From hockey legends like Gretzky and Tavares to contemporary stars such as Shanahan and Stamkos, NHL players endorse the idea of engaging in lacrosse during the spring to enhance their hockey prowess.
Lacrosse & Hockey
Hockey players can reap numerous benefits from incorporating lacrosse into their athletic pursuits. Here's how lacrosse can be a game-changer for them:
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The variety of lacrosse offers a refreshing change of pace, helping hockey players prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm for both sports.
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Lacrosse's smaller ball and stick foster enhanced hand-eye coordination, a skill transferable to the hockey rink.
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Lacrosse encourages players to keep their heads up and be aware of their surroundings, promoting safer and more effective play in hockey.
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The fast-paced nature of lacrosse reinforces the importance of quickness and agility, valuable traits around the hockey net.
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Shooting at smaller targets and picking corners in lacrosse can sharpen a player's scoring abilities in hockey.
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Lacrosse exposes players to creative techniques like fakes, back passes, and shots, enriching their offensive repertoire in hockey.
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The use of both hands is vital in lacrosse and can help players become more versatile and skilled with their non-dominant hand in hockey.
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Lacrosse requires intricate stick handling skills, which can enhance a hockey player's creativity in maneuvering the puck on the ice.
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Lacrosse's confined playing space encourages creative plays and strategies, making hockey players more adept at navigating tight spots on the ice.
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Lacrosse can improve a player's ability to read offensive plays, allowing them to anticipate and respond effectively in both sports.
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The defensive aspects of lacrosse, such as protecting the goal, can bolster a player's defensive skills and tactics in hockey.
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Playing lacrosse requires physical conditioning, contributing to overall strength and endurance, which is beneficial for hockey.
Lacrosse in Omaha
Youth: Boys ages 4-10; Girls ages 4-14
The Omaha Lacrosse Club (OLC) provides young athletes with a fun and supportive environment to develop their skills, receive quality coaching, and compete in team and tournament play.
Our youngest players (Soft Stick) focus on fundamental lacrosse skills through engaging, play-based activities. This group typically meets on Sundays during the OLC spring season.
Players in the 8U to 14U divisions enjoy weekly games on Sundays, with 1-3 practices per week to sharpen their skills and teamwork.
Youth: Boys ages 11-14
In the Omaha area, several boys' youth lacrosse clubs serve specific geographic regions, with participation based on your residential address and high school affiliation. Players who live outside these club boundaries or choose not to join them become part of the Omaha Lacrosse Club (OLC), which oversees and supports the youth recreational spring season.
All clubs welcome players of all skill levels, making lacrosse accessible to beginners and experienced athletes alike—no prior experience with a lacrosse stick is required to join.
High School: Boys and Girls
Lacrosse in Nebraska is not yet sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association, meaning all high school teams operate as independent clubs. Boys’ lacrosse is governed by Nebraska Lacrosse (NELAX), which also includes teams from outside the state, while the Midwest Girls Lacrosse League (MGLL) oversees the girls' league.
High school club participation is based on a player’s school enrollment. While not every high school has its own team, there are clubs available for players from any school.
No prior lacrosse experience is required—clubs welcome athletes of all skill levels. Many successful high school players didn’t pick up a stick until their freshman year!