
Bell of Sarnia after he was given the opportunity to be involved in the
historic first ever U19 World Lacrosse Challenge held at the Iroquois
Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations.
"The biggest adjustment was using a "spoon"
(field Lacrosse plastic stick)." Bell commented "I rely on my stick a lot in
Jr. A, using a wooden stick. So it was difficult "
Brayden Bell, didn't disappoint, although not winning gold. Team Germany
(Deutschland Adler), a country to which box Lacrosse is still considered a
new sport of 2 years, combined talent, grit and determination resulting in
placing 10th in world, and 2nd place in group C.
"Throwing together players that not only haven't
played box Lacrosse before, but also have never played Lacrosse with each
other, was difficult, but coach Jamie Plunkett did well" Bell said
Team Germany competed in two exhibition games prior to tournament. In game
one Germany played Wilmot Wild Jr. C losing 17-6. Brayden allowed 8 goals in
30 minutes of play collecting 2 assists.
Next exhibition was against Oakville Buzz Jr. B Team Germany again lost
10-4. Brayden allowed 3 goals in 30 minutes also adding can assist.
The World Tournament opened Friday vs Team Israel on the world stage. Team
Germany (Deutschland Adler) prevailed 4-1. An awesome way to open the
Tournament, and also Brayden's first international win facing 22 shots.
Team Nordic (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and a few players from
Australia) Team Germany dropped a 6-4 decision. Brayden & Andrew Chenier
split goaltending duties. Brayden allowed 4 goals in first half. Great game,
missed opportunities.
Saturday produced a very tough schedule facing Team Iroquois Seneca (team
just off of Jr. B national championship Founders Cup game which they lost to
Akwesasne) & Team Canada West. Andrew Chenier went the distance in goal
losing 9-1 to Seneca. Gaining experience from a seasoned Jr. B team.
Game 2 of second day matched up Team Germany (Deutschland Adler) vs Team
Canada West (eventual Gold Medal Winners) losing 10-0 having their way with
the Germans only able to muster 3 shots, while having 25 against. Brayden
played well holding off the onslaught.
Three teams were tied with 1-3 records resulting in a shootour. Team Nordic,
Team Iroquois Seneca & Team Germany. All teams provided a goalie, and three
shooters. Although the shootout was a new format, organizers agreed the
results were wrong the next day. In 6 rounds of shooters, Brayden stopped
all shots. Nordic allowed 2 against, Seneca allowed 2 goals against.
Shooters scoring trumped goaltenders saves. Nordic was issued 8th place.
Seneca & Germany needed a shootout for 9th place. Brayden allowed a goal,
while Germany failed to score.
Playoffs in group C began Sunday matching Team Germany up against Squamish
Nation (BC) Team Germany (Deutschland Adler) scored a 5-3 victory behind
great goaltending by Andrew Chenier!
The battle for 9th place (1st in group "C") rematched Team Germany
(Deutschland Adler) against Team Seneca. This game was intense, lots of hugs
and got chippy. After taking some untimely penalties, in the end Team Seneca
prevailed 8-7 scoring winning goal on power play late in regulation. Brayden
Bell went the distance in goal, collecting 2 assists.
Team Germany (Deutschland Adler) placed 10th in world.
Final Standings were:
Gold: Team Canada West
Silver: Jr Clax AllStars
Bronze: Team Iroquois West
4th: USA
5th: Team Czech
6th: Team Canada Atlantic/ Quebec
7th: Team Iroquois East
8th: Team Nordic
9th: Team Seneca
10th: Team Germany (Deutschland Adler)
11th: Team Israel
12th: Squamish Nation
Brayden Bell's stat line for exhibition & Tournament was
165 minutes, 5.5 games, 34 goals against, 6.36 goals against average.
"It was amazing to meet the German players, and team hotel was awesome. My
dad (Jim Bell) says he has Lacrosse friends for life, and now I know what he
meant, Lacrosse friends for life."
Bell has been contacted by some NLL teams
regarding attending training camps for experience. "It's a long shot to make
the team being 17, plus difficult to juggle with school, but my ultimate
goal of playing pro, is within my reach"
Bell returns to high school where he plays football, but is looking forward
to next season with the Toronto Beaches Jr. A.
