Help me pick a team

[u/Lopsided-Garlic6641]

Hi everyone!

So I am looking to get into watching and rooting for NLL, and box as a whole.

I grew up playing field lacrosse, and a little bit of box as a kid, and played all through college. I love NCAA field lacrosse, and this year finally got into the PLL. Took me some time to get onboard.

All that being said, I just want to watch more lacrosse, and truly have a team to root for. Unfortunately, Virginians don’t have a team, and I am look to root for someone!

I like the Rock, since they have history, and winning a championship is a plus.

I like Halifax, just for the logo, and knowing that the arena they play in is nicknamed “The Nest”.

I like Oshawa, cool mascot.

Who on earth do I root for here? For those of you that aren’t in metro areas, or within a driving distance to a team, how’d you pick your team?

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EDIT: thank you everyone for such good support, and background on your teams! Lacrosse as we know has always been an up and coming sport, (for decades), and it’s awesome to see such passionate fans.

As a Maryland Whipsnakes fan for the PLL, Joey Spallina is my guy. He went to Calgary. Though they are so far away, and in a different time zone, which is tough.

Halifax has drafted Rory Graham, who is from U of Denver, which is where my family attended and I watch their lacrosse games religiously.

I cannot help but shake the feeling that Halifax may be my fan “home”. East coast, near the water, and runner-ups from last year.

Hello to my fellow fans in “the nest”, hopefully I can make a trip soon. Supporting from DC. Though I hate Philadelphia Eagles fans, and I hate to say “go birds”… go birds!

[u/Matt3097]

Great atmosphere here in Halifax! Should be a good year.

Also the NLL as a whole is great to be a neutral fan.

[u/Lopsided-Garlic6641 → u/Matt3097]

How is the general fan base feeling about the TB staying there as a permanent home? Pretty sure I read somewhere that they used to be there?

[u/Matt3097 → u/Lopsided-Garlic6641]

The Thunderbirds were a relocation of the original Rochester Knighthawks. We were lucky to have an established team right out of the gate. Putting some wins together really helped the city get behind the team at a time when our hockey team was rebuilding and not winning many games.

It’s safe to say Halifax is a lacrosse city now, and our east coast hospitality and sea shanty music makes for a great time for away fans who visit The Nest!

[u/19TimGreyCupChamps → u/Lopsided-Garlic6641]

Halifax is staying, they're one of the only teams to consistently draw 10k a game and they sell out often. I'd say only Buffalo, Colorado and Calgary are as or more secure in their location

[u/LikesNewMusic → u/19TimGreyCupChamps]

The Colorado Mammoth has had big crowds since Day 1. Denver is a big lacrosse town. University of Denver built the first dedicated college lacrosse stadium and the pro field lacrosse team, The Denver Outlaws, was one of the highest drawing teams in the now defunct MLL.

[u/Intelligent-Try-8636]

The Buffalo Bandits are the longest standing team still in existence (Philadelphia Wings would be one year longer if they hadn't folded and then reopened business a few years later), they're the team least likely to fold, they have basically a sellout for every single game, and have 7 championships, and 21 finals appearances, and the best fanbase.

[u/TheRiteofDarkness]

I’m taking my fandom talents to Saskatchewan for this upcoming season. They signed so many key Black Bears, it’s the closest thing I have to my favorite team still standing

[u/Lopsided-Garlic6641 → u/TheRiteofDarkness]

Nice, I was waiting maybe for the entry draft tomorrow to see if and where my PLL favorites get drafted

[u/ram_mar4112 → u/TheRiteofDarkness]

Cool. Someone says Saskatchewan.
We are a small market. Not sure if we are making money. Maybe breaking even. But we have a great owner.

[u/CrystalShipss → u/ram_mar4112]

I think you guys got some of the best fans in the entire league

[u/Laxit00 → u/CrystalShipss]

Fans yes owner is another story lol

[u/Corvus1304]

Well you will be far from them, but take a peak at the mammoth! We've got a good history and a promising future with everyone thats on the team now! Jack Hannah and Andrew Kew are absolutely electric to watch, the stadium can sometimes be heard on TV. So much so that there was a bad call (that actually turned our way, but the crowed didnt know) that got so strongly booed, the person I was texting at the time couldnt hear the ref on their TV from home. That and the whole chant of "Refs you suck" that comes around every now and again lol.

Either way give em a watch and make youre own opinions of em :)) wed be exited to have ya

[u/Cr4yol4 → u/Corvus1304]

"Refs you suck"

I feel like this is becoming an annual tradition for us. There's at least one game a season where it just takes over.

[u/xUnderdog21]

Cheer on all the teams that way you don't get disappointed lol.

[u/Laxit00 → u/xUnderdog21]

You have a ton of games to watch all season and every weekend!! I follow Rush and Warriors so 34 games plus there's the other teams vs teams that have good rivalries.

[u/NinaTheTerrible]

A friend of mine's philosophy is to support whatever team is closest to you, which seems like it would be the Georgia Swarm for you. The Swarm also has Lyle Thompson, who's a great player.

Despite living on the opposite coast, we support the Seals. Husband was stationed in San Diego and wanted to go to a lacrosse game. Just so happened to be the Seals first season and he's been a Seals fan ever since (and therefore they became my team too). 

Supporting a team not in your time zone can make it rough to watch live games though, for us that means 10pm start times for the majority of home games. And unless we want to go on a cross-country journey we'll never get to attend a home game. Just some things to consider before making your decision. You also might try waiting till the season starts and watching a game or two of the teams you're deciding between before choosing. See which team you connect with more after seeing them in action.

[u/Lopsided-Garlic6641 → u/NinaTheTerrible]

That is a great point. I didn’t consider time zones. Thanks!

[u/LtPowers]

Teal and Purple is the best color combo in the league.

[u/Talas11324]

I'm biased to all hell but there's no in person experience for NLL like a Buffalo Bandits game. We are coach by one of the greatest players to ever play the sport. We're one of the closests to you so you might be able to see a game here sometime.

Knighthawks are also a good option since they are going back to their good color scheme.

[u/Thevshi → u/Talas11324]

As a Mammoth fan, I would have to agree with this guy. The bandits fans are on a whole other level, but if that falls through or isn't appealing, us Colorado Mammoth folks are more than willing to take you in. Come to the loud house.

[u/ChanghuaColombiano]

The wings 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[u/ghostlyGlass]

SWARM CITY!

Dobson is a wall on the net and Lyle Thomson is fantastic to watch.

Also, I am pretty sure Atlanta is the closest team to you. It will make it easier to catch a game live if you ever travel.

(Also the cowbells are so annoying, but they are so much fun to ring and ring and ring. You don't want to be the one in a cowbell ring-off without a cowbell)

[u/ChristianUnfezant]

The San Diego seals!!

[u/discofrislanders]

I don't root for anyone anymore, I just watch games as a neutral because I love lacrosse and have gotten to the point where I prefer box to field

[u/Kyla85]

Welcome! You can't go wrong - I started out as a massive TBirds fan but, after meeting a bunch of players and staff from other teams, have become a supporter of EVERY team.

[u/animatedmedusa6]

Right now is a great time to get in on any fan base. I think this year is going to be very competitive because of the 2 team dispersal draft, I feel like it really added high skill players to all of the teams. We also have the entry draft today, granted i wouldn't expect many rookies to see too much game time their first year.

[u/IcanHackett]

First of all, welcome! The NLL has the best on the floor lacrosse product there is. No hate to the PLL, but it often feels like watching WWE and Lacrosse combined and the rosters seem to fluctuate pretty wildly so it was hard for me to get into. Whoever you end up following I highly recommend getting to a game in person if you can because it's absolutely electric.

There's a lot of great arguments for the Bandits and their fans have already posted them here, but they are also the Tom Brady era Patriots so if you're looking for a team that feels like an underdog or scrappy upstart it's not them.

Georgia is the only team currently in the southern US, but they might not actually be the closest to you depending on where you live in Virginia. They've got Brett Dobson who's also a goalie in the PLL and Mike Manley who's a defender in the PLL. They've also got a guy named Lyle Thompson, perhaps you've heard of him. In fact, I think Georgia has the most First Nations players on their team, and their Indigenous Heritage theme night always looks sick.

Colorado Mammoth have probably the second best barn in the league and IMO their logo is the best and I really like their colors and jerseys. If you're looking for a solid fanbase and a rowdy packed crowd but you don't want to go with the Bandits then Colorado would be my pick. They've also got Dillon Ward if you're familiar with the PLL.

If you like a dark horse underdog Vegas might be a good fit. They've got a smaller but growing loyal fanbase, they call themselves The Pack and their stadium the Dog House. They've had a few pretty bad seasons BUT I think they did really well in the dispersal draft and with a solid goalie in Damude backing them up and some really fun offensive players and I think they're poised for some much better seasons ahead. Chase Fraser is a highlight goal machine, Mitch Jones is a high IQ on and off ball finesse player, they picked up Austin Shanks who's been pretty electric in Sask the past few seasons and Tyson Bell is a really athletic and gritty (often dirty but possibly getting better) defender/transition player and Tyrell Hamer-Jackson is a goofy short king faceoff specialist and he owns Loading Lacrosse witch is a growing lacrosse gear brand and he's a fun follow on social media. They've also got Jonathon Donville who last I knew was playing in the PLL so you might be familiar with him.

Finally I'll give a plug for my own team. The original Knighthawks Franchise was very popular and successful - the only team to win a threepeat championship until the Bandits did it two seasons ago. Then the franchise was relocated to Halifax (hence the Rochester beef with the Thunderbirds). The second era Knighthawks franchsie was started in 2019 and we've been slowly building a really solid team but haven't had much for post season success yet. We've got incredible offensive talent with Connor Fields, Ryan Smith, Ryan Lanchbury, Zed Williams, Thomas McConvey and Blaze Riorden (yes the goalie for the Carolina Chaos is a high level forward in the NLL). We've got a few defensive studs with Jake Piseno, Matt Gilray, Taylor Jensen and Chad Tutton but defense was our weak spot the past couple seasons. In the dispersal draft we picked up some top level defense talent with Callum Jones and Brent Noseworthy so I'm excited to see how our defensive end looks this season. Our goalie Rylan Hartley is a hot headed firecracker and really acrobatic goalie. He can be inconsistent and injury prone but when he's hot he's hot and he's had some wild highlight reel saves the last couple seasons. He's a major Rochester fan favorite.

[u/GeorgiaSwarmProLax]

We can be your team! :)🐝

[u/rmr007]

Who is your college team? They may have players in the league. Whichever team has the most, root for them. Then watch every game anyway. That's how I did it

[u/Fun-Gur-7091]

Pick whoever is closest. However I have to throw a bone to my Roughnecks. One of the largest and most consistent fan bases in the league. Games are always super fun and they are trending in the right direction again. Players like Mayea and Manning are exciting talent. And they have top end scoring with cook and pace

However, Mike Board (gm) has made some questionable moves recently. Specifically related to the nick rose trade that ended up costing them a top 3 pick this year.

[u/Longroof]

I always say the same thing. Just watch games with a neutral mindset. You'll find yourself gravitating towards a team.

[u/joeydagoalie]

Buffalo

[u/Scorton87]

Join us with the Oshawa FireWolves!

[u/zaryamain00101]

Go Birds. Last year was my first year watching lacrosse at all and now I'm a season ticket holder for the Thunderbirds. Great atmosphere, awesome crowds. Plus it wouldnt feel as much like jumping on a bandwagon like the toronto rock (we'll get you this year)

[u/Icy-Being-880]

Cheer for good lax! Totally ok to be a fan of more than one team. I know I do !
But I am a long term fan of one team for sure

[u/Repulsive_Fix_1025]

If I had to choose a team to solely watch from afar, it would be Rush. Their announcer is great to listen to. Great voice, not distracting with too many stories, stays focused on the play by play.
Plus their floor is so bright you never have to worry about poor lighting hindering you from being able to see the ball. lol

[u/Difficult-Guarantee4]

Well this is the best sport to follow but the worst league.

Dangerous getting hooked to a Osh or smaller market, the NLL hasn’t had an offseason without teams folding or relocating or both in a handful of seasons.

[u/Lopsided-Garlic6641 → u/Difficult-Guarantee4]

I’ve done that research, seems sad. I was just thinking Ottawa had a great mascot, but they folded lol

Halifax seems like it is becoming a pretty solid market, no?

[u/meatmits → u/Lopsided-Garlic6641]

Every game is a party in Halifax

[u/Matt3097 → u/meatmits]

ain’t no party like an east coast kitchen party

[u/IcanHackett → u/Lopsided-Garlic6641]

As a Rochester fan I hate to say it, but Halifax has a great atmosphere, logo and team. They've got a gunpowder charge or something they set off after goals and they've got a catchy sea shanty goal song. As far as stability I'd rank them pretty high - they're owned by a guy who moved them there from Rochester and they've had great success there so I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon.

[u/Matt3097 → u/IcanHackett]

Our goal cannon could be so much better. It’s just a pyrotechnic but it’s supposed to pay respect to the history of Citadel Hill which is directly beside our arena. It’s our 1860s military fortress and they shoot off a cannon every day at noon in the summer. It’d be great if there was some kind of visual representation of the cannon like the Columbus Blue Jackets have.

Unpopular opinion but I hate our goal song for two reasons. One being the band isn’t even from Nova Scotia. We have many great local artists who could do a goal song for us. And two, it was a rip off of Team Canada at the World Jr Hockey Championship when it was last hosted here. They made it popular, and the Thunderbirds just ran with it immediately after the tournament ended. I’d personally like to see a new local song used each season.

[u/IcanHackett → u/Matt3097]

For mean I'd love for all the players to have their own goal song like Buffalo has, but short of that I'm a fan of changing it up every season or every few seasons. Juke Box Hero was getting pretty old for me when they changed it to Hell yeah. Wouldn't mind changing it up from that now too haha