Prince George lacrosse player speaks on world championship experience

“There was a lot of chatter going back and forth, and then there was actually a rain delay on the game, so it got delayed about 12 hours, and I was pretty nervous because it was my first game, and then it got delayed and carried on and on. We finally went out there and it was a barnburner of a game, and we ended up winning by one goal to start the European Championships. It was a pretty special way to start the tournament,” Cole said.

Cole, just moments before scoring a goal.

He says these international tournaments test both your physical and mental limits, as you often find yourself playing eight games in nine days, or other similarly tight schedules. In a sport known for its physicality like lacrosse, Cole says you have to approach each game knowing that it’s a battle of your availability just as much as a battle of skill.

“You can try and get yourself in as best a shape as possible, but that’s only half the battle. The rest of it is trying to avoid those big unnecessary hits where you can. It’s kind of like the NHL playoffs where you want to be there at the end, so you gotta do your best to run away from contact where you can and pick and choose your battles,” he said.

When he’s not competing internationally, he suits up with the Bandits alongside his brother, Brock. They’ve both spent a huge portion of their life playing in the league together, both as teammates and opponents, and Brock says he always enjoys playing with his brother in Prince George.

“It’s actually something that keeps me in the league, the chance to play with Cole, so I definitely really value that opportunity. It’s really cool to play with him, and he’s the best player on our team, obviously, so it’s great to have him on board and be able to be on the team too,” Brock said.

Brock has been there for Cole’s lacrosse journey, both sharing the field and in the stands, and he’s enjoyed every step of Cole’s career and supporting him along the way.

“He’s just such a difference maker in our team and in the league, and it’s really cool what he’s been able to do. I was able to go watch him at the World Championships a few years back, and I saw him really light it up there for Scotland, it was really cool,” Brock said.

At 32 years old, Cole says he doesn’t have any further plans to play internationally, as he now has a nine-month old son, August, so he wants to focus on being a dad and staying in the community.

“Being a dad is pretty exciting, and it makes me want to just be around more and be there for him, so I’m thinking about just staying around locally. And another really cool thing that we’re doing in Prince George is after about a 15 year hiatus, we just started a junior lacrosse team in Prince George. So I’m the offensive coordinator of the junior team, so that’s another way for me to give back and stay involved in the game of lacrosse and PG,” Cole said.

Both Cole and Brock said the league is an absolutely fantastic part of our community, so they encourage anyone to get involved. Whether you’re interested in playing, or just want to watch a game, you can learn more on the league’s website HERE.

by Tommy Osborne

Prince George lacrosse player speaks on world championship experience

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