Welcome back to Crease Monsters! I’m Parker Bottcher, and this is the podcast where we talk all things lacrosse — gear, highlights, big trades, and the games everyone’s buzzing about.
In Episode 2, we’re diving into:
- Toronto Rock’s historic draft sweep — CJ Kirst, Ty English, and Owen Hiltz go 1-2-3 to reshape the franchise
- The Mann Cup battle between the Bellies and the Chiefs — big scores, brutal schedules, and controversial equipment calls shaking things up
- What those illegal stick and helmet penalties really mean for playoff consistency and safety
- A gear review of the Loading Offence Shaft — four months of testing and why it’s my favourite current go-to
- PLL Finals preview — why New York just might take over Denver
- A shoutout to minor lacrosse tryouts — effort, attitude, and teamwork are what coaches remember
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’s your pick for the Mann Cup?
And did the Toronto Rock just secure their future with those top three picks?
Let me know on Instagram or YouTube @CreaseMonsters — I’d love to hear your take!
Episode Transcript
Hey. I'm Parker Bockshark, and this is Crease
Monsters, the podcast where wetalk all things lacrosse, talk
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
practices, this is your go tospot for all things lacrosse.
(00:21):
And if you haven't already, hitthat follow button wherever
you're listening, and let's getinto it.
Welcome back. Lots going on in the lacrosse
world this week. Anello draftshakeups, man cut fireworks, and
even some controversy. Get readybecause we're packing in a lot
into today's episode. Let'sstart with the National Lacrosse
(00:41):
League draft because, wow, thisyear's entry draft was historic.
Toronto Rock walked away withthe first three picks. Yep. One,
two, and three. At number one,CJ Kirst. He's got that
explosive offense style thatcould energize the Rocks attack
right away.
Tattooed Thai EnglishOffencetransition out of UNC in
(01:08):
Oakville Rock, a versatileplayer with two way IQ. And at
number three, Gwen Hilts, leftyforward from Syracuse and
Peterborough. Silky hands, highlacrosse IQ. The Rock didn't
trade those picks, they weredoubling down or building the
young core. This could beredefining their future.
(01:30):
Those are your NLL headlines.Keep your eye on Toronto Rock's
preseason camps. The rookiestransitions to the pro box game
will be one of their biggeststories to watch. Alright,
gearheads. Time for a review.
This week's the loading offenseshaft. I've been using it for
four months, and honestly, Ilove everything about it. It's
(01:53):
grippy but not sticky. You canslide your hands smoothly for
quick dodges. It's super strong.
It absorbs checks, and it feelsperfect in your hands. I've been
running it with the loading winhit. Spoiler alert, I'll review
that in a future episode. NowI'll admit, I'm partial to
loading products. I love whatthey're doing.
(02:16):
But even setting that up, thisshaft is my favorite so far. If
you're an offensive playerlooking for a premium
performance, this one is worthevery penny. Now let's talk Man
Cup. The Bellies and the Chiefsseries have been eventful.
Here's where we stand.
In game one, Bellies took it inOT eleven-eight. In game two,
(02:37):
Bellies again ten-six. In gamethree, the Chiefs win
nineteen-nine. In game four,she's tied with the series two
two with the ten three win.Five.
Belly's answered, winningfifteen twelve. That puts New
Westminster up. And remember,three games in three days is a
(02:58):
brutal schedule. At this level,fatigue is real. Now
controversy.
In game four, the Chiefs werehit with an illegal helmet and a
legal stick call. And let's notforget, frankly, you know, the
Bellisgoi had a similar stickcall back in the Western Finals
against the Adneks. The bigquestion, how are we running
(03:19):
into stick issues or equipmentthis deep into playoffs? These
calls didn't affect the outcome,the Chiefs still came out on
top. But moments like this canrattle a bench.
Consistency and transparency arekey late series enforcement
shouldn't feel like a curveball.Also, with a grueling schedule,
(03:42):
three games in three days,mistakes are more likely players
and staff stretched thin andlittle details can slip. For
anyone newer to box lacrossequick refresher. An illegal
stick could be pocket depth,shooting string placement, head
width, and anything outside theregulations. Penalty is usually
(04:06):
a non releasable minor and thestick is held out of play.
A legal helmet could involvecertification fit, straps, or
unauthorized modification.Safety is priority. Teams can
request inspections or refs cancall checks for if something
looks off. It's part of keepingthe game fair and safe. But when
(04:31):
it pops up late in thechampionships, it sparks a
little debate.
Field fans, don't forget aboutthe PLL finals coming up
September 14. I'm calling NewYork takes over Denver. Why?
Just look at this lineup. JeffT, Connor Schellenberger, Trevor
Baptiste, Liam Entenmann, andReed Byron absolute killers on
(04:52):
both ends.
Denver is strong, but New Yorkis a mix of offense, firepower,
and face off dominance. I can'twait to watch this one. In the
minor lacrosse world, tryoutsare ongoing across many
associations. Best of luck toall the young players. I hope
everyone lands where they'rehoping to play this season.
(05:13):
Keep grinding. You'll never knowwho's watching. Coming up, Man
Cup game six. Watch how fatigue,penalties, and goys play factor
in. Toronto Rock Training Camp.
Keep an eye on those three topdraft picks, the PLL
Championships, and any lateoffseason NLL trades as teams
(05:34):
adjust rosters post draft.That's it for today. We covered
the gear, the draft, the cup,the controversies. Thanks for
hanging out. Stay sharp.
Stay legal. As always, protectthe crease. See you next
time. Alright. That's it for this episode.
Thanks for hanging out. And ifyou liked this episode, hit that
(05:55):
follow button so you don't misswhat's coming out next.
You can catch extra clips,review reviews, and more content
on Instagram, YouTube, and justsearch at Crease Monsters. Until
next time, share it, save it,string it up. We are just
getting started.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.