Canada Dominates USA 23-9, Wins First-Ever Sixes Gold Medal
Birmingham, AL—Canada’s dynamite offense was on full display during Tuesday’s gold medal match-up at the 2022 World Games. The team saw nine different scorers, and goaltender Brett Dobson was a force in the cage in the 23-9 win over the USA.
“I’m really happy for these players. They got what they deserved today,” said head coach Brodie Merrill. “It was a really unique group of players that came together, and they were very business-like and serious about winning this whole week. I’m happy to see them as world champions.”
The World Games saw the global debut of Sixes lacrosse, the shorter, faster-paced version of the game launched in 2020. It is played on a 70x36 meter outdoor field, has 8-minute running time quarters, and a 60-second shot clock.
Jeff Teat, who finished the tournament with 11 goals and seven assists, credits the team chemistry that was formed over the last week.
“It feels great to get this win,” he said. “This team came together for a special time. We’re 12 strong, plus our coaches, and we couldn’t have asked for a better tournament. What a feeling.”
Canada was dominant throughout the tournament, kicking off with a 21-9 victory over Haudenosaunee, a 26-10 win over Japan, and 26-7 over Israel in the preliminary round. They defeated Great Britain 22-11 in the semi-final.
Canada finished the tournament with 96 goals, the highest of any team, and 35 goals against, for the lowest.
Josh Byrne (21 G) and Zach Currier (17 G) put up strong performances throughout the competition. The Canadian team’s speed, and experience in tight conditions contributed to their success.
About Lacrosse Canada
Founded in 1867, Lacrosse Canada is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. Our organization is comprised of 10 Member Associations representing nearly 85,000 individual participants, including coaches, officials, and athletes of all ages and abilities. Lacrosse Canada’s mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members, leading our partners, and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. Lacrosse Canada oversees the delivery of numerous national championships and the participation of Team Canada at all international events sanctioned by World Lacrosse. Lacrosse Canada is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values, including our corporate partners - NormaTec Recovery Systems, RockTape, OPRO, Canadian Red Cross, Westjet, and Baron Rings - as well as our funding partners the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation.
