In the fifth of our Interviews with the stars of the NLL, we had the opportunity to speak with the face-off man of the Toronto Rock; Patrick Merrill. Patrick was kind enough to discuss some lacrosse with us and answer some questions.
GM: When and where did you start playing lacrosse?
PM: I started to play lacrosse when I moved to Orangeville from Montreal at the age of 10 years old. My summer sport of choice before moving to Orangeville was soccer. Upon arriving to O’ville I realized pretty quickly from my hockey buddies that it was basically sacrilegious to play anything but lacrosse in the summer. I quickly made the switch and I’ve played during every summer since…
GM: Who would you say was your biggest influence in the game of lacrosse?
PM: My parents were always my biggest influences in my lacrosse career. They are passionate fans and have given me nothing but support, encouragement, and great advice since I first began playing the game. My brother and sister are great athletes and also constantly inspire me become a better player. Living in Orangeville I mainly learned how to play and respect the game from the Sanderson family (specifically Lindsay and Terry).
GM: Your brother Brodie plays in the NLL and Major Series Lacrosse as well. Have you ever played against each other and describe that experience?
PM: Brodie and I have never actually played against each other. I’m sure it will happen some day but I’d far rather be a team mate of his than an opponent. We are great friends off the floor and it would be a truly strange experience for me to be up against him in a game. We are both very fierce competitors and would do anything to win….it would definitely be a battle.
GM: The Rock recently swept Buffalo for your first two wins of the season. Is this the turnaround you’ve hoped for and what do you account the two wins to?
PM: The two wins against Buffalo were a huge emotional boost for our team. We were struggling to find our identity during the first three games and really came together as a team during that tough back-to-back weekend against Buffalo. It took a lot of determination, desire, and discipline for us to get those wins. We now need to take that momentum forward to this weekend against Chicago if we want to challenge for the first and second spot in our division.
GM: Speak for a bit about playing for Glenn Clark, and what he has brought to the team this season?
PM: Clarky brings character, discipline, honesty and focus to our locker room. He was a great leader as a player and is a solid leader as a coach. He has instilled a system that allows each player to thrive in there own specific role on the team. Glenn is a teacher by profession and focuses a lot on instruction and attention to detail.
GM: Who was your lacrosse idol growing up?
PM: As a youngster growing up in Orangeville my idol was always Rusty Kruger. He was the captain of the Junior A Northmen during their Minto Cup run and was a player that I always looked up to. He did it all…He scored goals, fought, and played with an unbelievable amount of desire. When I first broke into the NLL my idols were Pat Coyle and Glenn Clark…They taught me what it truly means to be a professional lacrosse player.
GM: Describe the effect of 15000 fans cheering as you are about to take a face-off to start a game. What goes through your mind?
PM: It’s a very special feeling to play at the ACC in front of so many awesome fans….but to be honest, when I’m focused on my game I don’t even realize that they are there…I don’t even hear the music…it’s just like I’m playing at Tony Rose Memorial Arena in Orangeville again…
GM: Describe to the young kids out there what you do (during the season or in the off season) to be physically prepared to play at the level of the NLL.
PM: To play in the NLL in this day and age you must be in top physical shape. When I am not playing summer lacrosse (to keep my skills sharp) I’m training in the gym with a personal trainer to maintain my strength and fitness levels.
GM: We asked Derek Keenan this same question; given the opportunity would you rather go back to “old style” lacrosse (5 men up, 5 men back) or keep the game the way it is?
PM: Yep, I love the old style 5 on 5 lacrosse. I didn’t start playing the offence/defense style until I began playing senior lacrosse. I feel like the 5 on 5 style demonstrates a players true skill and athleticism
GM: What is the one thing you enjoy most about playing in the NLL?
PM: Playing for the Rock has been an awesome experience. The fans and the excitement is unbelievable…..but I’d have to say that continuing to play the game that I love and making life long friendships is what makes it special for me.
As we do with every guest, we have 5 fun questions for you to answer:
GM: You are “the guy” when it comes to face-offs for the Toronto Rock. Who is the toughest to beat in the NLL at the draw?
PM: Peter Jacobs, hands down….
GM: If Patrick Merrill could play any other sport as a career, which one would it be?
PM: Hockey for the Montreal Canadiens
GM: Do you have a pre-game ritual that some might find interesting?
PM: Too many to explain in detail…I’m weird like that..
GM: If you could change one rule in the NLL it would be……..?
PM: Eliminate the offense/defense style….lets go back to the 5 up and back!
GM: If you could meet and talk with any sports person from the past or present it would be….?
Maurice Richard
GM: Thanks for your time Patrick
PM: Thank You.
1 Comment(s)
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Marksey great questions and super answers provided by Patrick Merrill. I am a Toronto Rock Fan & Season ticket holder for the past several seasons and always enjoyed watching the spirit that Pat brings to the game.
PS – Keep up with the 5 on 5 question. I for one as a fan would like to see players demonstrate skillsets at both ends of the floor. I have a feeling the Lacrosse Rev would agree.
Another great interview and your website with the support of the NLL Players/Coaches is providing terrific reading for the fans compared to the other mainstream sports where the questions and answers are predictable.
Barney