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By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 7/29/14
Daniel MacDonald scored 19 goals this year as a starting 2017 attackman at North Attleboro (MA), but he knows his future is in the goal.
MacDonald proved his mettle last week when he earned the distinction of winning the Goal Guardian title by claiming the 2017 title and overall top score of 2,177 points in the three-day Goal Guardian National Combine at Spooky Nook in Manheim, PA.
Daniel MacDonald is presented Goal Guardian by Founder Ginny Capicchioni
“I was very surprised to win it, but it’s pretty exciting and winning gives me confidence,” said MacDonald, who played attack this year because a junior was returning in goal and the team needed more offense.
The Guardian National Championship was the first ever “championship style” goalie combine ever offered. The unique Championship Competition is based on a patented “Guardian Method” points system, focusing on measuring the skills and competencies specific to the lacrosse goaltender.
MacDonald and more than 100 other boys and girls were tested in drills in reactionary, offensive, virtual and athletic components resulting in weighted points according to categories. This new index, or Guardian Classification, not only gives NCAA coaches the ability to identify overall competency or skill level but also gives them the ability to match specific strengths and weaknesses of a goaltender to the particular system/defense the coach runs in their collegiate program.
The event was founded by Guardian National Founder, Ginny Capicchioni.
The 2014 Guardian National Championship hosted goalies representing both United States and the Iroquois Nation, and drew over 50 collegiate coaches, making it the largest Goalie showcase in history. The Guardian National Championship was housed in the largest indoor sports facility in the world, and claims to have used the highest level of technology available in amateur sports.
MacDonald, who plays club goalie for Warrior Elite, said this experience was unique.
“The reactionary drills were interesting and challenging,” MacDonald said. “(Normally) you are not able to get those kinds of shots. They would set ups shooters around you in different sections and they would either turn or come around back the net and pass to somebody else to shoot on you. The repetition was good.
“That one I struggled on a little bit. But it made me more aware. They were the quickest and fastest shots I have ever seen. They didn’t hold back.”
The virtual drills forced players to make decisions in a virtual classroom by memorizing tendencies and players’ skills.
“The second part was standing in front of a large screen where you had to talk to the defense and point them in the right direction,” MacDonald said.
MacDonald admits he may have to play attackman again this year since the starter returns as a senior. But he is looking forward to competing in goal.
“Hopefully I can go back next year (to Goal Guardian); I had never been tested so much. It was kind of cool.”
Harrison Levy’s shirt, medal
Harrison Levy, of Clarkstown North (N.Y.) and the Long Island Express, was the 2016 third-place finisher with 1,957 points.
Levy said competitors had a half day to practice the drills and that the instructors were detailed in their teaching. Numerous shooters were adept at their task of giving many reps with softer balls that weighed as much as normal lacrosse balls.
“The instructions were fantastic and they had many shooters at every station; the instructors were telling us exactly what to do,” he said.
“I had the best score in the camp for throwing with 570 points, but I could have done a lot better with the shots.”
Levy was happy with his performance.
“When we did clears, we had standing clears, we did them on the run and we did quick stick clears,” he said. “The final test was a speed test where they shot rapid fire.
“I also liked the reactionary drills. You had to track the pass and shot, saving the ball through screens, with rebounds, and bounce shots.”
Levy is anxious to utilize the skills he learned.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field,” said Levy, who thanked his parents and four brothers and sisters for allowing him the time to compete. “I feel so much quicker, and can’t wait to show my skills.”
Boys Results
2019
1. Matthew Knote – from Team ESM & Eastport-South Manor, NY (1959)
2. Christian Wagner – from Trilogy & Grover Cleveland, NY (1649)
3. Robert Zevzavadjian – from Ramsey Middle School, MN (1557)
3. Gunnar Marks – from Tri State & East Brook. NJ (1487)
2018
1. Christopher Porzelt – from FLG & Cold Spring Harbor, NY (2038)
2. Shahe Katchadurian – from Primetime Lacrosse & John Jay. NY (1942)
3. Walker West – from Long Island Express & Fox Lane, NY (1926)
2017
1. Daniel MacDonald – from NESLL/Warrior Elite & North Attleboro HS, MA (2177)
2. Patrick Moriarty – from STEPS Lacrosse Club & Summit High School, NJ (1950)
3. Frank Genello ‐ from West Caldwell & James Caldwell, NJ (1874)
2016
1. Cillian Donahue – from Fairfield Bucks & St. Joseph HS, NJ (2027)
2. Colin Cowie – from Performance & Bethesda-‐Chevy Chase HS, MD (1974)
3. Harrison Levy – from Long Island Express & Clarkstown North HS, NY (1957)
2015
1. Alex Cramer – from American Revolution & Rocky Hill High School, CT (2083)
2. Logan Hill – from Iroquois Western Door & Niagara Wheatfield, NY (2012)
3. Kerry O’Rourke – from Valor Christian HS, CO (1938)
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