Jeff Teat: Leading the Ottawa Black Bears into a New Era
The Ottawa Black Bears, a new addition to the National Lacrosse League (NLL), are making waves, not just for their exciting inaugural season but also for their star player and newly appointed captain, Jeff Teat. The excitement surrounding the team's first home game is palpable, especially given the presence of such a celebrated figure in the world of lacrosse.
Teat's Lacrosse Journey: From Ball Boy to Captain
Jeff Teat's passion for lacrosse began early. Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, he started playing at the tender age of three. His father, Dan Teat, a professional lacrosse player with over a decade of experience, instilled in him a love for the game from a very young age. “I always grew up around the rink,” Teat reminisces, “My earliest memories of me with a stick was being a ball boy at my dad’s games, loving the game, just being around the rink as much as possible.” This early exposure laid the groundwork for his incredible career. Now 27, Teat's talent is undeniable, a sentiment echoed by his recent accolades. This past week, he was voted the top forward in the NLL by league coaches and general managers; earlier this month, he received the even greater honor of being named the first captain in the franchise's history.
Leading by Example: Teat's Captaincy
Teat's leadership isn't solely about individual brilliance; it's about fostering teamwork and open communication. “I like to lead by example,” he explains. His approach emphasizes building strong relationships with teammates, particularly new ones. He focuses on his own readiness, while also acknowledging the value of veteran leadership within the team. “I think there’s always a time and a place,” Teat notes regarding communication, “If you have a great feel for the team, the locker room, the flow of the game, you know when to speak up. That’s one thing I’m really trying to focus on. We love to have an open line of communication on and off the floor.” This collaborative approach is a key ingredient in his leadership style.
Hometown Hero: Teat's Return to Ontario
This season marks another significant milestone for Teat: his return to professional lacrosse in his home province of Ontario. This proximity to family is invaluable to him. “It’s exciting to be close to home,” he says, highlighting the ability of his family to attend games and cheer him on. “Coming from a big lacrosse family, if they’re not there in person, they’re watching on TV. But if they can get to the game, they’ll be there in person. It’s a great feeling and I think it’s a good start for our franchise having a lot of family and friends come support us.” While he could have easily rooted for the Toronto Rock growing up in the GTA, his loyalty lies with the Black Bears. “My father never played for them,” he explains, “I definitely live closer to Toronto than here, but this is home now.”
Tyler Hendrycks: A Hometown Return for the Toronto Rock
While the Black Bears are excited to welcome Teat home, they’ll be facing a familiar face in the opposing team's colors. Tyler Hendrycks, originally from Stittsville, ON, is a defender for the Toronto Rock. Hendrycks' journey to the NLL began locally, playing for the Nepean Knights Minor Lacrosse Association. He then moved onto playing Junior A lacrosse, ultimately joining the Toronto Rock. His path was not always straightforward, hampered by injuries during his junior years and a bout of appendicitis in 2024. Despite these setbacks, he’s looking forward to playing in his hometown. “I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t feel pretty cool or pretty special,” said Hendrycks, referring to playing in Ottawa. “I have a good amount of my friends from high school coming, and a lot of those guys actually bought season tickets because they were just excited to have some lacrosse around them. I know a lot of my family, and, most importantly, my grandparents are all going to be coming.” The sentiment is shared by many in Ottawa, eager to welcome professional lacrosse back to their city.
A New Chapter: The Ottawa Black Bears' Inaugural Season
The Ottawa Black Bears' move from New York (formerly the Riptide) represents a fresh start. The team enters this inaugural season with high hopes. Teat, with his impressive 131-point season last year, will lead the offensive charge. The team has made significant moves during the off-season bolstering their defense and goaltending positions. These additions include goaltender Zach Higgins and defenders Jacob Dunbar and Nathan Grenon, signaling a commitment to success in their new home. The schedule features several compelling matchups, including a highly anticipated clash against the Buffalo Bandits and a showdown against Coach Ladouceur's former team, the Albany FireWolves. Tickets to the inaugural home opener are available now. Purchase yours today!
The Future is Bright: A New Era of Lacrosse in Ottawa
The inaugural season is more than just a series of games; it is a celebration of lacrosse's return to Ottawa and the beginning of a new era for the sport. The Black Bears have capitalized on the off-season, strengthening the team. They are poised to make their mark, not only in Ottawa, but across the NLL. The journey won’t be easy, but with the talent on their roster and the enthusiasm of their fans, the Black Bears are ready to make their mark. This is just the beginning.
