Nemesis Sr Kgdn – Gr 4
It was a fun year for the 1-4 age groups enjoying record numbers. We were lucky to have so many coaches and volunteers contributing to the best possible fall lacrosse experience. The pace was quick and the focus was on fundamentals, speed and intensity. The coaching staff should be commended for keeping the kids both motivated and engaged with kids running in drills from 4 – 9 years of age.
We seemed to be blessed this fall with awesome weather which made it easy for the kids to focus on skills development and a new understanding of the outdoor game. It did not take long to see that our squad had a strong core of skilled players from all over the Ottawa region and this came through in scrimmages and games leading up to the Turkey Shoot. The kids were quite strong and kept the opposition at the disadvantage all season long.
The best part about the combined Ottawa lacrosse program was the coming together of Gloucester and Nepean families under one unified organization. This is the true benefit of organized sport for the kids, the chance to become friends and teammates where they were once competing against each other.
The season ending Turkey Shoot was a tremendous success. We went into the 3-4 age pool with enough players to split our teams in two. Though we had the youngest teams with some grade 1’s, and majority of players in grade 2’s and 3’s, both squads won their first games by quite a margin. Advancing in the pool, both teams then played very competitive squads and ended up losing. The final game of tournament coincidentally found both the Nemesis squads playing each other for third place honors in the pool. All Nemesis coaches agreed that we would call this a victory for both teams and claimed third as Ottawa’s. We ended up 2 wins, 1 loss and a solid third place finish – not bad for a split squad of younger players.
Highlights of the tournament were comments overheard from the refs and opposing coaches – stating that though we had younger, smaller teams, they have amazing stick skills and are quite strong. The Toronto Edge All Star team was impressed and offered to play us next season recognizing the strength of the organization.
Nemesis Team Cochrane 7-8′s – Turkeyshoot Champs!
The “Nemesis-Cochrane” Team, Grade 7-8, lean and mean from left to right are: (top row) Carter O’Connell, Ty Morelli, Liam Cochrane, Tyler Thompson, Leif Thorpe. (bottom row) Corson Kealey, Justin Tkachuk, Curtis Conley, Jennica Klassen, Dawson Tait. (Missing) Riley Ash.
The men in black from left to right are Kirk Kealey (Coach), Al Smith (founder of Nemesis & High School Lacrosse in Ottawa), Bill Conlon (past President of Nepean Knights Lacrosse Association / co-founder of Nemesis Lacrosse) and Peter Cochrane (Coach).
Team “Nemesis-Cochrane” was a pleasure to coach and watch this past weekend at the 2011 Ithaca Turkey Shoot Tournament! These boys and girl are hard working and skilled lacrosse players. When they’re playing at their best, like they did this past weekend, it is hard to believe that they are only in grade 7 or 8. The most impressive aspect of the Nemesis teams of all age groups is that each team is made up of the best players from the Knights, the Griffins and the Blast (Brockville) box lacrosse associations. The kids had a chance to play together, rather than always against each other. This characteristic of Ottawa Nemesis Field Lacrosse helps builds not just team spirit but a shared love and respect for Canada’s official summer sport. Not to mention, it’s always fun to collectively beat teams south of the border and from Toronto.
Nemesis Junior Varsity – Bronze Winners!
(Back Row: Ryan Holmes, Paul Simpson (Asst Coach), Brandon Tkachuk, Dillon Mahoney, Olie Donaldson, Carter Badour, Greg Conley, Kevin Vandam, Stu Tait, Blake McMillan, Shane Sauve, Tyler Collins, Mike Badour (Asst Coach)
(Front Row: Connor Horn, Austin Robinson, Mack Toth, Ben Tunnell, Ben Simpson (G), Matt Klassen, Stacey Simpson (Coach) (Missing: Josh O’Connell)
The Nemesis Junior Varsity Team represented O-Town in amazing fashion at the 2011 Turkeyshoot. With only 5 formal practices as a team, it was hard to know what would play out during the tournament but everyone came down to win.
Facing hard competition from all teams, the lads knuckled down and fought hard – showing true grit and determination. It can’t go without mention the high caliber of skill on the team. From a coach’s perspective, it was comforting knowing there were many multi-functional players on the bench to provide great depth and versatility. The scouts noticed too and have initiated contact – exciting times ahead!
All in all, an awesome day of games to watch – fast paced, hard pressing, strong D and great goal tending gave us the drive to succeed. Way to go Team JV!
Varsity Champions
Congrats to the Varsity team for winning the Championship – way to represent!
Congrats as well to JP Kealey for Tournament Div II MVP
Nemesis Senior Mens League Champions
Game was played in Montreal on November 13th. Ottawa Nemesis beat Laval to secure the title of League Champions 13-8. Congratulations!!!
Upcoming Goalie Clinic – 28 December, 9-4pm, CU Fieldhouse
