Team USA defenseman Lee Zink:
On Team USA’s 10-7 win over Team Canada
“We got some goals and kept pushing, pedal to the metal, and got some stops at the end. Overall it’s been a great first game of this tournament.”
On competing for Team USA in his adopted hometown of Denver
“It’s just great. I moved out here 8-9 years ago, having this in my hometown is amazing. Being able to represent Denver and having my family here and also the country is incredible.”
On next steps for the team after its opening win
“I think it’s just all about recovering after these games, getting food in us, recovery tomorrow. It’s a long tournament, this is only game one.”
On how this win ranks compared to other games during his career
“This has been pretty incredible—the emotions going through it, the National Anthem being played, walking on the field during Opening Ceremonies—all of it is incredible. It’s good the first game is finally over, the nerves have kind of settled. We’re ready to go and this team is just getting better.”
Team Canada attackman Zack Greer:
On the opening game against Team USA
“It’s been pretty unbelievable. US Lacrosse has done a great job of getting this thing going here. It’s a beautiful venue in a great sports town—a great lacrosse town. So it’s a privilege to be out here wearing our country’s colors and battling. It was obviously not the outcome we were looking for, but it’s a great privilege for us.”
On preparation for FIL Worlds
“I think the biggest thing is that there’s not a lot of time to prepare. We’re all doing our own thing during the year, so when guys got into town 3-4 days ago, we had to get right at it with two-a-day sessions and get to work at building that chemistry. Getting acclimated to the dorms and the altitude and all that stuff plays a part in it but ultimately we have got to get ready and keep getting better.”
On competing for Canada with six of his Denver Outlaws teammates
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a pleasure to play with these guys during the year and there is a little of that chemistry already there because of that, which is a bonus. We’re just looking to get better as a team and work together as a team. Hopefully things get better and we can see those guys again in the semis or the gold medal match.”
On the loss of John Grant Jr. as a teammate but the addition of him as a Team Canada coach
“No question it would be great to have him on the field with us. He’s an unbelievable player and a great leader. He’s stepped right into that role as a coach for us and accepted that role. You’ve got to tip your cap to him for that of course. A guy that’s been here—it’s his fifth World Games—with that much experience we can really learn a lot from him. We’ve got to take in everything he has to say and hopefully put it to use on the field.”