s UConn Men's Lacrosse: 2012

Alumni Game Helmet Cam Video Now Online

Friday, December 7, 2012

 This past month the UConn Men's Lacrosse program held their annual alumni game and it was one of the best turnouts in recent memory, with four decades of alumni participating.  After the game alumni, parents, and players gathered for a post game tailgate with an impressive spread thanks to the teams parents association.  Check out the below link for a helmet cam video from the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL-KeblRBHo&feature=youtu.be

This past Monday after practice the UConn Men's Lacrosse Program hosted a national hero at Depot Field. "I think it is important that our student-athletes learn more than just X's and O's" said Head Coach Paul Scordato. "I thought what better way to kick off the Fall Ball Season than by inviting Greg Caron to come and talk to the team."

On November 11th, 2011, while our country was celebrating Veterans Day, USMC Corporal Greg Caron was on his second tour of duty searching for known Taliban compounds in the Southern Marjah area of Afghanistan. Caron's vehicle made contact with an improvised explosive device, and as a result he lost both of his legs below the knee as well as a tip of his finger, received shrapnel to the right side of his body, received a critical wound to the bronchial artery of his right arm and a broken collar bone.

Corporal Caron was evacuated to Camp Dwyer in the Garmsir District of Afghanistan where his situation turned for the worse. He underwent emergency surgery and doctors made attempts to save his right arm. Throughout the night, Caron received multiple units of blood and military doctors stabilized him enough to enable him to be transported to a higher echelon of care at Bagram Airfield Hospital in Afghanistan. Thankfully, the medical team was able to do enough to save his right arm, but Caron still does not have full function of the arm and he cannot grasp anything with his right hand. He spent many months recovering and rehabilitating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Corporal Caron was kind of enough to spend some time with the team this past Monday."I want to run again some day and told each player to take every day as it comes and be thankful for what you have" he stated. "I remember Greg playing soccer at Ellington High School with my son Ryan" Coach Scordato added. "He was a 2 time all state performer and still holds many scoring records"

Since returning from overseas the Ellington, CT native participated in the Boston Marathon's Men's Handcycle Race and finished in 1:58.49, 10th overall. He was one of fourteen wounded servicemen from the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans who competed in the race.

“I wasn’t trying to be top dog. I was just trying to finish, period,” Caron told the team. “My main focus has been on walking. I haven't had that much time to ride a bike.” Today Caron continues his rehabilitation in Connecticut and recently Building Homes for Heroes announced the Caron family as a home recipient. The home will be built in Ellington, Connecticut his home town.

"I personally feel Greg's talk motivated the team and took many of the players by surprise in a good way" Scordato added. "Hopefully they will take all of his messages to heart and assimilate it in their own lives".

UConn Adds Paolini to Coaching Staff

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Second-year men's lacrosse coach Paul Scordato has rounded out the Huskies coaching staff with the addition of Daniel Hand standout Marc Paolini. “Marc really impressed the coaching staff throughout the interview process” said Scordato. “He is very enthusiastic and is ready to step in and take control of our defensive unit. I think he will be an asset to our staff and program”

Paolini was a defensive standout at Daniel Hand High School located in Madison, Connecticut as well as a team captain and three year starter. After high school Coach Paolini went on to coach at his alma mater where he would be named Associate Head Coach. During Paolini's tenure at Daniel Hand the Tigers enjoyed several standout seasons including a 2006 team that went 20-2 and was ranked number two in the state.

“I have always loved the game of Lacrosse and I have always wanted to coach at the college level” said Paolini. Coach Paolini will work primarily with the Huskies defensive unit and will also assist in scouting and practice planning.

UConn Announces Addition to Coaching Staff

Saturday, August 18, 2012

The UConn Men’s Lacrosse program is proud to announce that Henry Peterson has joined the Husky coaching staff as an assistant coach. Peterson, a 2012 UConn graduate, has been an important member of the Men’s Lacrosse program for the last three years.

“Henry did a great job for us last year as a senior midfielder. I think he will be an asset to our coaching staff and program” said second year Head Coach Paul Scordato. “Because he was part of last years successful season and is familiar with our systems and players he can help us continue to grow as a program” Scordato added.


A three year starter at Hall High School in West Hartford, CT Coach Peterson was Team Captain, Team MVP and an All-Conference member. He also participated in the Connecticut Senior All-Star game. “Lacrosse has been a big part of my life since I was in 4th grade” said Peterson. Coach Peterson matriculated at Eastern Connecticut State University where he played lacrosse for a Warriors program that won the Little East Conference and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Peterson transferred to UConn his Sophomore year and instantly "took on a leadership role" according to Scordato. Peterson's primary responsibilities will include assisting in offensive game planning as well as practice preparation and travel coordination.


UConn Men's Lacrosse is proud to announce the team captains for the 2012-2013 season. Midfielder Mike Malara (South Salem, NY), Attackmen Mike Horne (Norwalk, CT), Midfielder Kevin Canavan (Newtown, CT) and Goalie Jon Sherman (Wilton, CT) will lead the Huskies next year and will represent four of the most decorated captains in UConn Lacrosse history.  Next year UConn will look to build upon a 2012 season where the Huskies reached as high as #13 in the nation.

Canavan is a two time PCLL All-Conference member, PCLL Freshman of the year, PCLL Offensive player of the year, MCLA All-American, 2012 Team Offensive MVP and is currently the all time leader in Goals and Points Per Game in team history. Horne, a 2012 PCLL All-Conference member, was second on the team in 2012 with 29 goals and is second in career goals all time in UConn Lacrosse history. Sherman is a 2012 PCLL All-Conference member, 2012 Team Defensive MVP, this past year was third in the PCLL in Goals Against Average with a 5.4 GAA, and allowed double digit goals only once during the Huskies 2012 campaign. Malara will look to build upon a standout junior season in 2012 where he had 25 points and an assists per game average of 1.15.

This past weekend the Huskies took part in the inaugural BeanShot Tournament in Boston.  The event, sponsored by the Boston Cannons and Muscle Milk, pitted four of the best MCLA teams in New England against each other in an exhibition tournament.  UConn would ultimately fall in the first round to New Hampshire, with the Wildcats then losing to Northeastern in the championship game.  Despite the first round loss the team had a great experience and both Muscle Milk and the Cannons put on a first class tournament.  For pictures from the event see the below link:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.403218579728784.114678.131553223561989&type=1

Kevin Canavan has been named an MCLA All-American, and is UConns first player to receive this honor since Defenseman Chris Yarsawich in 2001.  Canavan also received the PCLLs Offensive Player of the Year award. In addition 7 Huskies were named to the PCLL All-Conference team:

1st Team -
Kevin Canavan - Attack
Derek Flynn - Attack
Jon Sherman - Goal

2nd Team
Charles Ogalin - Attack
Dominick Fusco - Defenseman

Honorable Mention
Mike Horne - Attack
Pierce Busby - LSM

Offense Player of the Year - Kevin Canvan

MCLA All-American Team

PCLL All-Conference Team


Back in the early 1980s, Paul Scordato was the head coach at New Haven when the Chargers were a varsity team. He had good success with the program, so much so that he was offered the head job at Division I Vermont. It was at this point that his soon-to-be wife uttered a couple of questions that would change Scordato's life.

What's this coaching thing? Aren't you going to get a real job?

Scordato turned down the Vermont gig and entered the private sector, his wife smiling all the while.
"From that day, I've always regretted it and wondered where I would have wound up if I went there," Scordato said.

Thirty years later, Scordato is taking another stab at the coaching ranks, but this time with University of Connecticut, which operates in the MCLA Division I. It would seem that Scordato hasn't lost any of his coaching acumen, as the Huskies have posted a 9-2 record and are ranked No. 14 in the country.
Scordato was hired in the offseason partly because he had an extensive background in the Xs and Os of the game to maximize the UConn roster that is dripping was talent. What put him over the top was the ideas he had to reconnect the program with the parents, alums and even to the school itself, to some degree.

Full Article

Buffalo Game To Be Held at Sherman Field

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Due to anticipated rainfall tomorrows game vs #8 Buffalo will be held at Sherman Field.  The game time, 1pm, remains the same.   This game has huge implications, not only in the PCLL but nationally as well.  The winning program will take the #1 spot in the PCLL and likely have a top 10 ranking nationally in the MCLA.

UConn Ranked #23 In MCLA National Poll

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

For the first time in six years, the UConn Men's Lacrosse team is nationally ranked. Today the MCLA released their weekly poll, and UConn came in at #23 in the nation. This is the Huskies first

national ranking since 2006 when they hit #25 on the poll, a ranking that also came after a victory over a nationally ranked Northeastern squad. The Huskies will look to continue their winning ways vs. New Hampshire tomorrow, and Boston College on Friday.

Poll: http://mcla.us/polls/

Lax Magazine Poll Recap:
http://laxmagazine.com/college_men/club/2011-12/mcla_poll

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, and Muscle Milk have teamed up to debut a new college lacrosse tradition in New England. Lacrosse programs from Northeastern, Boston University, The University of New Hampshire and The University of Connecticut will face off in the inaugural Muscle Milk “Bean Shot Lacrosse Tournament” on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Harvard Stadium.
The one-day tournament will consist of two semi-final matches and one championship game to decide who has the best club team in New England. The semifinal matches will start at 2 p.m. on the New Stadium Turf Field and the Championship match will start at 5 p.m.

“When I interviewed for the University of Connecticut's Head Lacrosse coaching position I made it very clear to the search committee that I wanted to take the UConn Lacrosse program to another level,” said UConn Head Coach Paul Scordato. “When I was approached and was asked that UConn be a part of the first ever "Bean Shot Tournament" I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Participating in such a great event will add exposure not only to The University of Connecticut but to MCLA lacrosse in general.”

Admission to the “Bean Shot” is free and open to the public and will take place prior to the Cannons vs. Long Island Lizards game. Tickets to the Cannons match-up directly following the “Bean Shot” will be available at a discounted rate for students and alumni. Discounted tickets are $13 for access to the stands (normally $16 face value). Cannons vs. Lizards tickets must be purchased over the phone by calling 617-746-9933 ext: 2613.
The Cannons return to play after winning their first MLL Championship against the Hamilton Nationals last summer. The team looks to continue their reign atop the league as they defend their home turf against long-time rival Lizards who will be making their only trip to Boston.

ABOUT Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSportTM, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum, presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

UConn Men's Lacrosse is proud to announce that April 7th will be the first ever Men's Lacrosse Alumni Day. The Alumni Day will kick off at 4pm with the 'Old Huskies Game' at Depot Field. The Old Huskies Game will pit odd year graduates on one team vs. even year graduates on the other. Following the game an alumni gathering will be held at a to be determined location. At the conclusion of the evening all alumni are invited to support the team as they take on Northeastern in a 7pm match up at Depot Field.

UConn Lacrosse Alumni Day
4pm-5pm - Old Huskies Game
5:15pm-6:45pm - Alumni Gathering (location TBD)
7pm - UConn Men's Lacrosse vs. Northeastern

Alumni interested in participating in the Old Huskies Game are asked to RSVP at the below link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0

Please direct questions to alumni@uconnlacrosse.com

More alumni info: www.uconnlacrosseassociation.com

The New England Lacrosse blog is featuring a multi-part series previewing the UConn Men's Lacrosse 2012 season. Click the below links to read the feature.

Men's Lacrosse Season Preview Part 1 - The New England Lacrosse Blog

Men's Lacrosse Season Preview Part 2 - The New England Lacrosse Blog


John O'Leary Named Assistant Coach

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

John O’Leary has joined the UConn Men's Lacrosse team for 2011-12 after two seasons as offensive coordinator at Bacon Academy. O’Leary was a three-year starter on attack at Saint Anselm College, compiling 92 goals and 127 points in his career placing him fifth all-time.


A standout player, O’Leary led Saint Anselm to their best season on record his junior year when the team went 11-3. The Hawks advanced to their first ever NE-10 Conference Final Four
appearance that same season. He was a two-time NE-10 All-Conference selection and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Saint Anselm along with an MBA in International Business
Development from the University of Hartford.

Upon graduation, O’Leary founded Silver Sound lacrosse along with his brother. Their team
has competed in the Glastonbury Lacrosse tournament as well as the Lake Placid tournament in
recent years. Silver Sounds has won three Glastonbury tournament championships (2005, 2008
and 2009).

He has also served as head coach for the north squad twice in the Nutmeg State Games leading
players from Glastonbury, Newington and West Hartford to the Silver and Bronze medals. In
the summer O’Leary is still active, playing in summer leagues and various tournaments. In 2004
he won the PVLL with the Glastonbury Whalers and still plays with the team every summer.

O’Leary comes from a strong family of lacrosse: his younger brother, Brian, was also a two-time
NE-10 All-Conference selection on attack at Saint Anselm College who remains the all-time
leader in assists with 152 and is second in career points with 210.

O’Leary is an adjunct faculty member at Goodwin College and currently resides in Glastonbury
with his wife Sarah.

Twitter Feed

UConn Lacrosse Videos