October 26, 2025 • 12 mins
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:
- Top 10 NLL Moves of the Offseason — Curtis Dixon's homecoming to Vancouver Warriors, Vegas Desert Dogs loading up with Chris Cluchet, Mitch Jones, Tony Malcolm, and Chase Fraser, Jesse King joining Vancouver from Calgary, Mitch De Snuo to Philadelphia, Eric Fennell finally finding stability in Philly, Reese Callies strengthening Vancouver's defense, and Riley Loewen heading back to Calgary.
- Gear Review: Mark 2F Stiff Face Off Head — Perfect bend, solid snap-back, great control and scoop design. But let's talk about that "white" color that's actually baby blue.
- First-Ever Crease Monsters Hoodie Giveaway — Follow @CreaseMonsters on Instagram, like the giveaway post, and tag teammates for extra entries. Runs October 25 - November 7. USA and Canada only.
- PLL 2025 Field Side Trading Card Set — The PLL is now producing their own cards, bringing lacrosse into the same conversation as NFL and NBA collectibles. Mystery mini sticks, one-of-one autographs, and growing the game one pack at a time.
- NLLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement Signed — After weeks of uncertainty and delayed free agency, the new CBA is official. Four more years of NLL guaranteed, better player benefits, and the 2025-26 season is on.
If you're a player, a fan, or just love lacrosse talk, hit that follow button so you don't miss what's next.
Is Vancouver about to dominate with Dixon, Ball, King, Grant, and Callies? Which Vegas move has you most hyped?
Let me know on Instagram or YouTube @CreaseMonsters — I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Click here to watch a video of this episode.
Keep your head on a swivel and I'll catch you next week.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey. I'm Parker Bottcher, and this is Crease
Monsters, the podcast where wetalk all things lacrosse about
epic highlights, gear 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. Okay.
If you've been anywhere near thelacrosse world this week, you
know it's been absolute chaos.The NL just went wild with the
trades and got a new collectiveagreement that almost gave
everyone a heart attack. PLL'sout here making trading cards
(00:43):
like it's 1995. This week hasbeen a movie, and I'm here for
all of it. Alright.
Let's talk about what's actuallygoing on, the NLL agencies, and
the trades because, honestly,this has been one of the wildest
seasons I can remember. TheBuffalo Bandits basically got
stripped for parts. Vancouver isloading up like they're trying
(01:05):
to break the league, and theDesert Dogs are out here
shopping like they just won thelottery. So I'm gonna run my top
10 moves of the off seasonbecause there is just too much
to cover. Number 10, ChrisKluche moved to the Vegas Desert
Dogs.
Three time NLLA champion, ChrisKluche leaving Buffalo for
(01:27):
Vegas. Look. You got a guy who'spicked up a 128 goals and a 159
assists in six years. Thathurts. The Desert Dogs are
building something in Vegas, Andadding a proven winner like
Kluche, that is a statement ofthe move.
He knows how to win. He's beenout there, done that, got three
(01:51):
rings. Number nine, Mitch Jonesto Vegas Desert Dogs. Another
big ad for Vegas. Jones was inPhilly, and now he's joining
Vegas rebuild to the DesertDogs.
The GM's Sean Williams isclearly blow it up and start
over mode. I respect it.Sometimes you gotta tear it down
(02:15):
to build it right. Number eight,Tony Malcolm to Vegas. Seeing a
pattern here.
Vegas is loading up. Malcolmcomes over from Philadelphia
over 95 goals, 95 assists, eightseasons, plus 704 loose balls.
(02:36):
This dude is a transition beast.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
This is where
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Vegas is turning into a place where the veterans go
trying to make a run. Numberseven, Chase Fraser to the
desert dogs. Now this is whereit gets spicy. Chase Fraser is a
walking highlight reel. Dudescores backhands for fun.
Three time NLL champion withBuffalo, a 151 goals, and a 108
(03:00):
assists in six years. He'staking his talents to to Vegas.
Fraser can score, and at 30years old, he's in his prime.
Buffalo is still stacked, butdon't get me wrong. Losing that
kind of firepower is going to befelt.
Number six, Mitch D. Suno toPhiladelphia. The wings got
(03:21):
themselves into a problem ondefense. D. Suno won defensive
player of the year in 2022.
They're going all in, alongsidetheir existing defense. Good
luck scoring on the wings.Alright. Number five. Sticking
in the East, Eric Fennel hasfound a way home, and it's in
(03:44):
Philly.
The Wings and Fennel have twoyear deal, and honestly, this
guy deserves more stability. Andif you've been following along,
Fennel has been on quite thejourney in the past year and a
half last season started withthe Halifax got traded to Albany
before the season played fivegames with the fire wolves, then
(04:08):
got flipped to Ottawa midseason. Now he's got a two year
commit from Philadelphia, takingabout someone who once put up 29
goals and 52 points in a season.He's a physical forward who can
score, but also does the dirtywork, setting picks, battling
for ground balls. Number four,Reece Callies to Vancouver
(04:31):
warriors.
Vancouver keeps adding pieces.Reece Callies is another signing
of the warriors. Another exampleof Kurt Molosky bringing all the
BC boys home. Callies is fromLangley, BC, and he's been
playing solid defense in theleague. What I love about this
move is how it shows howVancouver isn't just going for
(04:55):
the flashy offensive names.
They're building a completeteam. Defense wins
championships. And adding Cali'sto the defense court, that
already has Ryan Dilks, MattBeers. That's legitimately shut
down. Vancouver is building achampionship roster with local
talent who's known each other.
(05:15):
They play together in the WLA,and who want to win in their
home province? That's gonna bechemistry is gonna be huge.
Number three, Jesse King toVancouver warriors. This one is
big. Jesse King leaving Calgaryafter years as a roughneck,
that's huge.
King put up a 105 points lastseason. Tied seventh in the
(05:40):
league with Keegan Ball. He'salmost been one of Calgary's
most consistent playmakers. Thedude can set up goals like it's
nothing, and now he's joiningforces with ball instead of
competing against him? Vancouveris absolutely stacking the deck.
You got Dixon and King on thesame team now, both coming home
(06:01):
to BC. Kurt Miloski is buildingsomething special. This isn't
just adding talent. This is whenadding proven winners who know
how to play in the big moments.Calgary losing King hurts.
He was a leader in that lockerroom, and now Vancouver gets to
plug him into their system. Thewarriors just got more
(06:23):
dangerous. Alright. Number twoon our list. This one stings a
bit, but for us.
But Logan is heading back toCalgary. The our roughnecks
signed a guy after after hespent the last several seasons
in Vancouver. Look. We're happyfor Riley, man, but this hurts.
(06:44):
Riley Lowen has been a solid forthe Warrior.
This guy is a lefty forward withserious playoff experience and
clutch scoring abilities.Calgary bringing them back can
already prove that he can thrivein their system. It's smart move
(07:04):
for roughnecks. But for usWarriors fans, it's tough to let
Riley go. Wish him nothing butthe best except when he is
playing against us.
Number one, Curtis Dixon movedto the Vancouver Warriors. It
may have been one of the worstkept secrets of the off season,
but Superman Curtis Dixonofficially signed with his
(07:26):
hometown club, VancouverWarriors. Dixon is now 37,
coming off a 108 season in hisfinal year with the roughnecks.
Let me break it down. This ismassive.
Dixon spent fourteen years inCalgary, 148 goals and 60
assists in his last seasonalone. This man is a Port
(07:46):
Coquitlam kid coming home, andVancouver fans are about to
witness one of the greatest goldscorers to ever play the game.
Nickname Superman isn't just forshow. This dude has been defying
gravity for his entire career.And at 37, putting up elite
numbers, when you got you addDixon to a team that already has
(08:10):
Keegan Ball, top five goalscorer.
Jesse King, a 105 points lastseason. Owen Grant, Reese
Callies. Vancouver is gonna be aproblem next season. I'm talking
12 plus wins. Deep playoff run.
This team is loaded. Alright.Let's switch gears. I've been
using the mark two f stiff faceoff, Ed. I've got thoughts.
(08:35):
First off, the good stuff, thebend back on this thing is
perfect, and it snaps rightback. That is clutch. You really
need stiffness to win clenchthis head delivers. It's got
enough pinch without feelinglike you're wrestling a python.
The control is solid, and thescoop designed to make ground
(08:57):
balls way easier than it shouldbe.
But, and this is a big but, theycan't call it white because it's
not white. It's baby blue. Idon't know who is that shrinking
and like, yeah. That's white.But my guy, that is not white.
It's closer to powder blue. Nowif you're rocking blue color
(09:19):
scheme, perfect.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
But if you
Speaker 1 (09:21):
wanted to match actual white to your team
colors, you might be a bitdisappointed. Great head for
performance exactly how youwould want a face off head. But
for color situation, this is aquestion we'll ask. Speaking of
gear, it's giveaway time. We'rerunning our first ever Crease
Monsters swag giveaway.
One lucky listener will score anexclusive Crease Monsters
(09:43):
hoodie. To enter, follow atCrease Monsters on Instagram,
like this giveaway post, and taga teammate in the comments. Each
tag equals an extra entry. Thegiveaway Winner will be
announced right here on thepodcast and in our Instagram
page. No purchase necessary.
(10:04):
USA and Canada only. Good luck,everyone. Alright. This one's
exciting. The PLO just launchedtheir twenty twenty five field
side card trading card set.
And, honestly, this is huge forlacrosse. Let me just tell you
why. The PLL is producing theirown cards now, and that means
(10:25):
they can make it actually whatfans want. It's massive for the
growth of the sport. Now they'remaking mystery mini sticks for
the PLL teams.
This kind of stuff? Lacrosse inthe mainstream sports, kids are
collecting PLL cards in the sameway that they're collecting NFL
(10:48):
and NBA cards. That's how yougrow the game. Plus pulling a
one out of one autograph card ofyour favorite player. That's
just cool.
I don't care who you are. Lastbut definitely not least, the
NLL NLLPA reached a newcollective bargaining agreement.
(11:10):
Okay. Talk real. There was aminute where we didn't know if
we were gonna have a season.
Free agencies kept gettingdelayed, and people were
nervous, and it was lookingsketchy. But on October 20, they
announced a new collectiveagreement. Four more years of
the NLL guaranteed. The NLLcollective agreement includes
(11:34):
better benefits for players andsupport league growth. Are the
increases enough?
Probably not. But bottom line,the season is on, and we're
about to witness some incrediblelacrosse. Vancouver is loaded.
Buffalo is still champs. Icannot wait.
(11:55):
Alright. That's it for thisweek. Absolute chaos and l l NL
and PLO trading cards are here,and we've got a season to look
forward to. Hit me up onInstagram or YouTube at Crease
Monsters with what yourpredictions are for next season.
Who's winning the cup?
(12:15):
Keep your head on swivel, andI'll catch you next week.
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, gearreviews, and more content on
Instagram, YouTube, and justsearch at Crease Monsters. Until
(12:36):
next time, share it, save it,string it up. We are just
getting started.
Hey. I'm Parker Bottcher, and this is Crease
Monsters, the podcast where wetalk all things lacrosse about
epic highlights, gear 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. Okay.
If you've been anywhere near thelacrosse world this week, you
know it's been absolute chaos.The NL just went wild with the
trades and got a new collectiveagreement that almost gave
everyone a heart attack. PLL'sout here making trading cards
(00:43):
like it's 1995. This week hasbeen a movie, and I'm here for
all of it. Alright.
Let's talk about what's actuallygoing on, the NLL agencies, and
the trades because, honestly,this has been one of the wildest
seasons I can remember. TheBuffalo Bandits basically got
stripped for parts. Vancouver isloading up like they're trying
(01:05):
to break the league, and theDesert Dogs are out here
shopping like they just won thelottery. So I'm gonna run my top
10 moves of the off seasonbecause there is just too much
to cover. Number 10, ChrisKluche moved to the Vegas Desert
Dogs.
Three time NLLA champion, ChrisKluche leaving Buffalo for
(01:27):
Vegas. Look. You got a guy who'spicked up a 128 goals and a 159
assists in six years. Thathurts. The Desert Dogs are
building something in Vegas, Andadding a proven winner like
Kluche, that is a statement ofthe move.
He knows how to win. He's beenout there, done that, got three
(01:51):
rings. Number nine, Mitch Jonesto Vegas Desert Dogs. Another
big ad for Vegas. Jones was inPhilly, and now he's joining
Vegas rebuild to the DesertDogs.
The GM's Sean Williams isclearly blow it up and start
over mode. I respect it.Sometimes you gotta tear it down
(02:15):
to build it right. Number eight,Tony Malcolm to Vegas. Seeing a
pattern here.
Vegas is loading up. Malcolmcomes over from Philadelphia
over 95 goals, 95 assists, eightseasons, plus 704 loose balls.
(02:36):
This dude is a transition beast.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
This is where
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Vegas is turning into a place where the veterans go
trying to make a run. Numberseven, Chase Fraser to the
desert dogs. Now this is whereit gets spicy. Chase Fraser is a
walking highlight reel. Dudescores backhands for fun.
Three time NLL champion withBuffalo, a 151 goals, and a 108
(03:00):
assists in six years. He'staking his talents to to Vegas.
Fraser can score, and at 30years old, he's in his prime.
Buffalo is still stacked, butdon't get me wrong. Losing that
kind of firepower is going to befelt.
Number six, Mitch D. Suno toPhiladelphia. The wings got
(03:21):
themselves into a problem ondefense. D. Suno won defensive
player of the year in 2022.
They're going all in, alongsidetheir existing defense. Good
luck scoring on the wings.Alright. Number five. Sticking
in the East, Eric Fennel hasfound a way home, and it's in
(03:44):
Philly.
The Wings and Fennel have twoyear deal, and honestly, this
guy deserves more stability. Andif you've been following along,
Fennel has been on quite thejourney in the past year and a
half last season started withthe Halifax got traded to Albany
before the season played fivegames with the fire wolves, then
(04:08):
got flipped to Ottawa midseason. Now he's got a two year
commit from Philadelphia, takingabout someone who once put up 29
goals and 52 points in a season.He's a physical forward who can
score, but also does the dirtywork, setting picks, battling
for ground balls. Number four,Reece Callies to Vancouver
(04:31):
warriors.
Vancouver keeps adding pieces.Reece Callies is another signing
of the warriors. Another exampleof Kurt Molosky bringing all the
BC boys home. Callies is fromLangley, BC, and he's been
playing solid defense in theleague. What I love about this
move is how it shows howVancouver isn't just going for
(04:55):
the flashy offensive names.
They're building a completeteam. Defense wins
championships. And adding Cali'sto the defense court, that
already has Ryan Dilks, MattBeers. That's legitimately shut
down. Vancouver is building achampionship roster with local
talent who's known each other.
(05:15):
They play together in the WLA,and who want to win in their
home province? That's gonna bechemistry is gonna be huge.
Number three, Jesse King toVancouver warriors. This one is
big. Jesse King leaving Calgaryafter years as a roughneck,
that's huge.
King put up a 105 points lastseason. Tied seventh in the
(05:40):
league with Keegan Ball. He'salmost been one of Calgary's
most consistent playmakers. Thedude can set up goals like it's
nothing, and now he's joiningforces with ball instead of
competing against him? Vancouveris absolutely stacking the deck.
You got Dixon and King on thesame team now, both coming home
(06:01):
to BC. Kurt Miloski is buildingsomething special. This isn't
just adding talent. This is whenadding proven winners who know
how to play in the big moments.Calgary losing King hurts.
He was a leader in that lockerroom, and now Vancouver gets to
plug him into their system. Thewarriors just got more
(06:23):
dangerous. Alright. Number twoon our list. This one stings a
bit, but for us.
But Logan is heading back toCalgary. The our roughnecks
signed a guy after after hespent the last several seasons
in Vancouver. Look. We're happyfor Riley, man, but this hurts.
(06:44):
Riley Lowen has been a solid forthe Warrior.
This guy is a lefty forward withserious playoff experience and
clutch scoring abilities.Calgary bringing them back can
already prove that he can thrivein their system. It's smart move
(07:04):
for roughnecks. But for usWarriors fans, it's tough to let
Riley go. Wish him nothing butthe best except when he is
playing against us.
Number one, Curtis Dixon movedto the Vancouver Warriors. It
may have been one of the worstkept secrets of the off season,
but Superman Curtis Dixonofficially signed with his
(07:26):
hometown club, VancouverWarriors. Dixon is now 37,
coming off a 108 season in hisfinal year with the roughnecks.
Let me break it down. This ismassive.
Dixon spent fourteen years inCalgary, 148 goals and 60
assists in his last seasonalone. This man is a Port
(07:46):
Coquitlam kid coming home, andVancouver fans are about to
witness one of the greatest goldscorers to ever play the game.
Nickname Superman isn't just forshow. This dude has been defying
gravity for his entire career.And at 37, putting up elite
numbers, when you got you addDixon to a team that already has
(08:10):
Keegan Ball, top five goalscorer.
Jesse King, a 105 points lastseason. Owen Grant, Reese
Callies. Vancouver is gonna be aproblem next season. I'm talking
12 plus wins. Deep playoff run.
This team is loaded. Alright.Let's switch gears. I've been
using the mark two f stiff faceoff, Ed. I've got thoughts.
(08:35):
First off, the good stuff, thebend back on this thing is
perfect, and it snaps rightback. That is clutch. You really
need stiffness to win clenchthis head delivers. It's got
enough pinch without feelinglike you're wrestling a python.
The control is solid, and thescoop designed to make ground
(08:57):
balls way easier than it shouldbe.
But, and this is a big but, theycan't call it white because it's
not white. It's baby blue. Idon't know who is that shrinking
and like, yeah. That's white.But my guy, that is not white.
It's closer to powder blue. Nowif you're rocking blue color
(09:19):
scheme, perfect.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
But if you
Speaker 1 (09:21):
wanted to match actual white to your team
colors, you might be a bitdisappointed. Great head for
performance exactly how youwould want a face off head. But
for color situation, this is aquestion we'll ask. Speaking of
gear, it's giveaway time. We'rerunning our first ever Crease
Monsters swag giveaway.
One lucky listener will score anexclusive Crease Monsters
(09:43):
hoodie. To enter, follow atCrease Monsters on Instagram,
like this giveaway post, and taga teammate in the comments. Each
tag equals an extra entry. Thegiveaway Winner will be
announced right here on thepodcast and in our Instagram
page. No purchase necessary.
(10:04):
USA and Canada only. Good luck,everyone. Alright. This one's
exciting. The PLO just launchedtheir twenty twenty five field
side card trading card set.
And, honestly, this is huge forlacrosse. Let me just tell you
why. The PLL is producing theirown cards now, and that means
(10:25):
they can make it actually whatfans want. It's massive for the
growth of the sport. Now they'remaking mystery mini sticks for
the PLL teams.
This kind of stuff? Lacrosse inthe mainstream sports, kids are
collecting PLL cards in the sameway that they're collecting NFL
(10:48):
and NBA cards. That's how yougrow the game. Plus pulling a
one out of one autograph card ofyour favorite player. That's
just cool.
I don't care who you are. Lastbut definitely not least, the
NLL NLLPA reached a newcollective bargaining agreement.
(11:10):
Okay. Talk real. There was aminute where we didn't know if
we were gonna have a season.
Free agencies kept gettingdelayed, and people were
nervous, and it was lookingsketchy. But on October 20, they
announced a new collectiveagreement. Four more years of
the NLL guaranteed. The NLLcollective agreement includes
(11:34):
better benefits for players andsupport league growth. Are the
increases enough?
Probably not. But bottom line,the season is on, and we're
about to witness some incrediblelacrosse. Vancouver is loaded.
Buffalo is still champs. Icannot wait.
(11:55):
Alright. That's it for thisweek. Absolute chaos and l l NL
and PLO trading cards are here,and we've got a season to look
forward to. Hit me up onInstagram or YouTube at Crease
Monsters with what yourpredictions are for next season.
Who's winning the cup?
(12:15):
Keep your head on swivel, andI'll catch you next week.
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, gearreviews, and more content on
Instagram, YouTube, and justsearch at Crease Monsters. Until
(12:36):
next time, share it, save it,string it up. We are just
getting started.
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