Lyle Thompson provides reasons why he’s playing in Six Nations instead of the PLL this summer
Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm (Photo: Kyle Hess)
In the weeks following the conclusion of Lyle Thompson’s National Lacrosse League season with the Georgia Swarm, the Premier Lacrosse League confirmed that Thompson, who is also one of the field pro league’s marquee players with their Cannons franchise, would be taking a one-year sabbatical for their 2023 season.
Within their announcement came a quote directly from Thompson, who stated, “For me, the game should always be medicine, and it comes with instruction to be played with respect, a clear mind, and enjoyment. I want to follow those instructions and sometimes that requires rest.
“So this summer, I will direct that energy to myself, my family, and my communities.”
As first reported by The Lax Mag last year, PLL contracts would not longer allow players to play in their league while also playing in a non-PLL league like Canada’s amateur-but-really-pro Major Series Lacrosse or the Western Lacrosse Association. In fact, most felt that clause was placed in the new PLL deals specifically to prevent their contracted players from competing in those Senior A box leagues specifically. Thompson had previously played for the MSL’s Six Nations Chiefs. He didn’t last year.
About a week after the PLL’s announcement and Thompson’s statement this past May, the Chiefs posted the below nine-second video of Thompson warming up for their season-opening contest at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations. Lacrosse SM went wild.
Since then, Thompson and the Chiefs have ripped through the early part of their regular season schedule, currently sitting at 5-1 and looking likely to rep the East in the 2023 Mann Cup. Thompson has 25 points in his first six games with the team - a loaded lineup that also features the likes of Austin Staats, Randy Staats, Cody Jamieson, Brendan Bomberry, Shayne Jackson, Ben McIntosh, Brad Kri, Kyle Rubisch, Tyson Bell, Larson Sundown and still so many others.
Earlier today, Thompson shared a three-minute Instagram reel further discussing his reasons for not playing in the PLL this summer, further emphasizing his priorities, which are seemingly all stationed in the community of Six Nations.
The Chiefs play tonight in Brampton against the Excelsiors, who they’ve already pummelled twice this year by one-sided scores of 18-7 & 16-7. Thompson had six points in each of those wins.
Six Nations last won the Mann Cup in 2016 when they beat the Maple Ridge Burrards 4-1 in the title’s best-of-seven series.