Chris Madalon, above on the sidelines assistant coaching DHS last spring, backstops his own new mens’ league team, Ernie’s Bar, this summer in the SSLL. (Photo courtesy of Mark Maybell)
LACROSSE
Updated Tuesday, June 26 — Many one-time Wave star lacrosse players might be out of college, but still remain very much in the game.
“A lot of former Darien (boys) lacrosse players are playing in the Sound Shore Lacrosse League, which is based out of Westchester County,” said one of them, goalie Chris Madalon, now an assistant coach with the Wave. “We host more than half of our games at Darien High School.”
Madalon was an All-American with DHS his MVP senior year of 2006, then moved on to play in nets for UNC (Class of 2011).
Still caged, he’s not looking to break out. Except with a new endeavor: an expansion team in the SSLL.
“I just started a new team this year under the sponsorship of Ernie’s Bar,” he said. “Bill Peters started a team under the sponsorship of The Goose, two years ago, I believe.”
And it will be Goose v. Ernie’s Bar 7 p.m. July 2 at Darien High Stadium Field.
“This is the first year of what will turn into a pretty competitive rivalry, and it will feature many former D1 and D3 lacrosse players from Darien and other neighboring towns,” Madalon said. “I’m hoping that we bring attention to this game and draw (a) crowd.”
And why not, in a 24-7, all-season lax type of town?
Added Madalon: “I think it would be a positive thing for the youth of the town, as well as parents who want to see a high level of competitive lacrosse, to come watch this game and hopefully a few more.”
Blue Wave alumni on The Goose Bar and Grill team include: Billy, Jay, Jeff and Kevin Peters, Brandon Buchmayr, Christian Garnett, Brendan Eppley, Corey Eppley, Greg Shaw, Justin Shaw, Jay Robbins, Tyler Foley, John Whelen, Christian Helies, pro league Hall of Famer Jamie Hanford, Mike Gasparino, Frank Maguire and Jeb Holingsworth.
