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Brain Cancer Survivor Suits Up for Canada; Crowley, Small Added to Active Roster

by Neil Stevens | Special to Lacrosse Magazine Online

All-World goalkeeper Chris Sanderson has returned from a life-threatening bout with a brain tumor to play in the Canadians' gold medal defense. © John Strohsacker/LaxPhotos.com

Chris Sanderson has been given the green light to tend goal for Canada in its bid to win another world field lacrosse championship.

Sanderson, 36, a native of Orangeville, Ontario, was a key contributor when Canada won the world title for the first time in 28 years in London, Ontario, in 2006. After having a brain tumor removed in December 2008, his life -- let alone his lacrosse career -- was in jeopardy.

Sanderson has undergone aggressive treatments and upon emerging from the latest round he let coach David Huntley know he was confident he could handle the demanding assignment to once again tend goal for Canada. The players fly to Manchester, England, on Sunday and open against Japan on Friday, July 16.

"I am so thankful that Chris has been able to fight this thing and is able to spend time with his wife, Brogann , their daughters, family and friends," Huntley said. "He has been a great inspiration to me. His courage and positive outlook puts a new perspective on dealing with our own daily struggles and challenges. When he takes to the field for Canada in Manchester, it will be a great moment for his family, friends and teammates."

Sanderson was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame on Nov. 14, 2009.

Meanwhile, Corey Small and Kevin Crowley have answered Canada’s call to fill late roster openings.

Small, 23, of St. Catharines, Ontario, is a 5-foot-9 attacker who is currently playing for the Huntley-coached Toronto Nationals of the Major Lacrosse League. Small, an Albany product, played for the indoor National Lacrosse League’s Edmonton Rush last winter.

Crowley, 21, of New Westminster, B.C., was an all-world midfielder on Canada’s 2008 U-19 team. He’s a 6-foot-4 force who excels at the U.S. college field game at Stony Brook. Crowley joins a teammate from the Western Lacrosse Association’s New Westminster Salmonbellies, Curtis Manning, on Canada’s world entry.

"Being recognized as one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Trophy that goes to the NCAA’s top lacrosse player in his junior year says a lot about Kevin Crowley," said Canadian national team executive director Dean French. "He’s a welcome addition to Team Canada."

As the departure date draws ever closer, 6-foot-3 midfielder Ryan McClelland, 21, of Brampton, Ontario, put into words what all of his teammates are thinking.

"I’m going to go out there and do what Coach Huntley and the rest of the staff asks me to do, whether it be to play a predominantly defensive role and push the ball in transition or help out in the faceoff game,’’ McClelland said. "I’m ready to go out there and do whatever is asked.

"It’s always special when you put on the maple leaf and represent Canada. I think that it is also special to be representing Canada playing one of its two national sports. We all saw the Olympic men’s hockey team capture gold in Vancouver and we are hoping to do the same this summer in lacrosse in Manchester."