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Schwartz: Lizards Helping To Fill The Pro Sports Void On Long Island

By Peter Schwartz
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Over the years, Long Island sports fans have suffered three major defections. The New York Nets relocated to New Jersey after the 1976-77 season, the Jets moved their headquarters and training camp from Hofstra University to New Jersey after the summer of 2008, and then the Islanders left the Nassau Coliseum for Brooklyn following the 2014-15 season.

The Jets delivered another punch to their fans on Long Island by announcing they won't hold a training camp practice at Hofstra this summer. Last year's practice drew over 11,000 fans, but obviously that means nothing. So much for that promise that they were going to maintain a connection to their Long Island fan base.

Three major league franchises with ties to Long Island are all gone, but the reality is that the Islanders and Nets are not far away at the Barclays Center, with the Jets being a bit more of a schlep to get to in New Jersey.

But what about being able to enjoy a sporting event closer to home? There are still alternatives out there, such as the Long Island Ducks minor league baseball team, New York Cosmos soccer and college sports, including Hofstra and Stony Brook.

The hidden gem just might be at Hofstra University with the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse.

Now I would be foolish to suggest that a lacrosse team can fill the void left by the Nets, Jets and especially the Islanders, as those wounds are still fresh. But it's nice to have an alternative that's easy to get to and is also affordable and fun for the entire family.

It also doesn't hurt that the Lizards are really good. The defending MLL champions are looking to repeat this season, and they're off to a 6-1 start following Saturday night's thrilling 13-12 overtime win over the Boston Cannons, as the Lizards rallied from four goals down in the fourth quarter.

Paul Rabil
The New York Lizards' Paul Rabil poses with Peter Schwartz's sons, Jared (left) and Bradley. (credit: Peter Schwartz)

Given the amount of kids playing lacrosse on Long Island, as well as the growing popularity of the sport, it should not come as a surprise that almost 6,000 fans were on hand Saturday night to cheer on the Lizards. Families, youth lacrosse teams and other groups provided an incredible atmosphere.

The Lizards are everything you want in a professional sports team. They win, they have arguably the best lacrosse player in the world in Paul Rabil, who scored five goals Saturday and has 18 this season. They also have other superstar players such as Rob Pannell (22 goals this season) and faceoff specialist Greg "The Beast" Gurenlian. And the fan experience at Shuart Stadium is amazing.

My family and I have a blast every time we go to a game. The fun starts with activities on the plaza, as fans can test the speed of their shot, take a picture with the Lizards dancers and get a chance to see the MLL Championship trophy. There are also other interactive activities plus many of the kids bring their own lacrosse sticks and have some fun outside of the stadium. There's also plenty of tailgating.

New York Lizards dancers
The New York Lizards dancers pose with Bradley, Peter Schwartz's son. (credit: Peter Schwartz)

For me, going to a Lizards game was initially just an evening to have some fun with the family. But over the last couple of years, we've come to understand the game a little better, know the players and really become invested as fans. There is a real sense of excitement at these games, and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the players are so accessible.

All of the players sign autographs after the game and are more than happy to interact with the fans and pose for pictures. But let me tell you a story about how the Lizards' stock has really risen in our home.
Earlier this season, my family and I were at a game and sitting in seats right on the field behind the sideline. Gurenlian won a faceoff that was historic in nature as he became the MLL's all-time leader in faceoffs won. Moments later, the ball used in that faceoff rolled out of bounds and under the signage in front of our seats.

My son Bradley picked up the ball and realized that he now had the record-breaking ball in his hands. He told my wife and I that he wanted to give it back to "The Beast" because he felt Gurenlian should have the ball. So I contacted the Lizards' media relations director to tell her what had happened. She told us to stay in our seats after the game and Bradley would be brought over to Gurenlian.

Sure enough, Bradley met up with "The Beast" after the game and told him how he got the ball and proceeded to give it back to him. Bradley didn't want anything in return but thought that Gurenlian might just go get another ball and make an exchange. Gurenlian was all smiles when Bradley gave him the ball and thanked him for the gesture.

But Gurenlian signed the ball and gave it back to Bradley and told him that he should keep it because he would take care of it. Gurenlian then posed for a picture with Bradley and signed another ball for my younger son, Jared.

Greg Gurenlian
Greg Gurenlian of the New York Lizards poses with Bradley, Peter Schwartz's son. (credit: Peter Schwartz)

I love these types of moments, and you get them with athletes like lacrosse players because they appreciate the opportunity to play and the support from the fans.

It's not the NFL, MLB, NBA or even the NHL, but the Lizards call Long Island home, and they provide some things that are very important to a sports fan of any age who comes to a game: They win most of the time, and they provide fun and entertainment all of the time.

For my money, nothing can ever replace the loss of the Islanders, but when you experience something like the Lizards, it makes me excited about the new Nassau Coliseum and the other alternative sports on the horizon.

Follow Pete on Twitter at @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow the New York Lizards @lizardslacrosse.

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