Lacrosse is new to the County but the Northern Maine Moose players are making the “County” known in the lacrosse world. Colton Simoes, a faceoff specialist and offensive player for the Moose, joined the Northmen box lacrosse team to help secure an undefeated showing at the Uncle Sam Jam tournament in Northampton Massachusetts.
Lacrosse is growing in popularity throughout the United States and will be present in the 2028 Olympic games. There is outdoor lacrosse that uses a typical football field size with 10 players, including the goalie, and box lacrosse that is played in a hockey arena with six players including the goalie.
Box lacrosse is fast paced due to the small area and movement of the ball. More physical play is allowed as it follows the mindset of hockey. Box lacrosse is a great off season sport to fine tune your skill set.
Although new to box lacrosse, Simoes was able to contribute to the Northmen team with an 80 percent faceoff win, two resulting in immediate goals and he had one field assist. Not bad for his first box lacrosse game.
Simoes attributes his success of the day to the coaches, Kyle Blaker, Jack Hutchinson and Brian Dunkin, who guided his play as he adapted to the rules and format.
‘The coaches were great. I would come off the field and they provided me with immediate feedback on my play and positioning that I was able to implement on my next shift. They made me feel a part of the team quickly. I value their input as these coaches are playing at the professional level. I soaked in the feedback and experience. It’s obvious they have a heart for the growth of the game,” Simoes recalls.
He adds, “What an opportunity to play with guys from all over. I met players from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire and fellow Mainers were on our roster. I learned a lot from each of them and I felt welcome on the team. I hope my faceoff numbers and play added to their success.”
Simoes will return to the Northern Maine Moose varsity lacrosse team this spring as a junior.
Contributed by Adam Northern, Maine Moose lacrosse coach
