July 1, 2008

Note: This article appeared in the June issue of Lacrosse Magazine, a US Lacrosse publication available exclusively to its members. Join now to start your monthly subscription!

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by Steven Russolillo, Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online

Many foreign athletes achieve their goal of coming to the United States to play lacrosse. But for some, returning home and representing their countries in a world tournament marks a dream come true.

Stony Brook's Kevin Crowley, Hofstra's Jay Card and Hartford's Michael Cudmore are three examples of foreign athletes currently playing U.S. college lacrosse who will represent their native countries beginning Thursday in the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) Under-19 World Championships. All three will play for the Canadian team.

"Getting a chance to represent my country is an honor that not a lot of people get the chance to do," said Crowley, a freshman midfielder who helped lead Stony Brook into the America East Conference tournament. "I definitely feel honored and privileged to have this opportunity."

Crowley scored 22 goals and dished 26 assists in his first season with the Seawolves. The New Westminster, British Columbia, native said the overall style of play is one of the big differences between how Americans and Canadians play lacrosse.

"Americans play a very mechanical game. It's almost predictable in a way, as opposed to the free-style game we play in Canada," he said.

Card, an attackman for rival Hofstra, and NCAA tournament contender in 2008, will team up with Crowley to form formidable array of offensive options. Card finished the regular season with a team-high 27 goals for the Colonial Athletic Association champions.

"I've played in many tournaments, but haven't played in anything like this. It's definitely more special because I'll be representing my country," said Card, adding the American game has helped him develop a more passive, possessive style that he hopes to mesh with the up-tempo style that Canadians play.

Cudmore, who was a freshman midfielder for Hartford, led the Hawks with 13 assists and added five goals.

"You can definitely see from the stat sheets that Card and Cudmore have been successful," said Crowley, an Ontario native. "I think we have the talent to make this tournament interesting."

Canada battles Australia following the opening ceremonies in Coquitlam.