The love affair between the ECJLL and Maritime University Field Lacrosse League continues this weekend as many of the ECJLL’s top players will grace the field in what is sure to be an action packed weekend of lacrosse.
The MUFLL, comprised of six Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference teams, has long been the fall equivalent to the ECJLL for quality lacrosse in the Atlantic Provinces. This year is no different, with the ECJLL represented heavily on all teams heading into the MUFLL Championship Weekend at Dalhousie’s Wickwire Field.

Dalhousie Dominant Once Again

Long been the dominant force in the MUFLL since its inception, the Dalhousie Tigers are once again in the top spot heading into the weekend’s games with a first round bye. Dal benefits from a litany of players coming from Ontario, though this year’s group is lead by some former ECJLL standouts. Paddy Quinn, a force with the Halifax Northwest club for five years from 2011-2015, leads the team with 44 points. Former Halifax Southwest Hurricane Drew MacDonald joins him on Attack for the Tigers, potting 29 goals over nine games. Finally, FOGO maniac Louis Martin, another Southwest product, has 32 points (19G 13A) this season. Martin is the king of the ring in the MUFLL, winning face-offs at will and allowing the Tigers to dominate time of possession.
The defence is led by Northwest standout Neil McCallum, who has played in all 10 games for the Tigers this season and is known for his non-stop motor. Defence is what separates the Tigers from others, taking over games when it matters most. The Tigers allowed 56 goals this season (5.6/game), the fewest since the Tigers allowed 55 in 2013.

St Francis Xavier Second Best

St. FX has played runner-up to the Tigers since 2013, but have a chance to best the black and yellow this season. For the X-Men, it all starts with depth.
Boasting an offence with just as much fire-power as the Tigers, the X-Men will need to present a balanced attack. This X-Men team may be the most vulnerable of the Top 2, with four games being decided by four goals or less against lower ranked opponents.
Expect big things from rookie Bryson Knockwood, who hails from Indian Brook and plays for the ECJLL’s Mi’kmaq Warriors. His 40 points (28G, 12A) are most by a rookie in 2016, and has helped to replace the production by All-Star Attack Ian McShane.
Other notable ECJLL talent representing St FX are Dartmouth’s Gregg Nussey and Southwest’s Liam MacDonald. Both play different roles on their respective clubs, but no one can deny their value to each club. Nussey battled injuries in the ECJLL this year, but still managed to contribute in all six playoff games for the Bandits who went on to capture the Garnet Knight Cup.

The Best of the Rest

Though seeing their play dip in recent years, the SMU Huskies are trending upward heading into this weekend. 2016 may not be their year, but expect big things from this team going forward. They are the last team to win a MUFLL championship not named Dalhousie, winning it in 2010 on the backs of players like Ian Higgins, Josh Vincent, and goaltender Jon Goguen.
Led by Blake MacDonald from Toronto, Ontario, the Huskies have a plethora of ECJLL guns who provide scoring and depth to the team. Northwest product Dan MacEachern help’s anchor the defence, and former NB Mavericks product Jesse Magarvey has notched 29 pts (24G 5A) in 10 games for SMU.
The Acadia Axemen are heavily represented by a Northwest contingent, With Alex Campbell leading the team in points and 2015’s top offensive player John MacDonald leading the charge. Comprised almost entirely of ECJLL recruits, the Axemen will have a tough time making it to Saturday’s semis after splitting the season series with the UNB Buccaneers.
 
With all six teams scheduled to play this weekend, there is no better time to catch some of your favourite ECJLL players in action. For more information on the weekend, visit MUFLL.ca for full schedule and details.