To some, the Dirty Lacrosse Club’s visit will be viewed as a fall exhibition game where Canisius College men’s lacrosse alums return for an enjoyable contest against the new crop of college talent. For lacrosse fans—whether it’s Major League Lacrosse or National Lacrosse League—the opportunity on Sept. 29 is equivalent to hockey fans hanging out with Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Ryan Miller and Steven Stamkos.

At 4 p.m. at Demske Sports Complex, the reigning MAAC Champion Canisius College men’s lax team will host the Dirty Lacrosse Club, a traveling squad featuring players from the Iroquois Nationals and Team Canada, two of the favorites in the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12, and an autograph session will be held after the game.

Four former Griffins have joined Dirty Lax, including NLL Rookie of the Year Adam Jones, defender Dan Coates, attacker Kevin Ross and 2012 Griffin graduate Simon Giourmetakis.

In addition to these local connections, Buffalo Bandits fans will recognize names like Cody Jamieson (Rochester), Kevin Crowley (Philadelphia), Stephen Keogh (Rochester), Jordan MacIntosh (Minnesota), Kyle Rubisch (Edmonton) and Andrew Suitor (Minnesota), who also star on the Dirty Lax club.

While last year’s senior-laden team shocked opponents in the MAAC Tournament, head coach Randy Mearns will have his hands full retooling the Griffins this year. The club’s top three scorers have graduated, and much of the burden will be placed on two freshman starters from last year—midfielder Tim Edwards and defender Adam Donner. The experience against such a powerhouse team—in a slightly-relaxed exhibition setting—could accelerate the learning curve for one of Canisius’ men’s sports programs.

Also, the 2012 championship team will be awarded its MAAC Championship rings at some point during the afternoon.

(Header photo courtesy of Stockton Photo, Inc.)