Every 4 years since 2003, the FIL, Federation of International Lacrosse, holds the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships. This year the tournament was held from September 19 – 28 in British Columbia. The past 4 tournaments have shown steady growth, and somewhat predictable outcomes, with Canada bringing home the championship’s gold medal honors in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. In those same years (in other words, every championship so far), the Iroquois Nationals brought home the silver, and the disappointed US team won the bronze. This year there were nineteen teams hoping to unseat the reigning champs, up from thirteen in 2015 and just 6-8 teams in the previous championships (Indoor lacrosse is growing at the speed of light!). Wikipedia has provided a handy chart covering the results of all 5 tournaments, including last week’s championship. Here are all of the international teams striving for the top position, with the medalists highlighted.

Chart courtesy of Wikipedia

Aaaand…History repeats itself. Gold: Canada. Silver: Iroquois. Bronze: United States. Every. Single. Tournament.

It was a great week for international indoor lacrosse, and despite the final standings, every team will be more determined than ever to climb the ladder. Highlights of the championship can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePgAhWqTLg4 .

You can read a thorough analysis of the US team performance here: https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/usa-insider/indoor-men/us-indoor-team-disappointed-but-proud-of-performance-at-worlds

We can look forward to another World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in 2023. Team USA has 4 years to prepare to break Canada’s spell.

We are looking forward to watching HGR Alumni on the 2023
gold medalist roster!