GORHAM, Maine -- It’s an unspoken, but nonetheless powerful message that Malcolm Chase is sending to his University of Southern Maine lacrosse squad.
“Do as I say AND do as I do”.
Chase, who at 31 is a full decade older than almost all his players, is donning the gear once again in hopes of staking out a professional career with the Boston Blazers of the indoor National Lacrosse League.
A defender whose career at Whittier (Calif.) College wound up seven years ago, was one of about 40 players who were invited to a closed tryout held by the Blazers, an expansion entry that will begin play in the 13-team NLL in January.
With his Huskies set to resume play next March, Chase could find himself with something of a juggling act on his hands.
“I certainly wanted to see if I could do it,” Chase said. “See if I could at least make a tough decision for myself. I would always encourage our guys to get better, and aspire to get the next level. If there are opportunities ahead of them, to go after them.”
For Chase, the pursuit of opportunity took him on a Sunday drive to Forekicks, an indoor training facility outside of Boston,
There, Blazer coach Tom Ryan, who played his college lacrosse at Bowdoin, was getting a look at a select group of hopefuls from all across North America.
Chase took the floor with at least two hurdles to overcome, not the least of which is his age.
He’s trying to get his pro career started at a stage in life when most players are putting away their sticks (the ageless Gary Gait, excepted).
“I’ve always stayed in shape,” Chase said. “I felt that I could use that as an asset. At this stage of my career, I still think I can do it.”
Chase’s other challenge is his newness to box lacrosse. Sometimes called hockey in sneakers, the indoor game is played in much closer confines than it is in the field.
By and large it’s more free-wheeling, and often more punishing.
Chase, with one indoor season with the U.S. development team under his belt, is vying for a spot against players who have played “boxla” since they were toddlers.
“I had experience last year,” said Chase, “and that gave me a real nice introduction to indoor lacrosse. But even now, playing with and against Canadian players this weekend, it really opened (my) eyes to the speed of the game. (And) at times it can be more physical than the outdoor game. Your decision making has to really be on point, because you have less room, and less time. It‘s an adjustment for sure.”
Meanwhile, Chase still has his hands full with his day job.
Off season workouts continue, and Spring will arrive soon enough.
Then again, as one who has had to make some difficult squad cuts as a coach, Chase is now waiting to see if he himself has survived the winnowing process.
If so, he’ll be with the Blazers when they open training camp next month.
“I tried my best,“ Chase said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to try out for any team, per se. I’m usually holding tryouts for my own program. I tried to see it from a coach’s perspective. “They’ve got some real tough decisions to make.”