Faces etched with concern, sticks gripped overly tightly, and doubt creeping in. Welcome to the Canadian experience, amid a 4-1 deficit to the underdog Iroquois Nationals.

“Once we got down we were a little tight, and your mind starts to go to some bad places,” admitted veteran Brodie Merrill.

Merrill and his long-stick defense crew proved to be a key part of the rebound effort in a 12-6 come-from-behind victory on Thursday night before a pro-Iroquois crowd of 7,889 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. After surrendering four first-quarter goals: a pair by Lyle Thompson, another by Miles Thompson, and the opening goal by Randy Staats, the Canadian defense did not allow a goal until 15:23 remained in the final quarter.

Read more at LaxMagazine.com | Photo by Scott McCall