Cameron in the Local Hero and X-Men Capture Scotiabank Cup

The Dalhousie University Tigers are the powerhouse club on the Atlantic university lacrosse scene and New Glasgow native Ian Cameron, a defender, is a big reason why. Cameron is the reigning defensive player of the year, was a first- team all-star and runner-up for the league’s MVP award.

The Tigers, in just their second season, rolled to a first-place 6- 1 record in the regular season, their lone loss coming this past weekend in Antigonish to St. FX. Cameron, 21, said the Tigers had a big lead at one point before losing 12-11 in double overtime. “We were up 7-1 and then took like 20 straight penalties. I don’t think we were overconfident.

I think we just took too many penalties,” said Cameron. The first-place showing guarantees the Tigers a semifinal berth in this weekend’s Atlantic university championship tournament at Acadia University in Wolfville. Cameron is the team captain and got his start playing field lacrosse (nine players plus goalie) at Middlesex School in Boston. He plays pick-up hockey as a goalie but lacrosse has captured his heart.

“I think if I played it growing up, I don’t think I would have gotten into lacrosse as much. Around here you’re just get a good lacrosse stick then you can play this sports. There’s lots of opportunities (in lacrosse) down in the States.” He’s certainly got the knack for it, that goes without saying.

The third-year commerce student played for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian nationals at McGill University in Montreal and helped the Bluenose squad to its first-ever national game victory, a 10-8 win over Niagara. “I played all game, every game.

It was a big deal for me, it was a pretty big accomplishment for me. We were playing against some of the best players in Canada. It was a big thrill.” Another big thrill for Cameron was to be chosen to play at the upcoming Celtic Cup in July in Ireland. That tournament features Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Long before that though the Tigers have to earn their way to the university nationals. “We’re very confident,” Cameron said. “St. FX and Acadia are our main rivals.” They’ll be on the field at least three times this week plus one classroom session. “That’s pretty much for the coach to yell at us,” he said with a laugh.

X-Men Capture Scotiabank Cup

The StFX X-Men captured there 1st MUFLL championship beating the defending champions Dal Tigers and ending their undefeated playoff record by a score of 10 – 6 at Acadia University in Wolfville.

The X-Men came out of the gates flying controlling the games winning draw and loosing ball all over the field. The X-men offense continued their strong performance wearing the Dal defenders down and looking for the open man. Karl Augustin and Jamie MacDonald had 2 goals each in the first half opening the X-Men lead to 6 – 3 at half.

The second half was a different story for the Tigers as they come out controlling the play and spending more than 12 minutes in the offense zone. With all the pressure the X-Men defense held strong only allowing one goal in the quarter. Opening the 4th with a goal by Kevin Ostrovsky to bring the Tigers were within one 7- 6 with 17 minutes left in the fourth.

However, the X-Men remembering last year final would not let this one slip away, netting 3 goals in the last 10 minutes and walk away with there first MUFLL championship 10 – 6. Karl Augustin was named MVP of the tournament and was the leader for the X-Men in every area of the game. “This was our goal all season long,” said Coach Smithson, “I can’t say enough about this guys they gave everything they had and played with heart.”