Welcome back to Crease Monsters! I’m Parker Bottcher, and this is the podcast where we talk all things lacrosse — the biggest plays, the coolest gear, and all the action everyone’s buzzing about.
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
- Why the Buffalo Bandits open the year as the team to beat — the culture, the core, and the clutch-time patterns that make it scary to play them in big moments.
- Early must-watch matchups and what each side needs to do to land an opening-week statement.
- Schedule watch: where a contender can wobble (travel, back-to-backs, and trap spots).
- Roster radar: a quick look at tweaks that could flip fourth-quarter possession and momentum.
- Gear spotlight: my current setup—what I’m running and why it helps me control passes, protect the rock, and shoot with confidence.
If you’re a player, a fan, or just love lacrosse talk, hit that follow button so you don’t miss what’s next.
Who hands Buffalo their first L?
Which early matchup is the test?
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Let me know on Instagram or YouTube @CreaseMonsters — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Episode Transcript
Hey. I'm Parker Blockcher, and this is Crease
Monsters, the podcast where wetalk all things lacrosse about
epic highlights, year reviews,game predictions, and, of
course, some special guests.Whether you're stringing up a
new pocket, gearing up for gameday, or just chilling between
mattresses, this is your go tospot for all things the cross.
(00:21):
If you haven't already, hit thatfollow button wherever you're
listening, and let's get intoit. Welcome back to another
episode of Crease Monsters.
Before we dive in today'sbreakdown, let's talk about
what's happening in the lacrosseworld. The NLL season is just
about to kick off, and you canfeel the buzz everywhere. New
(00:41):
rosters, fresh rivalries, and asense of possibility. It's one
most exciting times of the year.For fans, every team is starting
at zero.
Every championship dream isalive, and we're about to see
who comes out swinging. And onthe personal note, there is even
(01:03):
more to look forward to. I'vegot a tournament coming up this
weekend, and I couldn't be morepumped. There's just something
about being at the field, thesmell of the turf, the sound of
the sticks clashing, and whenthe electric energy of watching
the boys battle it out. We'vebeen cut counting down days.
(01:24):
I can't wait to see my team hitthe field and give it everything
we've got. Alright. Now let'stalk gear. One piece of
equipment I'm absolutely lovingright now is the loading wind. A
few weeks ago, I talked aboutthe loading offense shaft and
how I pair it with the wind.
(01:44):
This thing is built tough, it'sversatile enough for it be great
choice. Whether you're onattack, defense, it's one of
those heads. It just performsfrom scrappy ground balls to
tight control. If you're in theoffensive zone, you're in the
market for something relatable.I won't let you down the heat of
(02:08):
the game.
Loading win is my pick rightnow. Now let's shift gears to
the NLO matchups. I'm mostexcited to see coming up.
Bandits versus Roughnecks, Sealsversus Dogs, and Roughnecks
versus Raw. All of these aregoing to be a must watch games.
If you're but if you can onlycatch one, I'd say make it to
(02:31):
the Bandits versus Calgary.These two teams are absolutely
stacked. I've got a feeling thismatchup is gonna give us playoff
level intensity. Even this earlyin the season, expect physical
play, highlight real moments,and some and maybe even some
surprises. On top of that,Oshawa Firewolves are about to
(02:54):
play their very first game onNovember 28.
Mark that down in your calendarsbecause it's gonna be a fun one.
That's going to bring new energyto the execs teams. Have a way
of shaking these up. I'm excitedto see how they start laying
down. Meanwhile, over thePhiladelphia wings, there's some
(03:16):
movement with the new face offguy.
Stepping into face offs are sucha critical part of controlling
momentum and having someone whocan just dominate in that spot
is a game changer and definitelysomething to keep eye on as the
season unfolds. And I know it'searly, but let's be real. We all
(03:38):
love making predictions. And ifI had to call it right now, my
pick is for the bandits. I'mlook at that lineup.
Dane Smith, Chase Fraser, MattVince between the pipes, and
Touque and Aniko bringing themagic. They've got that talent,
depth. They've got that kind ofchemistry that wins
(04:00):
championships. Unless somethingmajor shifts in this season,
they're the team to beat. Drop acomment.
Who do you think will take theplayoff? Alright, Crease
Monsters. That's a wrap fortoday episode. We covered the
gear breakdowns, upcomingmatchups, and even some exciting
shifts in the league. And yes, Imade a bold playoff call.
(04:22):
It's a quiet time in thelacrosse life between the p l l
ending and the n l starting. Andit's honestly, it feels like the
calm before everything kicksback into a high gear for
players. That is a final chanceto rest, sharpen their tools and
their mentality their tools andmentality mentality prepare for
(04:48):
fans, knowing that soon we'll beright back into the chaos of
highlight plays, big saves, andthose nail biter finishers we
all live for. Moments like thisremind us that lacrosse is more
than just a game. There arealways something to look
(05:08):
forward.
And right now, we are standingon the edge of a brand new
season, ready to see storiesunfold. I'll be heading into
this weekend's fired up for theWest Coast Cup. I hope you're
all just excited for lacrosse inyour world right now, whether
(05:30):
it's soon up your own games orjust getting ready for the NRL
season or just hitting the walland working on your sticks,
don't forget to follow thepodcast, share it with one of
your teammates, and hit us upyour own predictions. Do you
agree with me on the bandits, ordo you think someone else is
gonna surprise us this year?Until next time, keep grinding,
(05:52):
keep stringing, and keep beingan absolute monster out there on
the field.
Alright. That's it for thisepisode. Thanks for hanging out.
And if you liked this episode,hit that follow button so you
don't miss what's coming outnext. You can catch extra clips,
review reviews, and more contenton Instagram, YouTube, and just
(06:13):
search at Crease Monsters.
Until next time, share it, saveit, string it up. We are just
getting started.
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