A Field of Dreams

By Andy Watson

Ottawa Sun

 

Brad Conlon fits the prototype for goalkeepers.

He likes the responsibility that comes with being the last line of defense. He's confident, outspoken, goal-oriented and a leader.

"I get to see everything, I always have my say, I like it it's a big part of the game and you are a big part of the team," the 18-year-old OAC student from Bell High School said.

"Goaltending's also a leadership role, and I like playing and filling that role."

Conlon is talented and has been fortunate to achieve his latest goal: he was named to Canada's under-19 men's field lacrosse team late last year.

He will compete for a world championship in Baltimore, MD, this summer along with longtime Nepean teammate and defender Evan Sarazen.

"It's quite an honour," Conlon said of being named to the 23-man national squad. "Honestly, when I opened the letter I was so excited . . . when I opened it up I jumped."

The gifted goaltender is destined for success in Canada's national summer sport. Conlon is the starting goaltender for the Nepean Knights Junior B lacrosse team, and he is also the starter for the Ottawa Nemesis under-19 club field lacrosse team.

In the high school lacrosse league, Conlon plays with the Nemesis club team that exists to allow playing opportunities for students without a school team.

Conlon, who has played lacrosse since he was 10, wants to be the starting keeper for the national squad.

"I want to be a leader there, I know I have a lot of great players in front of me," he said. "Being a part of that team is an honour. Playing with those guys, we'll be one of the top countries out there." "I will do well."

National team coaching will help to improve Conlon's game. One of the coaches is lacrosse legend Gary Gait.

"I'm looking forward to that. I'm excited because he's got so much history associated with him. I have a lot to benefit from him coaching." He said the experience playing on the national team is a perfect stepping stone for his next goal.

"I'd love to go to Butler," he said of the Division 1 college near Indianapolis, Indiana. "You can get a great education there and it's a division 1 lacrosse program. That means good coaching and the opportunity to play against the other top players in the game."

He is currently prepping for the SAT exams. He needs to score over 1000 to qualify for a scholarship at Butler. He's currently averaging 70 per cent at high school. If his dedication level for school is as high as it is for lacrosse, he should be just fine.

Conlon has attended four field lacrosse camps in the U.S. to fine-tune his game - two were goaltending camps. "I think the goalie camps themselves they've been the biggest factor in changing my game.

From June last year I would have never imagined to make team Canada. I realized my potential and worked on it. It helped me. I got to my goal. I want to get better still."

He has also been watching game tape of himself and some instructional tapes from the U.S.. Conlon said it's been worth it as it's helped his technical skills in goaltending, something he said he had not learned in Canada.

In the off-season, Conlon's been going to the gym to work on muscle development and increase his foot speed by playing squash and skipping rope. Also, at home, he practices his stance while watching instructional videos.

But without the opportunity to play and refine his skills in the local club and high school field lacrosse leagues, Conlon would never be on the national team. He's grateful and happy with the recent success of both leagues.

"It's been huge in the last few years. It's only gotten better since I've started. It's becoming a lot more popular.

It's the best game on earth so it's understandable."