Dan Dawson of the Arizona's Sting had a few words recently with PLPA Correspondent Rob Hastings.

In a game with so many young stars, Dan Dawson shines bright. After three seasons under his belt in the NLL and one Mann Cup, Canadian Senior Men's Championship, you would think that the entire lacrosse world would know who Dan Dawson is. The thing is that Dawson plays in Arizona with the Sting, so if you live on the East coast and don't follow the Western teams you might miss him, although how you could miss a 6'5" 200 pound-man is beyond me.

Dan started playing lacrosse in his hometown of Oakville, Ontario, "I started a little later than most", he told me recently. "I didn't start playing until I was in grade 6, Oakville did not have a minor system for a few years, but when they started back up again, my Dad signed me up". Dan credits his first coach, Bruce Donavan, with teaching him the basics of the game. " He was one of the corner stones of getting minor lacrosse started again in Oakville".

Dan spent his junior 'A' career with Brampton. "Ed Comeau taught me a great deal about the game, he's a real student of the game". When Dan's junior career finished, he joined the major Brampton Excelsiors and was part of the 2002 Mann Cup Championship team, "That was the biggest thrill I've ever had", he told me. " To win the Mann Cup right out of junior was incredible."

If you ever get a chance to talk to this young man, you will be amazed at how he conducts himself. That comes from his parents, Joe and Julie. Joe, a member of the Metropolitan Toronto Police department for over 30 years, "He was thinking of retiring, but it's in his blood. He'll go right until he's 65". Dan's Mom, Julie is a nurse manager at Joseph Brant Hospital in nearby Burlington. Dan's not the only lacrosse player either. His younger brother Paul has been a goaltender with the Burlington Chiefs junior 'A' team for the last three seasons, with another two to go before he graduates to the senior ranks.

Dan is really looking forward to the upcoming NLL season and is hopeful about relocation to Arizona this year. "It will be great to get involved with the community." He said."Last year, we just flew in for our games. The only chance we had to get to know people was at the team get-togethers after the games and at the airport waiting for our flights. The fans are great in Arizona and it would be awesome to win a Championship there." Dan enjoyed a break out year last season, recording 74 points in 16 games, although humbly giving credit to others for his success. "Bob Hamley and Bob McMahon really helped me. They gave me the opportunity to play and to play my game. They both are great lacrosse teacher's, and have a real love for the game. I've learned a great deal from both of them."