The Upstate Collegiate Box Lacrosse League (UCBLL) is proud to announce it will play its first game outside of western New York when the Armory and Hawkeyes play Wednesday night at the Onondaga Nation. Tsha’ Hoñnoñyeñdakwha (Where they play games) will host the 7:30 p.m. season opener. The game is free of charge.
The Armory and Hawkeyes are the past two UCBLL champions. The league, which is run by the National Lacrosse League’s Rochester Knighthawks and Buffalo Bandits, features two teams in Rochester and Buffalo. The Armory and Hawkeyes are stationed in Rochester, while the Rapids and Buffaloes call Buffalo home.
On Wednesday, the Armory and Hawkeyes will play at the birthplace of the Creator’s Game. The game will be close to home for 12 Armory players and head coach Ron Cogan, as the team draws heavily from Syracuse and the Onondaga Nation.
“Being a part of the UCBLL and the Armory has been very special to me over the past couple of years, so hosting a game in our community is very special not only for me but the game of lacrosse as well,” said Cogan, whose son, Chace, is also a member of the Armory. “The history that surrounds this area breathes lacrosse. Having some of our young men competing and showcasing their talent is something I am really looking forward to.”
The game will also feature six current or former players from Onondaga Community College, including Will Dempsey, Gavin Hill, Trevor Hill, Logan Lemelbaum, Shane Roche and Dylan Snow.
“I was exceptionally thrilled when I found out that our game was going to be played at the Onondaga Nation,” said East Syracuse, NY native Will Dempsey. “I was happy because it is the birthplace of lacrosse, and there is no feeling like playing in that environment. I am also excited because it is so close to home. I am thrilled about this opportunity.”
The UCBLL will return to Onondaga Nation Arena on Wednesday, July 26, when the Hawkeyes host the Armory at 7:30 p.m.
The league showcases current high school and college players. However, if you do not play for a collegiate team but are a high-level box lacrosse player elsewhere, you must be between 17-23 years old to be eligible to play in the UCBLL.
The UCBLL is among the most successful in the National Collegiate Box Series (NCBS) circuit. Not only have teams advanced to the playoffs of the NCBS National Championships in back-to-back campaigns, but the league has seen six of its players selected in the NLL Entry Draft. The league features six current NLL players as coaches. Knighthawks Dan Coates and Ryland Rees, and Bandits Ethan O’Connor, Dalton Sulver, Ian MacKay, and Chris Cloutier are behind the benches this summer.
For more information about the Upstate Collegiate Box Lacrosse League, visit https://rochesterknighthawks.com/ucbll/.