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This week on Crease Monsters, we’re diving deep into the drama and energy shaking up the lacrosse world right now.
In this episode:
- NLL Contract Drama: Will the 2025 NLL season actually start on time? We break down the current state of the collective bargaining negotiations and what it means for fans, players, and teams.
- College Transfer Portal: The NCAA transfer scene is heating up — with Maryland, Virginia, and Syracuse stacking rosters and redefining how programs build for championships.
- Tournament Play Reality Check: How goal differential, seeding, and tiebreakers can make or break your weekend — even when you win.
- Gear Spotlight: The Warrior Burn FO head — the ultimate weapon for face-off beasts. We talk asymmetrical rails, recovery tech, and why this head is dominating the draw.
- Pro Player Highlights: CJ Kirst’s record-breaking season and Rob Pannell’s move to the Whipsnakes are rewriting storylines across the league.
🎧 Tune in to get the full breakdown — from CBA chaos to clamp control.
🔥 Play hard, stay humble, and win the draw.
🔥 Play hard, stay humble, and win the draw.
Creators and Guests
What is Crease Monsters?
Lacrosse talk that’s all highlights, hot takes, and hype. Hosted by a Parker Bottcher, Crease Monsters brings you epic highlights, gear reviews, game predictions, and special guests every week. From the latest in lax gear to the plays that have everyone talking, this is your go-to podcast for everything happening in lacrosse.
Follow @CreaseMonsters on Instagram and YouTube, and listen anywhere you get your podcasts.
Crease Monsters — where lacrosse lives.
Hey. I'm Parker Bottcher, and this is Crease Monsters, the podcast where we talk all things lacrosse about epic highlights, year reviews, game predictions, and, of course, some special guests. Whether you're stringing up a new pocket, gearing up for game day, or just chilling between practices, this is your go to spot for all things lacrosse. If you haven't already, hit that follow button wherever you're listening, and let's get into it.
Parker Bottcher:Hey, everyone, and welcome back. The fall lacrosse season is heating up. The NLL is making headlines, and tournaments are already bringing some chaos. The latest NLL contract drama, big transfer moves, shocking college lacrosse, and gear spotlight on the warrior face off head. Let's get into it.
Parker Bottcher:The biggest story in pro lacrosse right now is what we got going on in the NLO. As of early October, the league and players association are still trying to hammer out a deal and things aren't going smoothly. The real talk is if that an agreement doesn't happen soon, could the start of the season could be delayed or even canceled? That might sound extreme, but that has happened before. Few years ago, negotiations went sideways, and the league had to postpone games.
Parker Bottcher:Players lost pay fans, lost games, and momentum took a hit. Nobody wants to see that happen again, especially not fans who've got already bought tickets. And, yeah, I'm one of those Vancouver Warriors. I've gotten my tickets ready to go, and I cannot wait for the first home game of the NLL season. It's supposed to kick off in December, and everything goes to plan, we'll get that to see the Warriors face off at Rogers Arena.
Parker Bottcher:That's my first game day energy. The music, the crowd, the smell of the turf, popcorn, it's unbeatable. So here, hoping that the CBA gets signed soon because missed note on the season would be a huge loss for everyone. Coming up, we will talk about what's happening in the college lacrosse, including some massive transfers. College has been buzzing this month.
Parker Bottcher:Inside Lacrosse has released their new top 25 rankings for 2025. There are some serious movement. Maryland have landed the number one transfer class again, bringing in five major players, including one of the top face off guys from Vermont, who's won over 75% of his draws last season. That's wild. Other programs are making big moves right now.
Parker Bottcher:Virginia, John Hopkins, Syracuse, and other reshuffling around their rosters for another championship run. Some players are transferring, well, close to home, while some others are really trying their systems while they can really shine. It's cool to see how fast the college game is evolving. It's all about fit, not just name recognition anymore. As for me, I've been trying to convince my parents to take me to a college game this season.
Parker Bottcher:There aren't a lot of teams close to Western Canada, so it's tough to sell. I'm working on it. Seeing Notre Dame, Ohio State, or Duke is on my bucket list. So stay tuned if I can make that happen. Crease Monsters had made has made an update.
Parker Bottcher:We have our own website now, uww.creasemonsters.com. Next up, tournament talk. We're breaking down why pool play can make or break your weekend even if you go undefeated. So let's talk about tournaments for a sec. Everyone knows that sometimes the biggest challenge is a weekend tournament.
Parker Bottcher:It isn't even other teams. It's how pools are set up. Last tournament, my team and I went two and o in pool play, and there's a chance we might not make it. The semifinals because we hadn't won by enough. Yeah.
Parker Bottcher:That was real. Such a weird vibe. In the end, it all worked out, but by every goal counts. You can't just win. You've got to win decisively.
Parker Bottcher:Can be a difference between playing for a medal or packing your gear early. Alright. One of my favorite parts of the show, gear talk. Today, we are breaking down the warrior burn face off head. Every face off guy needs to check out this one.
Parker Bottcher:The warrior burn face off head is one of the most popular choices for face off guys right now. It's designed for the grind of the circle. One side of the head is slightly more flexible, which helps when you're clamping down on the ball or when your other side is stiffer to give more control when you're popping it out. It's all about that rail design, which gives players both strength and speed. Because you've got ever lost a face off because your head warped after a battle?
Parker Bottcher:The thing is, it was made to fix that. Burn face off recovery is a special resin that helps the head bounce back to shape after it was twisted, basically, less warping more consistently. If you're screwing it up, I'd recommend going with a mid high pocket. We all know I like arm and mesh. You can still flex when you need it still, but hold your control for passes and quick shots.
Parker Bottcher:Smart, well built head. And if you haven't checked one out, this is your sign. Before we wrap things up, let's talk about a few players making headlines right now. These guys are dominating the highlight reels. First up, CJ Kirst from Cornell.
Parker Bottcher:He had just had one of the best seasons ever. He broke NCAA career goals record with 247. Yeah. That's right. Tied this single season marked with 82 and led Cornell to its first ever national tight titles in decades.
Parker Bottcher:No surprise. He went first overall draft in the NLL draft. That's what what happens when you put in the work every day, back it up every game. And over the PL, there's been some big roster news. Rob Pannell has just signed with the Maryland Whipsnakes, a huge pickup that could totally change how the team plays.
Parker Bottcher:Next season, the PLL off season might be quiet for some fans, but moves like that keep everyone watching. Alright. That's a quick wrap. Before we go, the NLL contract solution is still tense, but we are hoping for good news. College programs are loading up.
Parker Bottcher:Tournament is always play, and the gear in the world, the warrior face off head, continues to lead the pack. Until next time. Keep it clean. Play hard. Hit your drums.
Parker Bottcher:Alright. That's it for this episode. Thanks for hanging out. And if you liked this episode, hit that follow button so you don't miss what's coming out next. You can catch extra clips, review reviews, and more content on Instagram, YouTube, and just search at Crease Monsters.
Parker Bottcher:Until next time, share it, save it, string it up. We are just getting started.