good luck to all trying out for travel teams

The team to keep your eye on is 2021 Turf Island Oilers coached by John Detommaso. Looking forward to another great season. Watch out 91,Express and Igloo we are coming for you. Very talented team and Great coaching

Turf Island is a Great organization, and great coaching, We at Team Igloo wish you all at Turf Island the very best in success.

Turf Island oilers 2021 - Power Squad

ok problem for you guys is 91 has the sickest rising third grader that plays on the rising 5th grade Crush team. he plays with my lil bro and has the most insane stick skills and is one of the top players on that team which is an amazing team.

One kid does not win a game maybe in PAL but not in travel ball. SORRY PAL

Funny, my son plays on a rising 3rd grade travel team that has the sickest defender in the entire world...he trains with the Hofstra squad...he is trained to not care about the offense's stick skills as he generally just lays them out...look forward to seeing your guy on the field.

This stuff is hilarious ! Thank you for the entertainment ?... Barney Knows best! LOL

Unfortunately for 91 the amazing 3rd grader has a verbal commit to Chaminade and then Virginia so he is in process of saying good-bye to 91 and is coming to Express !!!!!!

The funny thing is the kid is going to be 11 and has been held back several times by crazy parents. And the story goes on

That kid will definitely be knocked out of a game soon if he keeps up the between-the-legs and behind-the-back shooting, during 10 goal blowouts!! One big defenseman will put an end to it all, and his father (JS), should understand why, when it happens. Poor kid is being set up for it, by his crazy, egotistical dad...

Held back several times?

FYI
9 years old
If your kid was trained the way he has been and performed the stunts he has accomplished then you wouldn't be on here bashing his talent.

Knock off the hating .

91 5th grade B team is on the board!!! Pretty sure that kid has gotten hit once or twice having seen him play he is exceptional against kids way older. His dad is coach of an MLL team think hes trained the right way .

Another one thats been held back 9 going into 3rd grade come on that is ridiculous . Point made

This is hilarious ! Get a grip they are in 4th grade

Franklin Square 4th grade is headed to Skull & bones 10/27 ....... Anyone out there that played in it last year have any feedback on how it was run

Skull and bones is well run. The facility at the Greenvale school is terrific. A tournament worth doing. Competition is good at all grade levels with a mix of town and club teams.

Turf Island's teams were combined grades last year. They are trying to do single year teams this year.
The turnout for their tryouts last weekend was poor.

Really I was there for the 3-6 grade try-outs and they had over 100 kids there. The 4 grade team (2021) is going to be sick . I know there only in 4th grade but they are going to be very good in that age group lots of RVC and Franklin Square kids. So not sure which day you were at but I thought they had a great turn out and did not even promote it.

Greed will ruin ALL

So over 100 kids for grades 3-6 is a great turnout?
Even if you generously say 120, that's 30 kids per grade.
Ok we get it, you really want people to know the 2021 team is good.
But I wonder, is it possible to see through the blindness of living through your son to realize that around 30 kids per grade is not a "great turnout".
Maybe ask a friend with a college deree to explain this to you.
But that's right, your son is on a good 4th grade lacrosse team. So your life's fulfilled.

Yeah, your right. Let me go run to the 4th grade Express tryout tonight. Probably 60-80 kids even though 90% of the roster is set. Two dads coaching team with over half of the team friends of their sons. Kids never leave the field.

But my life will be fulfilled because my son plays for Express and I can write a check for $2400.

Not an Oiler- but the 3rd/ 4th gr team last year was very good- those kids will only get better. I think they are trying to keep them together. The coach is a good guy too... but I think the younger half of the team- now 4th graders are actually some of the stronger players at their age. They faired pretty well against full 4th grade teams last year. I m sure they will be able to give others a run for their money.

Brought my son down to the Igloo Tryouts this last Sunday night. I was extremely impressed. The kids were extremely talented, but what impressed me the most is each player had 30 to 40 offensive touches, and 30 - 40 defensive touches. So many reps. They also had 1 evaluator to every 8 kids. It just seemed like they did everything they said they were going to do to make the tryouts fair. Just was really impressed that a smaller organization seems to be doing it right.

Thanks for the self promoting post.
Don't you realize when you write something in this manner, that it is so blatantly obvious that it is the director of this group.
I know your an upstate guy, but Long Island people can see through this nonsense.

How many kids did they have in each age group?

True Blue 2021 is the team to beat.

True Blue is certainly not the "team to beat" at 2021. They are forming a team for the first time and had some very good players at their tryout. I would think the lacrosse world will hope that this group is successful. They obviously are not in it for profit at the reasonable prices they at asking for. And for under four figures, they are providing a helmet, not a "discount" like 91. This year they have brothers from two great lacrosse families on their staff, who will teach the kids properly.

Relax, just having a little fun with the Igloo group .They think they are the new turtles.

FOR THE RECORD:

Suffolk teams in 2021 class are much stronger than Nassau--RVC and FSquare..

BTW, I visited this Turf Island's facility you guys are referencing

--What a wonderful---HAHAHAHA

I mean disgusing area, full of potholes and stagnant foul smelling air... Dark and musty too...Bathrooms are magnificent as you can probably guess!!! LMAO..

must be cheap owners

They better have good coaches because the facility is awful

I guess that makes it even more impressive that they were able to beat so many teams as they played up. Again not my sons' team, but certainly thought they were very good. Some of the players have older brothers and family members that are top in their division and their families have been in lax world for a long time. They know what they are doing and the facility parking lot and road is the least of their worries. Do not show your snobby side... it is in poor taste.

Igloo will do there talking on the field

They know what they are doing???

On the field, I hope so,for your sake. And your son's well-being.. They ARE good coaches..

Why is the guy who runs Turf Island so ignornant and cocky???

He acts like he's lacrosse royalty!

A [lacrosse] IMO

If its "not my sons team", why in the world would you know so much about the team?
It's either your son's team, or you need to get a life.

Million Force will destroy this squad!

your sons havent found girls, pot or porn yet and you have them going D1 already..

get a life...

HDD

I completely agree. The dude is as arrogant as you get. They paid big bucks for the coach on the combo 2020/2021 team last year, because an old Farmingdale buddy of his has a good 2021 player. That was a smart move orchestrated by that kids dad, as Deto is great.

But this year they tried to do single year teams - Good luck with that.

At least McCabe was an excellent player, but most excellent players have some humility.

Have one conversation with the owner (DB), and the arrogance will smack you in the face.

totally disagree DB is a gentlemen

I guess the "great turnout" that Turf Island had at their tryout wasn't that great. They are combining the 5th and 6th graders to make one team. Even the groups that are just starting out are having single grade teams.
Are the 3rd grade "All Americans" being combined with the 4th grade?

Their 4th grade is the age that they keep bragging about. The question should be, are they putting 3rd graders with them?

Who is the TEAM to beat for boys 2021..... Hearing a lot of rumbling from the 91 camp that they put a hit squad together also hearing this Turf Island team is something special. anyone have anything to add?

Hearing these are the two that are going to be the teams to watch...

Igloo is the team to beat period. Won every tournament ast year

What about this Igloo team heard they re-loaded and added a few great players .

Heard they re-loaded and added a few great players ??? Is that true

Is igloo really that good ?

I think 91 orange is the team .....they are sick

I agree...probably the best group of players ever assembled....in fact Jim Brown is coming out of retirement to be an asst. coach just so he can hang with the team. Head coach to be announced today...very well known.....its BIG BIRD....yippeeeee

Why do you say that they have yet to play a game together?

91 Orange 2021 is not the team... they are sick ... sick of the coach who hasnt done squat with this team the past 2 years..Thats why alot of players never returned this year and made moves to teams who will make a mark this summer and destroy this team with his EX players. Then they will see who had the talent and still who doesnt on his team.


LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING THEM THIS YEAR AGAIN AND COOK THEM AS USUAL FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS STRAIGHT...

IGLOOOOOOO !!!!!!

That's right Igloo all the way!!!!!

IGLOO ALL THE WAY !!!!

The Long Island Sports Hub Winter Leagues for Session I are available on-line. Check out the following links to get the details on the teams, results, standings, and upcoming schedules.

Boys - 4th Grade

In the Boys 4th grade division, Manhasset Lacrosse remains undefeated with a 4W-0L-1T record and a +15 goal differential following their 11-11 draw with the Express 2021 Wolverines on December 15th.

Team Igloo All the way !

Session II of the Winter Season at the Long Island Sports Hub kicks off on Saturday, January 12th.

Long Island Sports Hub - Session II - Boys 4th Grade

Participating teams include Express 2021 Wolverines, Seahawks, Outlaws, Tomahawks, Manhasset, Northport, Rough Riders, and Syosset. This figures to be a very deep indoor division over the next several weeks.

On Saturday, January 19th, the following results from the Sports Hub Indoor League :

Express 2021 Wolverines over Manhasset 32 Orange, 13-7
Seahawks over Rough Riders, 16-3
Syosset Spartans Red over Long Island Tomahawks, 12-10
No Name over Long Island Outlaws, 16-6
Northport over Manhasset 32 Blue, 15-3
Harborfields over Huntington Village, 14-5

Standings after Two Weeks

GP W L T GF GA PTS GD
2021 Express Wolverines 2 2 0 0 30 13 6 17
NO NAME 2 2 0 0 28 14 6 14
Syosset Spartans Red - 4th Gra 2 2 0 0 31 19 6 12
Seahawks 2 1 0 1 27 14 4 13
Harborfields 1 1 0 0 14 5 3 9
Northport 2 1 1 0 24 22 3 2
Manhasset 32 - ORANGE 2 0 1 1 18 24 1 -6
Manhasset 32-BLUE 2 0 1 1 9 21 1 -12
Rough Riders 2 0 1 1 9 22 1 -13
Long Island Tomahawks 2 0 2 0 18 24 0 -6
Huntington Village 1 0 1 0 5 14 0 -9
Long Island Outlaws 2 0 2 0 12 33 0 -21

Results from the January 26th action at the Sports Hub.

Manhasset 32-Orange over No Name, 14-10
Long Island Tomahawks and Northport Draw, 12-12
2021 Express Wolverines and Seahawks Tie, 8-8
Syosset Spartans Red over Long Island Outlaws, 16-5
Harborfields six-folds Rough Riders, 18-3

The Spartans win combined with the Express draw places Syosset on top of the bracket with four weeks remaining.

Results from the February 2nd action at the Sports Hub.

Manhasset 32 Orange over Long Island Outlaws, 17-4
Harborfields over Manhasset 32 Blue, 10-2
Long Island Tomahawks over Huntington Village, 13-6
Seahawks over No Name, 11-3

Standings

GP W L T GF GA PTS GD
Harborfields 3 3 0 0 42 10 9 32
Syosset Spartans Red - 4th Gra 3 3 0 0 47 24 9 23
Seahawks 4 2 0 2 46 25 8 21
2021 Express Wolverines 3 2 0 1 38 21 7 17
Manhasset 32 - ORANGE 4 2 1 1 49 38 7 11
NO NAME 4 2 2 0 41 39 6 2
Northport 3 1 1 1 36 34 4 2
Long Island Tomahawks 4 1 2 1 43 42 4 1
Manhasset 32-BLUE 3 0 2 1 11 31 1 -20
Rough Riders 4 0 3 1 12 54 1 -42
Huntington Village 2 0 2 0 11 27 0 -16
Long Island Outlaws 4 0 4 0 21 66 0 -45

Was at hub yesterday for a 4th grade round robin tournament my son plays for Express 4th grade the other teams were Syosset , Franklin Square and 91 "white" . Lots of fun. we won the Championship.

Express got out of there very lucky and not for nothing didn't Franklin Square beat you in the first game 12-7 TOWN TEAM beats Express wow all that money . And the final in a great Championship game was 9-8 .

Who did Express beat in the final?

Cracks me up when a high-priced club team brags about winning a tournament against town teams and B travel teams. Even funnier that it was an indoor tournament. Lets see how 2021 express does against team li, igloo and 91 orange in the spring.

Franklin Square

They beat Franklin Square ???? 9-8????? Franklin Square

Results from February 16th action at the Long Island Sports Hub.

Harborfields over Huntington Village, 11-3
Seahawks over Manhasset-32 Orange, 7-6
No Name over Northport, 10-4
Long Island Tomahawks over Long Island Outlaws, 11-5
Rough Riders over Manhasset-32 Blue, 13-7
Express 2021 Wolverines over Syosset, 16-12

Standings

GP W L T GF GA PTS GD
Harborfields 4 4 0 0 53 13 12 40
Seahawks 5 3 0 2 53 31 11 22
2021 Express Wolverines 4 3 0 1 54 33 10 21
Syosset Spartans Red - 4th Gra 4 3 1 0 59 40 9 19
NO NAME 5 3 2 0 51 43 9 8
Manhasset 32 - ORANGE 5 2 2 1 55 45 7 10
Long Island Tomahawks 5 2 2 1 54 47 7 7
Northport 4 1 2 1 40 44 4 -4
Rough Riders 5 1 3 1 25 61 4 -36
Manhasset 32-BLUE 4 0 3 1 18 44 1 -26
Huntington Village 3 0 3 0 14 38 0 -24
Long Island Outlaws 5 0 5 0 26 77 0 -51

Good for Franklin Square.

I've seen their boys and their 'FS' helmets showing up in various spots, clinics, and indoor winter leagues.

Personally, I'm tired of the same old names/teams each year.

Where is Franklin Square ??

A few miles from the Lighthouse..

I think Franklin Square is part of Valley Stream or Elmont.

Franklin square is NOT part of valley stream or elmont..

Buy an atlas..

Its South & West of Garden City

East of Elmont

North of Valley Stream

IF, IF Franklin Square had the pool of kids the other larger towns has---- LOOK OUT---- They have some young talent

An Atlas? Really
Oh right here next to my abacus.
LOL

Watch out for a team called Wild Catz. They beat up on Expresses A team last week. They played 91 orange twice winning 1 and losing 1 in two close games. They also played Igloo twice, tying them the first time and losing a close game the second time. I heard Team LI won't play them because Gongas hates their head coach. Team just formed in November. A lot of kids from out east. They play a very physical style of lacrosse. Tough group of kids.

but they dont and they still compete

Wild cat lost both games to Igloo
And that was inside. Can't wait to
Get outside.
Spring tournament are right around the corner.

Wrong the first game between Wild Catz and Igloo was a tie. I was there. The second game Igloo won by a few goals. The Wild Catz will be a much better team with more time together and playing outside. They are built for the outside game. A lot of athletes on that team.

NO Tie the coach from Wildcatz is DULISIONAL they had 1 kid in first game very good scored most of there goals IGLOO won by 2 in 1st game . Not for nothing but that coastal sports is AWFUL with the whole score keeping thing . I STILL CAN NOT BELIEVE PEOPLE PAY ALL THAT MONEY TO PLAY THERE. IGLOO is Going to SMOKE THEM ALL on FULL SIZE field there team is way to deep 3 strong Middie lines . Attack is sick . Defense is big and fast and goalie is very good.

I am a parent of a kid that plays on 91 orange. Although their head coach is obnoxious, Wildcats is a very good team. They are very physical. Not the best stick skills but probably the most athletic 2021 travel team.

Believe what you want bro. The score board said it was a tie and from what I could see it was a tie. Bottom line is whether it was a tie or a 1 goal win by Igloo it was a close game. Both games were close. Don't use the fact that it was indoors or use the building as a excuse why they were both close games. That team has been playing together for 3 months and they have been beating up on a lot of teams and playing close with a lot of very good teams that have been together for a few years. I also can't wait for the spring and summer to get here so the kids can play outside. Igloo, 91 Orange, Express Orange, Team LI and some others are all very good. I will bet my house that win or lose Wild Catz will give them all problems no matter were or when the games are played.

I dont know wild catz but if they can play within a few goals of igloo or 91 orange then they are probably pretty good. Express orange is not in the same league as igloo, 91 or team Li. Express is more comparable to the better town teams and are a B- travel team

Results from the February 23rd action at the Sports Hub.

Express 2021 Wolverines over Northport, 18-3
Long Island Outlaws edges Huntington Village, 9-8
Manhasset-32 Blue defeats Huntington Village, 14-2
Long Island Outlaws and Harborfields Tie, 11-11

Standings

GP W L T GF GA PTS GD
Harborfields 5 4 0 1 64 24 13 40
2021 Express Wolverines 5 4 0 1 72 36 13 36
Seahawks 5 3 0 2 53 31 11 22
Syosset Spartans Red - 4th Gra 5 3 2 0 62 47 9 15
NO NAME 5 3 2 0 51 43 9 8
Manhasset 32 - ORANGE 5 2 2 1 55 45 7 10
Long Island Tomahawks 5 2 2 1 54 47 7 7
Manhasset 32-BLUE 5 1 3 1 32 46 4 -14
Northport 5 1 3 1 43 62 4 -19
Rough Riders 5 1 3 1 25 61 4 -36
Long Island Outlaws 7 1 5 1 46 96 4 -50
Huntington Village 5 0 5 0 24 61 0 -37

One week of indoor action remains in this age group at the Sports Hub with the season closing on Saturday, March 2nd. Harborfields and the Seahwaks will faceoff at 3:00pm defending their undefeated indoor seasons. Meanwhile, the undefeated Express 2021 will face the Manhasset-32 Blue at 2:00pm.

And... Who won the game. Hub still shows pending.

anyone know if any of the Suffolk based travel teams are still looking for 2021 players ?

CSH beat Harborfields 15-5

Back of THE CAGE is investigating a detailed report supplied to us by a reader that strongly implies that a 2021 Boys Long Island team is knowingly playing in the wrong age group (playing down) this weekend.

BOTC has contacted the tournament in question without naming the team for the details as to how they (the tournament staff) have set their age brackets for Class of 2021 players. Once we have the age brackets, we will be able to comment further and hopefully clarify the situation.

Again, we want to underscore that BOTC is investigating the details prior to any further disclosure. However, we understand that the many parents are "in-the-know" on this situation. BOTC strongly urges those who might knowingly be on the wrong side of this debate to clarify the position if possible.

It appears the schedule has been revised and the problem fixed. Thank you Cage. And thank you to the tournament organizers, coaches, parents for doing the right thing. This way we can write it off as a simple error and not anything intentional on anyone's part and we can move on and enjoy.

Based on our review of the Chocolatetown Shootout schedules this evening, action was taken to realign the U/9 team in question into the proper age group. Based on additional information sent to us this evening, we believe that this mistake in bracketing was due in part to somewhat obscure language in the age group definitions. None the less, teams should anticipate a fine weekend of lacrosse.

While this is not an event covered by BOTC, we are pleased that we were able to be in a position of advocacy for our Long Island teams.

I just want to point out a couple things on this topic.

1. The parents of the team in question never received a schedule to show age bracket or teams we were playing. (Until the other team we were scheduled to play brought it to our attention) Until then, we were not aware that SOME of the boys on the team were playing "down" based on age.

2. Once it was brought to the attention of the parents "in the know" we made sure the league was aware and requested we play the U11 division.

3. The team in question has ZERO interest in playing "down" to play younger teams in hopes to beat them by 20 goals for a big chocolate bar at the end. We would rather play a competitive game, win or lose by a couple goals then win by 20.


while it is easy to make simple errors when it comes to tournaments where ages are not always clear and you have a team blended of both 3rd and 4th graders, the issues should be addressed as adults, directed to the director of the league and not the parents.

win or lose this weekend, I hope everyone has a great time.

Thanks peanut gallery

Grow up, after all it's only lacrosse. Not like it's baseball.

SOME of the boys? The date to play u-9 is Born on or after September 1,2003

Visit our baseball site, www.backoftheplate.com, and offer that view.

That is what you took away from that post? I think the main point was that we did not intentionally look to play down and play against your son and take away any chance of you getting that chocolate bar. Your friends did the right thing by you and the tournament when it became known to us. Now it's time to move on, there is another sport is around the corner.

This tournanment is 2nd rate anyway. A total mess

damage control

Note that it was this type of feedback from the 2012 edition of the Chocolatetown Shootout that convinced folks to create the Hershey Shootout that debuted last weekend to bring competition to the tournament quality being offered in Pennsylvania.

This club still has other teams in the wrong age brackets. They are losing my son next year.

This will be for the tournament to review as part of their check-in procedures.

Speaking of 2021 teams , as teh season winds to a close was wondering what people thought of the clubs overall. Heres my take , really just fishing for information .


Igloo and 91 Orange Seem to be the top of the food chain

Express Not as good as the two above , more of an A- team

Team Long Island Heard a few good things but really havent any first hand knowledge to know where they belong. They also have a B team, anyone know about these guys

Riptide B plus

Jesters, Outlaws, 91 White , Legacy , HDD SOlid Bs

oh yeah, True Blue and Wildcatz Bplus

Tomahawks beat True Blue 8-2 in McGrath Tournemnet for the championship, Outlaws 10-5, 91 White in a great 2-1 game, Legacy 8-1 (who went to LaxFest finals against Jesters; jesters squeaked by them to beat LEgacy) Not an A team but very good B at this point

What about top town teams?

Manhasset
Franklin Square
Bay Shore
Smithtown
Shoreham Wading River
Any others on top?

Tomahawks beat Trueblue,91 White,Outlaws,Legacy and a bunch of others. Based on what grades other teams got I would say the Tomahawks are a B+.

What club are we all referring to?

Tomahawks, another team I forgot, no disrespect intended. I did not mention the town teams becasue I am trying to get a feel for the teams who will be having upcoming tryouts .

Wildkatz clearly think of themselves as a B team since they entered the B division at Lax Clash. They must really want those championship T's.

As BOTC initially stated, we are not going to get into "naming the club" since we honestly believe based on the feedback received that the club proactively contacted parents and handled the situation. Now, the fact that some parents raised the flag to us prior to the club points to a potential concern, but the truth is that the situation appears to have been sorted. Remember that age-policing is NOT a business in which BOTC wants to find itself!

Part of the alignment might have been the team counts for the A/B divisions. We would need to see the application before making such an assertion.

Tomahawks are overlooked because they do not say a lot here on BOTC. They have some great players and a very tough defense. I heard they are looking to move to the next level and they hope this years tryout will take them there. They have great coaches and anyone who plays for them will learn a lot. Just to be open I do know one of the coaches very well.

2022 Team 91 Crush plays up in the 2021 bracket and beats them all by bunches

2022 Crush is a great team but then no 2021 kids can play for or try out for 2022 Crush

Think you mean 2022 Smash. Crush is a 2020 team.

You mean 2022 smash which is a very good 2022 team but lets not be siily they can't come close to the top 5 2021 teams.

What about Turf Island "s better team. Who did they beat and who beat them? Are they an "A" team?

Unorganized club, with good players. Not elite tho

Wild Katz is missing a bunch of kids this weekend. So instead of dropping out they dropped down to the B division.

Thanks. Do you know the scores of any of the games this year? I think they played the best teams because they entered sometimes as an "A" team.

Not elite...sure they are unorganized but they beat every team you mentioned

Who did 2021 Turf Island Blue (the better Turf Island team) beat and who did they lose to this year? I was told the 2021 Green team lost every game by big numbers playing the weakest teams including weak third grade teams. Makes me think the better team is not that good if left overs of blue that formed the the Grean team was that bad. No disrespect here I would like to know to see if the better team is worth a tryout. Any info would be great.

My son does not play for them but a friend of mines son does and they are very happy. If you are looking for a year round team this is not for you. That is why I choose to sign my son up for a different league. 4 tournaments 1 away. I do know they both won and lost against Igloo. Beat express but I don't believe they played 91.

Which team are you speaking of ? If you are speaking about Turf Island they have not beat Igloo ....Igloos only losses to LI teams this year in Tournaments were to 91 2021 "orange" in pool play at laxfest then Igloo beat them in Championship after beating Turf island in Semi-finals and 91 2020 Crush in Tri-state . They also lost in championship in Annapolis, MD. to a u-11 Carolina Cannons team and lost to a u-11 LOONEYS team . Those were Team Igloos loses this tournament season

Really what teams have Turf Island beat ?

Igloo is the best team 2021 Team on Long Island. 2021 Orange has only beat them about 3 times in 2 years. The only reason 2021 has won some championships this year is because they have not been playing Igloo. Igloo is a better squad with MUCH BETTER coaching.

What was the score of 2021 Turf Island against 2021 Igloo game?

Says the igloo coaching staff.......
Pretty sad your on here bragging about yourselves

Last year Igloo was the best, I saw them play. This year I did not follow them, my son is on a B team so they didnt play Igloo or 91. unless something changed they are the top team . Its not there coaches bragging

Igloo lost to team 516 in the spring which is the turf island boy boys. Wasn't trying to start an argument. Like I said my son does not play for either team. I asked my friend and that is what I was told. Is this incorrect.

Keep patting yourself on the back coach. U sound like a class act.

I am at Hershey and saw the best Turf Island 2021 team play a few times. It looks like 2021 Turf Island can score but the defense looks very weak! That IS SHOCKING given who the coaches are. If they want to compete with Igloo, Team 91, Express or even the Wildkatz they better add some big hard hitting guys at defense. You can see there are "favorites" so they won't make a change. They appear to be a "B" team.

Sounds like someone didn't win their Hershey Bar...

I know you aren't talking about Deto's team. The defense let up a few goals in the first game because they were on fast breaks since they were up so big. Then only gave up four goals in the next three games. In the spring they beat igloo and express but didn't play 91. Obviously you weren't even at the tournament, you're just someone we know who wants to stir the pot. Get a life. You're pathetic.

My son will tryout for Turf Island 2021 this year. Do the coaches follow the kids year after year or do they stay at the grade level they coach every year? When are tryouts?

I was there and I am talking about Deto's team. If you were honest with yourself and everyone else you would have disclosed that what you call a "few" goals was at least 7 goals. I left when the other team was at 7. They probably got more than that. This team only scored 6 goals against the Outlaws. An elite team should be able to stop fast breaks from a team that could not score more than 6 goals against a "B" team. The other teams you played were not very good offensive teams. You know I am right and that is why you used the word "few" to cover up the truth and called me names. I am not starting trouble. I see people are asking about your team and I told them what I saw and my opinion. No need to react the way you did it looks bad.

Just an FYI my son's 91 2021"orange" team beat that 516 team pretty bad I think it was the same day 516 beat Igloo

I'm not hiding anything the boys played 4 games and gave up a total of 13 goals. Only 2 to that outlaws team you are referring to. But I don't think you are from the outlaws because why would you come on here and plug teams other than your own. So you watched half of game and could tell the coach had "favorites" This teams main focus is equal playing time and developing each child to make them a better player not recruit and replace them. And as for the name calling, you are the one that came on here and called 10yr old boys weak and you're getting offended that I called you pathetic...pathetic.

Avoid this tournament and save yourself time and money. I am a 2022 outlaws parent we played a Rochester Flyers "B bracket" team today that had 3-4 5th graders on it. We then stuck around and watched igloo 2022 play in the championship against the Flyers "A bracket" team and heard the flyers parents discussing that there were 5th graders on the team....did the Flyers submit rosters and back them with birth certificates. Waste of time, this tournament will let anyone in and check nothing. They actually didn't even have a registration booth. BOTC we should have listened to the silence of you not following this half-a**ed tournament. Congrats to Outlaws and Igloo for winning legitimately against some good competition. Shame on chocolate town shootout and Flyers.

As an 2022 parent at Chocolatetown Shootout, many of us had the same concerns after having to show our son's birth certificates prior to the tourney. Several of our boys asked players from the Flyers during one of our games how old they were and there were several players that were 10 and 11 years old. I was not impressed with this tournament at all. If any of my three kids travel teams enter this tourney next summer, I will truly hesitate to even let them play in it.

Unfortunately, we will probably never get to the bottom of this. It just stinks that some people cannot just follow the rules and set a good example for the kids

I was there for all of the Turf Island 2021 Blue Team games and here are the scores:
Oilers 12 - NJ Tomahawks 8
Oilers 11 - LI Outlaws 2
Oilers 8 - Hershey Cocoa Loco 3
Oilers 17 - Force Blue 0
Sounds like a pretty good tournament showing to me.
I have watched these boys play for the past three years and I have even coached some of them. They have become better players and are having fun while playing the game. What more could a parent/coach hope for? My son is happy, so I am happy. End of story.

Turf Island played well. That NJ team from what I was told had kids a few years older. They certainly looked like an A team, I think you have to beat the best to be considered the best so I would have to see how they did against Igloo and 91 in an actual game. Thats not meant to be a slight. I rmember the start of the year many people kept saying the Wildkatz where an A team, well they have not beaten the true As. till they do their not. Same with Turf Island or anybody

When we play TurfIsland we know we are going to score goals in bunches. They do have a powerful offense and that is how they win. But don't list scores against B and C teams and claim you did great. The big boys were not there and would have scored more and shutout those teams. You have a good team but not as good as you all think.

17-0 victory.Classy

only 4 games?2021 TI Blue? What happened in championship? I guess you lost

I totally agree with you. When the flyers lined up on the field they were the size of 6th graders. Now I come from a town team with a really large 3rd grader but they are rare This was almost an entire team of oversized "u9" players. Not sure when this game switched form being fun and getting better to win at all costs even if you have to cheat....yes I said cheat....to do it. That Flyers team was a joke we come from a team of 2/3rd graders I guess I should just be glad nobody on our team was seriously hurt. Hopefully US Lacrosse will be like soccer and this will not be a problem anymore, well at least until teams find a way around it. We will never play at this tournament again, and I suggest that if you see it on your teams tournament list that you run don't walk the other direction.

I don't understand why there is this long discussion of the Flyers cheating at Hershey. If there is a claim of cheating, it should be submitted to the tournament organizers and they should be obligated to investigate. That would include checking the birth certificates of all players who played. There is no grey area here. Either they used older players or they did not. And the tournament organizers must look into this because otherwise they are allowing a tournament where teams break the rules, which could result in injury. And if Flyers cheated, they should be banned from tournaments for a year. Period.

It was Chocolatetown Shootout, not Hershey. I did call but had no luck and left a voicemail. I never saw any organizers or a tent with organizers etc. We can't change history. If they can lay their heads down at night with a clear conscience, I feel really sorry for them

It was not just in the U9 division. U11 also had U13 kids playing on their teams. Cheating is rampant at these tournaments and I am not sure how these clubs equate cheating being fine if you win? It's still cheating.

The tournament has a history of allowing older kids/teams to play down. I believe that BOTC had seen this complaint last year as well. This year the tournament allowed an older LI team into the wrong bracket but corrected it when BOTC called them out on it. The tournament had NO registration booth, the directors were nowhere to be found, they did not require rosters or backup to rosters (their website said that teams must present rosters but they did not enforce it). The Flyers cheated, they played with older kids. The kids told other teams kids they were older and the parents talked about it. The Flyers had two teams that dominated U-9 A and B brackets, each team had 2-3 subs. Each team had 3-4 kids that were not only a foot taller than every other kid on the field but also skilled in lacrosse like a 5th grader. If every kid on Flyers is U-9, then they could put together the best U-9 team in the country by far bar none and would have 4-5 kids on that team that are the best U-9 players in the country, and I am talking about better than anyone on Smash, Igloo, Express and better than the U-9 player on Crush that we all know. It was a blatant joke and it has been raised to the organizers and they have not responded. There is still time for them to do the right thing and investigate and assure everyone that this will never happen again or otherwise AVOID this tournament next year at all costs.

Easier said than done. A few years back, I confronted the organizers with a question about a team's players ages. I was blown off.

Because there is always another way to get your point across; I had a brief conversation with one of the high profile parents of that team (one who allegedly had a child of age and older playing). In that conversation, I stated I heard before the playoff games started they were checking rosters. (the rules of the tournament stated you needed to submit paper copies of the roster and carry a copy on you). He quickly and politely excused himself and said good luck.

Miraculously the boys in questions were not there for the playoffs. Sad part was, they didn't need the older players to win.

Yes, we did call them out. Remember that we had hard evidence that the situation occured in the 2012 edition of the tournament. Given that this is NOT a recommended BOTC Tournament, there is only so much effort that we can employ to protect the players and the teams that REFUSE to listen to our tournament recommendations.

BOTC believes that the Chocolatetown Tournament (not to be confused with the Hershey LaxFest or the Hershey Shootout) might be a nice little local event, but to invest money in travel, hotels, and application fees for what is not a professionally handled tournament seems outlandish to us in the value-for-money category.

BOTC did all of the detective work that we can afford to do on this crazy little tournament at this point. When we say that you should patronize the tournaments that are advertising with BOTC because we have confirmed contacts to address your concerns, you now understand why. Without tournament insurance or other protections, you are flying blind when choosing non-BOTC events.

One year from now, the same debate will happen unless clubs and teams proactively learn from each other's experiences. This is now two years in a row that the parents have black-balled this tournament.

"Once a fool, shame on you. Twice a fool, shame on me."

"When we play TurfIsland we know we are going to score goals in bunches. They do have a powerful offense and that is how they win. But don't list scores against B and C teams and claim you did great. The big boys were not there and would have scored more and shutout those teams. You have a good team but not as good as you all think."

Wildkatz played Igloo at laxfest in a pretty exciting game then tied TI. I believe Igloo also beat TI by one goal but had lost to 91. I know Igloo won in the end but the point I am trying to make is, when talent plays talent, the games will be close. Both teams will score goals. They are 10 yrs old. These teams will be playing each other for years, some boys will be recruited to other teams and may even play together. As parents we should respect the teams and teach our kids to respect each other. You never know who you may end up playing with.

Very well put ...I like it .....most of the kids know each other and are friends the parents are the problem ....always trying to jockey there kid and gain an advantage... THEY ARE 10 !!!!! do you think the kids are talking about this non sense ... I have been watching this thread for 3 days and I am ashamed to say I probably know some of these people that have posted on here . In the end does it really matter , does it ???? Nope . I guess a good word would be pathetic ..... Have fun with the team you are on and save the drama . Your not missing anything where you . If your kid enjoys the team he is on and the kids he plays with be happy . DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY
This is better then Jerry Springer .

This is out of control. Let me see if I can end this and show all you people that we all need each other.... I agree the problem starts with the parents. For some reason when the kids are 9 or 10 parents feel that if they have a kid who plays on the best team people will think their child will be viewed as better or even the best. It gives parents bragging rights. Since there is no ranking system or real championship game to see who is the best team it is left open for debate here and when we see each other. When we debate here and cut down the best Long Island teams in this open forum it weakens how people view Long Island lacrosse as I will explain. First let me make it clear to all that if your child plays on an elite team or even the best team it does not mean that he is better than other kids on other elite teams or even "B" and "C" teams. If fact the diference between an elite team is not the best players but the depth of the best players. The "B" teams better players can make most of the elite teams just as many "A" players can play on all the "A" teams. Just because your son plays on the best team it does not make him better than a kid that plays on a "B" team. But parents find a need to show the world that their son plays on the best team so he is viewed as the best. So pound your chest here and knock yourself out trying to show people your son plays on the best team. It does not mean your son is better than all the players on the other teams including those that play on "B" teams. Having said that there are 2 teams that are the best teams for 2021 and we all know they are. Now that does not mean that the other 3 "best" teams are not as good it just means that based on public opinion these two teams are the best for this year with 3 others very close. I base this on what most people say and what I have seen. I would put My son on any one of these 5 teams and be proud. All these teams are great scoring teams. Some teams may make changes next year or years after to get better. Some may add better defense which is almost always the fastest path to get better. One thing is for sure we are all from Long Island and we have an interest in making all of Long Island lacrosse better. I may not like some of these teams when My son's team plays them but when any Long Island team is playing any out of state team I ALWAYS want the Long Island team to Win. Many states want to take over as being the best and to do that they know they need to get better than US here on Long Island. If we are here fighting each other and cutting our Long Island teams down for the world to see it will be an easy fast take over for any state. Our kids will be ready for college in a few years and we all want Long Island to still be viewed as number one when it comes time for 2021 kids to pick a college. So remember each time you cut down one of our elite teams or even "B" teams you could be wekening the reputation of Long Island Lacrosse as a whole. After all if we have ony one elite team is Long Island a place where the best lacrosse is played? The more elite teams we have the longer colleges will be coming here to see our kids. WE NEED ALL OUR TEAMS TO GET BETTER !!! It does not matter who is the best as long as we keep the reputation of many elite teams. So please stop cutting each other down because in the end you are cutting down the talent pool on Long Island which includes all our kids. After all if your team is the only elite team on Long Island it means that the Long Island pool of players are not that good so why should colleges come here. We have an interest to have all long Island kids and teams get better at lacrosse. We should build all our Long Island teams up here for the word to see not tear them down. Don't forget that!!!

NJ Tomahawks U-11 team had 4 or 5 players well above normal size..and a maniac women coach who pierced everyones ears.

Have you seen a few of the dads... Pretty big dudes

No it was confirmed like the rest of the teams at that tourney. They all bring in older kids.

Some of our players asked the kids how old they where and they where told going into 7th

excellent point!

Great Point!!

heard a rumor that Garden City is going to keep their boys from playing club lacrosse...is there any validity to that rumor? I saw so many great town teams this year, like Manhasset, that could clearly hang against the club pool at tournaments. if its true then other towns may need to get on the bandwagon. there is a reason that GC is top of the high school food chain.

this year GC goes to an A team for PAL. Up till now they have just been broken up by no rhyme or reason into 4 teams. If you want to play on their PAL A team then you MUST play summer travel with them and lax must come first. Otherwise you can go on the B team. summer is not mandatory. Right now I think they have kids on a few travel teams, from True Blue to Outlaws and a few others. If GC is able to put on enough pressure to keep them inhouse youll know by Oct

It's obvious your not from GC.

DUde, its right on their website. SPells out what they are doing next year. But since your in the know what dont you tell us how it works ?

Garden City has one of the best HS Programs in the country.

I am not sure that changing how they do things at the youth level is going to make them any better.

Many of their best players over the last several years have played on club teams in the summer. Those kids helped make up very good GC High School Teams.

If there is a trend that restricts players and pressures them into only playing with the kids in their Town we will see a decline in the level of talent on Long Island.

Can someone please identify a sport in which the best players in the world are consistently developed by playing and training with "only" the players who live in their Town.

As the sport continues to grow the level of play will only increase and if kids are limited they will not reach their full potential.

BLAH BLAH BLAH. EVERY STORY HAS 3 SIDES.

FOR TOWNS THAT DO NOT HAVE STRNG PROGRAMS YES TRAVLE IS A GREAT OPTION FOR TOWNS THAT HAVE A STRONG PROGRAM AND PLAYERS GOIGN TO TRAVEL IS A DISSERVICE TO THE PLAYERS AND PROGRAM.

LAST I SAW LACROSSE WAS A TEAM SPORT AND YES PLAYING BOTH CAN AIDE TO A TOWN PROGRAM BUT TO NOT PLAY YOUR TOWN PROGRM OR NOT BE ALLOWED TO PLAY YOUR TOWN PROGRAM BECAUSE YOU PLAY TRAVEL IS REDICULOUS.

AT 2012 YOU WILL SEE THIS WHEN IT IS TOO LATE. BUT MANY OF YOU 2012 CRAZIES HAVE OLDER KIDS SO YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS ALREADY. WHAT IS THE SAYING FOOL ME ONCE SHAME ON YOU FOOL ME TWICE SHAME ON ME.

2021 crazies not 2012 crazies.

I heard there are 5 or 6 GC kids who currently play in Suffolk who are going to TB this year since its closer and a better team

Where did they play last season ?

So here is the question I have. SO if these 5 or 6 are "going to TB" what are the tryouts for? Are the already on the team?

Pot stirrer. Don't play along.

Not a Pot stirrer it's a valid question. Is it predetermined these GC kids are going to TB? 6 is allot of kids on a team that already has a core group from one town. I think it's a fair question.

Isnt most of TB kids from Massapequa? Arent there like 4 non-GC club teams based in the GC area already? Seems like a bunch of them practice in Mitchell Field. Why would they be on a Suffolk based team to begin with?

Unchartered territory. I am from GC and don't believe in the homogenous environment. Almost if not all varsity kids played club. Is it greed that wants there club dollars? Or are they trying to improve the program? Time will tell. But why change what has worked for ever? I believe in town PAL and summer travel. It is a proven formula. Why mess with what works? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ caching!

I can tell you that what you say is true. My son played on his town team happily all through grammar school. always second or third string. We knew he was better but never complained, because he was happy and having fun. Coach favored his own kid and a select other few. Fast forward to HS. My son starts, and has a D1 scholarship to a top program. As for the others? They are all still friends, but getting very nervous weather they will play at the college level at all! Living proof that none of it matters at 10!!!

I am not from Garden City but I can say they know what they are doing. I think it may be an attempt to change with the times. Garden City High School team is very good now but remember ten years ago when todays high school team members were in second grade not many towns were big on lacrosse. Garden city players dominated the club teams with a few other towns because not many other towns focused on lacrosse like Garden City and a few others. So Garden City may be good today because those kids in high school today had more years of playing time and better coaching playing club when many others did not. Today and starting about 5 years ago EVERY town has many kids playing club lacrosse so there will be no advantage at the high school level in 5 years from now because in 2018 all high school kids will have the same extra playing years of club lax. I see it in my town. The older kids started plaing lax in 8th grade and the skills of those kids are not as good as the 5th graders. I think Garden City is very smart in what they are doing. They will get the best coaching for thier kids and will be able to compete with the club teams. Time will tell but I agree with what they are doing.

WOw, how many 2021 teams are there now ? Between the big towns going in house, the Lizards are back, Zummo, some crazy Katz guy, guys running around in camo its like an invasion. Will some go the way of the Dodo ? will the talent pool be thinned ? Will a nice bracket of b and maybe even c teams be formed ? Prices from 850 to high 2s STrap in baby and dont lose your deposit

Let the try-out Frenzy begin .... Before you know it summer will be here and you will be looking for another team to play for next year .

Was at the Igloo try-outs last night for 2021 team and the talent that was there was very very good . They look like they are ready to re-load . Better then last year ? Heard to think but after what I saw I would have to say yes .

About how many 2021 kids attend?

50

I would have said 60-70 and the talent was very good. Good Goalies there too. I think this team will do very well this year.

About 50 kids and all great. All "A" to elite players. I did not see one kid there that was not at least an "A" level player. From what I saw they are not going to "re-load". About 15 to 18 kids with igloo helmets have not been evaluated from the start of "tryouts". I have watched them do the drills from day one and nothing is being noted about these 15 to 18 players by the evaluators. I noticed only a few Igloo players that are being watched and notes taken. After reading this post I doubt they will be so obvious about not taking notes on these 15-18 players. Good luck to all the kids!!!

What was the turnout like for Express 2021?