Red Deer connections talk return to play for the National Lacrosse League

“Our head coach Pat Coyle also reminds us that there’s no excuse for not being in shape. The outdoors never close, so really there’s no reason a guy shouldn’t be outside working on his conditioning,” says Sullivan, an Oriole Park, Central Middle and Lindsay Thurber alum.

“I’ve tried not to let any roadblocks get in my way. I’ve focused more on flexibility and functional fitness such as yoga. I’ve also been doing quite a few mind games on Lumosity and other exercises such as concentration grids, and I’ve had more freedom to watch game film and run different scenarios through my head where I can improve.”

That includes staying in constant contact with D-partner Joey Cupido, who lives in Hamilton, ON.

Sullivan adds that the COVID-19 stoppage isn’t actually the hardest time of his career, recalling a seven-month recovery from a fractured tibia and fibula during the 2018-19 season.

“Right now, I am reflecting on those times and reminding myself that I can only control the ‘controllables,’” he says. “I cannot wait to get back on the floor with my teammates and playing in front of our awesome fans in the Ball Arena, and I have all the confidence in the world regarding the ability of the NLL and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to get us all back to play safely.”

Another Red Deer connection is the league’s longest-serving official (at 21 years), referee and crew chief Todd Labranche.

Red Deer’s Todd Labranche is the longest-tenured official with the National Lacrosse League at 21 years. (Supplied/NLL)

“It was such an abrupt halt. I was scheduled to referee a game in Calgary on Friday, March 13, and we typically have a conference call every Wednesday to review the week that was. We were told everything was a go for the weekend and that meeting ended at 8 p.m.,” he remembers. “The next morning at 7 a.m., we were notified the season was shut down. The uncertainty of not knowing when we’d go back has been a bit of a challenge.”

Labranche says now there is a target date to begin playing again, fitness and watching game film shoots up the priority list.

“It’s about 160 days away, so that means about 140 workouts,” he quips. “I’m a bit of an older guy so I’ve got to make sure I can keep up with the younger guys on game days.”

Not long after play stopped, the league arranged for a trainer to provide officials with regular workout plans.

“The league itself, I do put my trust in them because they’ve made the right decisions thus far. They shut it down early, and with everything from player and team personnel to officials and fans, safety has come first,” he says. “The unknown is obviously what’s going to happen in the world with cases elevating. If we can do things to get it under control and mitigate or eliminate the spread, then I’ve got a much more positive outlook.”

NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz has indicated the league will adapt to changing COVID conditions, and that he’d like to include fans, if possible, in the return to play. Players are slated to report to training camps in March.

In the meantime, Sullivan, who helps run Slash Lacrosse in Red Deer with sister Janelle, and is also a power engineer, has got one other important thing to worry about with his wife and “driving force” Michelle, a newborn baby boy who came into the world on Nov. 20.

“It will mean the world to me,” he says, “when my boy can watch his dad play lacrosse professionally.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Red Deer connections talk return to play for the National Lacrosse League

What's Trending