SFU finish 8th in Final National Ranking

Scores: (Click link for game picturess, write-ups, and stats)
Win SFU 16 Colorado 14
Loss SFU 4 Sonoma State 12
Loss SFU 10 Texas A&M 15

SFU win PNCLL Championship with 1 goal victory

Photos now up!

SFU advance to PNCLL finals with 16 - 4 win over Whitman

Sunday was the last regular season game for the SFU Clansmen. They arrived late for the warm-up and started the game with a luke warm attitude. Washington State looked very well early in the game, but SFU worked hard to pull away from their slow start. The first half ended with a 10-2 SFU lead. The Clansmen redefined their focus and played a solid game in the second half, ending the game with a 25-3 road win. With SFU's examine period starting the following day, they were short 2 players from their usual short bench. This gave everybody extra minutes, with many of the freshman playing a solid game and contributing throughout the game. Sophomore Middie Mark Thompson (5G) continued to find his scoring touch on the road trip, Steve Kojima (3G 2A) had a hat trick and 2 assists, Freshman Patrick Andrews (1G) joined Freshman Big Stick Anthio Yuen (1G) on the scoresheet as they each scored once. Freshman Attack Andrew George (2G) and Freshman Brian Chow (2G) each had two goals, for Chow, they were his first of his career. Freshman Attack Jeremy Kyle (1G) added one. In the last minute, former All American Senior Attack Ricky Clark (10G 1A) set the club's single game goal scoring record off a pass from Steve Kojima on an end to end run. Final score for SFU was 25-3.

SFU made their first regular season visit to Montana on Saturday. The field surface was in relatively good shape even though the weather changed often during the game. Montana has a struggling young program, yet tried hard to compete during the game. For SFU, they were able to get everybody on the field and shared much of the time equally. Senior Attack Ricky Clark (6G 1A) led the team in points, followed by Sophomore Middie Mark Thompson (5G). Steve Kojima (3G) had another solid game at the face-off circle and in ground balls. Freshmen Attack Patrick Andrews (2G) and Andrew George (2G) had good games, as did Daniel Weber (1G) and Ryan Nose (1A). Junior Goalie Matt Johnson had a slow start but came on well with a strong second half. Final score was 20-5 for SFU.

On Friday, March 28th, Simon Fraser University Clansmen hosted the University of California - San Diego to an exhibition game. UCSD were on the end of a long northern road trip. SFU got off to a quick start scoring :38 seconds into the game and established a lead they would never relinquish. They raced off to a 5-0 1st quarter lead and were up 7-2 at half. UCSD looked tired to start the game, but they were extremely intense for the entire match. Surprisingly, as these 2 teams had never met before, there was a heighten level of tension off and on the field. Both benches and several players had to be warned about their conduct as the physical play increased in the second half. UCSD are a big athletic and aggressive team who left all their passion for the game on the field. SFU shared the desire for physical play and matched hit for hit (and apparently, comment for comment.) The three game officials had their hands full, particularly in a chippy 3rd quarter. SFU were called for 8 penalties alone, as UCSD weren't far behind with 6 of their own. The California team opened the scoring in the 3rd, but were outscored 6-2. If anything, the odd man situations seemed to favour SFU as their players made the best of the choppy play. Junior Goalie Matt Johnson made a series of spectacular saves on delayed penalties while SFU's defense kept the California team on the outside most of the night. He seemed to have good vision on the shots and often started the breakout down the field. Former All American Senior Attack Ricky Clark (7G) led SFU offensively, scoring the game's first goal, 1 in the second and then 4 straight in the 3rd. Clark scored his 7th goal 3 minutes into the 4th quarter and sat out most of the rest of the time, coming back in late in the game for the final minutes of his last home appearance of his four year career. Defensively the SFU's Long poles and entire midfield played a solid game, limiting UCSD to few shots from the inside. While the California team certainly had a height advantage during the game, they were often denied shots from close range. Junior Steve Kojima (4G 2A) again showed well on face-offs and ground balls as he was in the middle of the play all night long. Freshman Attack Justin Norbraten (3G) added another hat trick to his first year stats, as he joined Sophomore Middy Mark Thompson (2G 2A) and Freshman Midfielder Jeremy Kyle (1G) on the scoresheet. For the only two seniors on SFU's roster this year,Defender Aiden Ball and Attack Ricky Clark finished their 4 year career unbeaten, at home. For Clark, he quietly passed another milestone for the Burnaby based team. Part way through his junior year, he reached the top in All Time points, passing former teammate and ALL USLIA Attack Jeff Cathrea. Earlier this year, Clark passed both the 200 career goals and with his 6th goal of the game, he reached the 300 career point plateau in an SFU uniform. The Coaching Staff, Team Management and his teammates, past and present, congratulate him on his accomplishment.

SFU's game against UCSD this friday, March 28, has been changed from 8:00 to 6:00, still at Coquitlam Town Centre

Saturday night's home game for the SFU Clansmen was a subtle night of redemption. Many of the players remembered their last game of the 2002 season when Pacific Lutheran University ended SFU's 57 league game unbeaten streak in a thrilling overtime game at PLU. Simon Fraser were a little unorganized with their field preparations. However, they were totally focused on their performance as they had their best first half the season, racing off to a 7-1 1st quarter and a 11-1 1st half lead. For SFU, Freshman Attack Justin Norbraten (4G) had a natural hat trick in the 1st quarter as Freshman Midfield Jeremy Kyle (1G) scored his first goal. They were joined by Freshman Danial Webber (1G) , Sophomore Mark Thompson (2G) and Senior Attack Ricky Clark (4G) as the Clansman had their offense running at top speed. Second period goals were added by Ryan Nose (1G), and Norbraten and Clark. However, after a comfortable lead, penalty problems in the 3rd quarter cost SFU as Seniors Big Stick Aiden Ball and Attack Ricky Clark took multiple penalties. This let PLU back in the game, where they scored 2 in the 3rd and added 4 more in the fourth. For SFU, Middies Mark Thompson added his second, Junior Steve Kojima, who dominated the face-offs and ground balls, chipped in for one and the final SFU goal was scored by Sophomore Longpole Nate Hoskins on an end-to-end rush 12 seconds later. PLU showed good poise and discipline as they executed a solid second half scoring twice in the 3rd and 4 times in the 4th to total 8 goals. They worked hard and played an intense game once they found their legs. Afterwards, both of their coaches mentioned the time it took for PLU to adjust from their timing on grass to the quicker artificial turf. For a team with relatively inexperienced players, they were well coached and well prepared.

Sunday found SFU in Walla Walla to face Whitman College. Every effort should have been made to relocate the field. By all reports, the field was a mud bowl on Saturday's game, and it was worse on Sunday. The incorrect measurements didn't detract from the game as much as the poor footing took everybody off their game. Offensive dodges and defensive slides were almost nonexistent for both teams as players slipped and slid in front of both crease areas. The game was demoted to a plodding pace as solid footing was hard to find. Full credit must be given to the Whitman players as they battled the whole game long. They held a brief lead in the second quarter, after being shutout in the first quarter. Defensively, SFU had a 5 minute letdown to start the second quarter, allowing Whitman 4 of their 6 goals in that time period. For SFU, they re-enforced (again) the fact they don't play well in the mud. Despite the poor footing, the traveling team still had 47 shots at net. Former All American Attack Senior Ricky Clark made his final appearance at Whitman a good one. With his knee heavily braced from ACL surgery, Clark (6G 1A) was able to stand flatfooted on the outside and shoot at the net, scoring on 6 of 8 shots. Junior Midfielder Ryan Nose (1G 1A) showed well in the mud, while Freshman Danial Weber (2G) potted a pair. Junior Middie Steve Kojima (1G) was handicapped by the poor footing, yet still chipped in for one goal late in the game on a quick move, while Sophomore Mark Thompson (1G) and Freshman Attack Justin Norbraten (1G) also found the score sheet. Freshman Brian Chow showed well on the face-offs, often releasing the ball to a charging midfielder.

On Saturday, Simon Fraser University Clansmen faced Gonzaga in a highly touted exhibition game. In spite of all the comments resulting from the earlier league game, the game was low key and very subdued. With there being only one referee at the game, the contest was relatively mild and lacked some intensity on both teams' part. Both coaches appeared to be content to play their full rosters and use the exhibition game to try new wrinkles in their respective offenses and defenses. Cold at game time, it seemed to warm up as the game wore on. The field, while damp, was still in relatively good shape. Junior Matt Johnson, SFU's starting goalie, looked ready to play early and put in a solid effort, as did the entire defense. Head Coach Marc Downey and his assistant, Brent Hoskins, used every opportunity to season their young players, giving everyone time on the field. Senior Attack Ricky Clark led the team in points (3G 3A), while Sophomore midfielder Mark Thompson (4 G) found his scoring touch. Juniors' Steve Kojima (1G 2A) and Ryan Nose (2G), Freshman Patrick Andrews (1G) joined with Freshman Andrew George (1G) who scored his first career goal. In spite of the referee's call, No: 18 Brian Chow didn't make it on the scoresheet this game. Together, SFU's offense had 35 shots on net.

SFU players and alumni will be present Thursday & Friday 5-7 to promote the program, have some year books for sale & provide information for prospective players. They will also be there saturday from 10-4 to operate a radar gun contest to get your shots clocked.

View more info on tournament and teams here

View full list of Nationally ranked teams here

Simon Fraser University rebounded from their first loss of the 2003 season with a 13-10 win over league rivals Oregon Ducks on Sunday. On Friday night, the Ducks completed a thrilling overtime win against a Cal Poly team which had totally dominated the young SFU team a day later. SFU got off to a quick start on Sunday scoring on a series of fast breaks against the flow of the game. Oregon, however, showed good poise and patience as their ball control offense methodically chipped away at the brief SFU lead and finally pulled even in the 4th quarter. SFU however, seemed to rebound from their loss the day before and settle down to focus on playing their game. It was exciting for the fans as the two distinctively different styles on play both shared success on the day. Oregon used a controlled offense to move the ball around on the outside and wait for their best opportunities. SFU, with a smaller bench, scored the bulk of their goals on transition. Senior Ricky Clark led the team in goals (5G), followed by Jr. Steve Kojima (3G) and Freshman Justin Norbraten (3G) who had a natural hat trick in the 4th. Sophomore Mark Thompson had 2 goals and 2 assists. Defensively, the team very sound in the 4th quarter and Junior goalie Matt Johnson made several big saves to solidify the league win.

Simon Fraser University lost their first game of their 2003 season on Saturday, March 1st against the ranked Cal Poly. The California based team, who made a 3 game swing to the University of Oregon for 3 PNCLL exhibition games, were coming off a thrilling overtime loss Friday night to the Oregon Ducks and started Saturday's game with a vengeance. They raced off to a 5-0 lead and never looked back. The young SFU team looked nervous and tentative throughout the game, trailing 13-5 at half. Simon Fraser made a brief challenge in the 3rd quarter, outscoring their opposition 5-2. Cal Poly came out and completely dominated the final quarter to post a 23-11 win. This is the most goals ever surrendered by an SFU team since their conception. Full credit must go the Cal Poly for their superb game plan. They executed very well. For SFU, Junior Steve Kojima led the team in goals and points (3G 1A). Junior Goalie Matt Johnson (1A) put his first career point in the record books with a long pass from the crease that was one-timed into an apparent empty net by Senior Attack Ricky Clark (2G 1A), who beat their defender and goalie in a scramble for the airborne pass. Freshmen Justin Norbraten (1G 1A), Danial Weber (1G 1A) and Patrick Andrews (1G) joined juniors Ryan Nose (1G), Jason Cahill (1G) and sophomores Mark Thompson (1G) and Chris Bobrownik (1A) on the scoresheet.

On February 8, the SFU Field lacrosse team had their home opener at the Town Centre Field in Coquitlam, against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Gonzaga, 8-0 in Fall Ball and 2-0 in league play, were a polished opposition who were ready to maintain their unblemished record. The Clan, however, came out strong, notching a 6-1 lead after 1 and a 13 -8 lead at half time.

A 3-minute non-releasable penalty for illegal equipment and multiple unsportsmanlike penalties put SFU back on their heels. Gonzaga played a more solid game in the third quarter, keeping it a close 4-2 quarter for the Clansmen. Their previous game experience showed as Gonzaga's man up made SFU pay for untimely penalties and defensive lapses. The Burnaby Mountain team, with it's largest ever freshman class, struggled through the third quarter in particular, and showed typical first game mistakes. Over the game, SFU took a total for 20 minutes in penalties compared to 5 minutes for their opposition. The 4th quarter was much more contained as the Bulldogs still outscored the home team 4-2, but could not overcome their slow start. There were some bright sides to the 19 goal output: Junior Midfielder Steve Kojima led the team in goals and points (5G 1A), Freshmen Justin Norbraten (3G) and Daniel Weber (3G) showed well. Sophomore Mark Thompson (3G), a powerful left-handed middie, continued his strong performance to pick up where he left off last year. Freshman Patrick Andrews (1G) chipped in with his first career goal and team president Ryan Nose added an assist.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the early return of Former All-American Senior Attack Ricky Clark. Clark (4G), who had reconstructive knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, was expected to miss the first few league games. Playing in a more re-stricted role, he was the only senior in SFU's young line up for their season opener. Limited in his mobility and facing excellent man coverage, Clark's goals came primarily from loose balls and rebounds near the crease.

Simon Fraser now look forward to a tough weekend with two games in two days. The Clan face Oregon State University this Saturday 1:00pm at Coquitlam Town Centre and meet the 2002 PNCLL Champions Unviersity of Washington on Sunday 12 noon at Coquitlam Town Centre. Directions can be found by clicknig on the map link on the top right of this page. See you there!

Congratulations to Clansmen Ricky Clark and Steve Kojima in being selected in the 2003 Western Lacrosse Association draft. Steve was drafted 18th overall by the North Shore Thunder and Ricky was drafted 23rd overall by the 2001 Mann Cup Champion Coquitlam Adanacs. Congratulations also to former Clansmen Curtis Hodgson who was selected 4th overall by the Burnaby Lakers. We wish all three the best in their rookie campaigns in British Columbia's premier box lacrosse league, the WLA, this summer.