Tigers lacrosse rolling through Maritime competition

The Dalhousie University men’s lacrosse team is in pursuit to reclaim their championship crown that they wore for over a decade. 

The team’s 13-year championship streak ended after the Tigers lost in the championship game to St. Francis Xavier University, 11-5. 

The Tigers have a long history of success in lacrosse. Since joining the league in 2005, the Tigers have won 16 championships, including 13 years of championship parades from 2011 to 2024.

With a 6-3 record, the Tigers are currently second in the league behind the currently undefeated, defending champion StFX squad. 

For Zachary Raymond, the team’s head coach, defence has been the strongest part of the Tigers’ game this season.

“Our defence is incredibly strong, and I can trust them to keep the game close,” says Raymond.

This is Raymond’s first season as head coach for the Tigers. He says the team has to be ready for strong competition, including their newfound rival, StFX.

“We have to go in there and be the guys pushing them around, be the guys who are loud, be the guys who are energetic,” says Raymond. 

“Iron sharpens iron. The better everyone you’re around gets, the better you get as well,” says Ben Eisner, a fourth-year defender for the lacrosse team. “This year needs to be a comeback year for the program.”

Eisner spent part of last season with the Halifax Hurricanes Lacrosse Association. While on the Hurricanes, he recorded 22 points in 11 regular season games and led the team’s defence with nine points in three playoff games. His efforts landed him on the second team All-Stars of the East Coast Junior Lacrosse League.

As a leader, chasing a championship is certainly not easy. Nate Santarpia, a second-year student and captain of the Tigers lacrosse team, says he tries to lead the group by example.

“It’s less about what I’m saying and more about what I’m doing,” says Santarpia. 

Santarpia says the younger guys on Dal’s team stepped up and were ready to play when it mattered and that the goaltending change has made a difference.

“A couple key guys got a year older, a couple put on extra pounds, and added a bit of extra skill over the off-season, and they’ve really made a difference. ” 

Like Eisner, Santarpia has also spent time in the ECJLL for the Wolves Lacrosse Association. 

Last season, he scored 16 regular-season points in 15 games for the Wolves, and seven playoff points in nine games. His efforts rewarded him with recognition as a 1st team All-Star. 

The Tigers travel to Acadia University on Oct. 24, whom they previously defeated 17-0 on Oct. 18, for their last game of the season before entering the playoffs.