* teaches players to play with their head up and to be more aware of their surroundings
* reinforces the importance of quickness and agility around the net
* teaches leadership skills
* learn to play both offensive and defensive positions and make a quick transition from defense to offence and vice versa
* scoring skills are honed by shooting at smaller targets and picking corners
* teaches the creativity of fakes, back passes and shots
* develop the use of both hands
* helps prevent sport burn-out by playing a different fast-paced sport
Not only did the “Great One” play lacrosse in hockey’s off-season, but there is also a long list of NHL players who have polished their hand-eye coordination and physical endurance by playing lacrosse in the summer. Here are some other NHL’s who also participated in lacrosse:
- Bobby Orr - Doug Gilmour - Patrick Kane - Pail Kariya
- Dave Andreychuk - John MacLean - Steve Larmer - Joe Nieuwendyk
- Paul Coffey - Adam Oates - Gordie Howe - Brian Bellows - Kyle Turris
- Sam Gagne - Mike Ridley - Gary Roberts - Cliff Ronning - Jonathan Toews
- Mike Gartner - Joe Sakic - Brendan Shanahan - Steve Stamkos - John Tavares
