🥍 HAPPY #PLAYLAXDAY

Today, we celebrate the greatest sport on the planet…LACROSSE!

#PlayLaxDay was invented back in 2015, and it has since turned into an annual holiday where lacrosse players around the world join in the celebration. It’s a time to get creative and work together to help grow the game we all love.

This year, we got several pros — Mike Sisselberger, Will Manny, Tucker Dordevic, Ian MacKay, Jack Rowlett and Jared Bernhardt — to help explain how you can get involved.

Basically, all you need to do is get outside with your stick, film yourself playing lacrosse and share it with the hashtag #PlayLaxDay. We’ll be on the lookout for submissions all day and will share as many as we can on our accounts.

If you want to go above and beyond, share an extra stick with a neighbor or friend and try to help someone new learn the game.

Lastly, stay tuned to our Instagram page for a special #PlayLaxDay giveaway…

🥴 You’ve Gotta See This Mark

The PLL was in Denver this past weekend, and the biggest highlight wasn’t a goal or an assist or a save…or even the sweet throwback uniforms each team was wearing.

Believe it or not, the most jaw-dropping moment was an injury. Take a look at what happened to Chaos defenseman Jack Rowlett, and you’ll immediately understand why…

Rowlett was locked in an epic one-on-one battle with Whipsnakes attackman Zed Williams on Friday night. The incident occurred when Rowlett tried to step in front of a Williams shot, and the follow-through caught him on the side. Rowlett went down for a moment, but was not seriously injured. He quickly popped up and flashed his gnarly battle wound for the ESPN cameras.

“You can see the mesh!” ESPN sideline reporter Dana Boyle exclaimed on the broadcast.

This moment was a perfect example of why lacrosse is also called “The Tough Game.”

👀 Russ & Ciara Attend PLL Games

Among those who attended PLL Throwback Weekend were Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, his wife Ciara and their family.

Wilson is friends with Cannons assistant coach Mikey Thompson, so that’s why they were rocking the authentic Ryan Drenner throwback jerseys at the game.

The Wilson family was lucky enough to catch an incredible game, too. The Redwoods and Cannons went to overtime on Saturday night, and the ‘Woods ended up winning 16-15 on a strike from midfielder Charlie Bertrand.

“A lot of good athletes,” Russ said of his first PLL experience. “It’s fun to watch.”

Wilson, who won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, is currently in training camp with the Broncos. He is a nine-time Pro Bowler and entering his 12th NFL season.

🧐 4-4…Contenders or Pretenders?

Take a look at the current PLL standings and take note of the three teams sitting at .500 heading into Seattle this weekend:

The Whipsnakes, Chaos and Redwoods have each locked up a spot in the playoffs, but can any of them win the whole thing? Let’s take a closer look at each team…

Whipsnakes: This team is finding a rhythm. They’ve won three games in a row since starting 1-4. Their winning streak started the same week Brad Smith and Michael Ehrhardt returned from injury. It was also the week Brendan Krebs took over as the starting goalie. With a roster that continues to gel, head coach Jim Stagnitta is reminding us why he’s a 2x PLL Champ. Verdict: CONTENDERS.

Chaos: True to the name, this team is Chaotic. They haven’t strung together two straight wins since mid-June…but they’re also the only team to beat the Archers this season. And that game wasn’t particularly close (Chaos won by 5). Don’t forget! This team finished 2-8 last year and went all the way to the PLL Championship. You’re nuts if you think I’m calling Andy Towers a pretender. Verdict: CONTENDERS.

Redwoods: That overtime thriller over the Cannons last weekend was much needed. It snapped a three-game losing streak for the ‘Woods. It kind of feels like they need Ryder Garnsey to go off for half-a-dozen highlight-reel goals in order to have a chance sometimes. Their -14 scoring differential is tied with the Atlas for second worst in the league. Verdict: PRETENDERS.

🍀 Irish Get Championship Ink

Winning a National Championship is an experience players never forget…especially when they get it tattooed on their bodies.

That’s what Notre Dame’s Pat and Chris Kavanagh, Liam Entenmann and Marco Napolitano did recently.

Looks like they each still have plenty of blank canvas left to get new tattoos, if Notre Dame repeats as National Champions in 2024.

📺 PLL Broadcast Info

The PLL is headed to Seattle this weekend. Here’s when and where you can watch the action (Eastern Time):

Friday, August 11
9 p.m. — Archers vs. Whipsnakes (ESPN2)
11:30 p.m. — Atlas vs. Cannons (ESPN+)

Saturday, August 12
8 p.m. — Chrome vs. Redwoods (ESPN+)
10:30 p.m. — Chaos vs. Waterdogs (ESPN+)