Canada’s men's box lacrosse team claimed their sixth world championship on Sunday with a 13-7 win over the United States in Utica, New York. The news was shared by Lacrosse Canada via Instagram.
In a thrilling day for box lacrosse, Canada and the U.S. split victories in the World Championships, with Canada clinching their sixth men’s title while the U.S. took home the inaugural women’s gold. The men's team secured a 13-7 win over the Americans, maintaining their dominance in the sport since 2003. Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s team triumphed in a 10-7 victory over Canada to claim the first-ever women's gold in the tournament.
Canada’s Jeff Teat was a standout performer in the men’s final, netting three goals and four assists. Dhane Smith contributed two goals and six assists, adding to the team's strong offence. Shayne Jackson also made a significant impact, scoring three goals, while Josh Byrne chipped in with two goals and one assist. Wesley Berg, Robert Church, and Zach Currier rounded out the scoring. Goaltender Christian Del Bianco was a defensive powerhouse, making 51 saves to hold off the Americans.
On the U.S. side, Joe Resetarits led the offence with three goals and two assists, but despite his efforts, the Americans couldn’t match Canada’s performance. C.J. Kirst, Mac O'Keefe, Blaze Riorden, and Joey Spallina also scored for the U.S. Gowah Abrams started in net for the Americans but was replaced by Drew Hutchison after allowing 10 goals on 42 shots. Hutchison conceded three more goals after facing eight shots.
The women's final was equally intense. The U.S. came back from a 4-3 deficit in the final quarter to score seven goals, overpowering Canada in a 10-7 victory. Livy Rosenzweig led the charge for the Americans, scoring three goals in the fourth quarter alone and adding an assist, making her the top scorer with five points. Erica Evans was Canada's standout, registering a goal and four assists. Other Canadian scorers included Dacia Cordingley, Dana Dobbie, Megan Kinna, Harlow Steele, Brooklyn Walker-Welch, and Katie de Snoo. Canadian goalkeeper Kayla Kondo made an impressive 35 saves, but the U.S. offence proved too strong.
For the U.S. women, Erin Bakes scored twice and had an assist, while Ally Kennedy also netted two goals. Riley Ewing, Ally Mastroianni, and Charlotte North contributed to the U.S. victory. Ingrid Boyum defended the U.S. goal with 41 saves, helping secure their win.
Box lacrosse is set to return to the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles, after previous appearances in the early 1900s. Both teams will have their eyes on Olympic gold in the years ahead.
