The 2022 World Lacrosse Men’s U21 Championship in Limerick, Ireland, brought together the best young lacrosse talents from across the globe. Over 11 intense days, fans witnessed stunning comebacks, historic achievements, and unforgettable moments that captured the true spirit of the sport.
As teams battled for glory, the tournament not only crowned new champions but also celebrated the growth and international reach of men’s lacrosse.
Championship Final: United States Wins Gold
The United States reaffirmed its dominance in junior lacrosse by clinching the gold medal, defeating Canada in a closely contested final with a score of 12-10.
CJ Kirst led the American offense with an impressive five-goal performance, while Patrick Kavanagh sealed the victory with a decisive late goal.
This triumph marked the USA’s ninth consecutive junior world title, maintaining their perfect record in all editions since 1988. With a flawless 7-0 tournament run, the United States showcased the depth and excellence of its lacrosse program once again.
Medal Glory: Canada and Haudenosaunee
Canada displayed resilience throughout the tournament, pushing the Americans to the limit in the final. Despite the loss, standout performances from players like Graydon Hogg and Owen Hiltz kept the match highly competitive.
Canada added another silver medal to its storied lacrosse history, reflecting both tradition and emerging talent.
In the battle for bronze, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Nationals) claimed third place with a 10-6 win over Australia. Trey Deere’s leadership on offense ensured a strong finish, and the team once again highlighted the powerful connection between Indigenous heritage and the sport’s roots.
Other Standout Performances
While the medal matches drew global attention, many other teams left their mark on the 2022 World Lacrosse Championship with impressive and historic performances. The tournament’s depth and competitive spirit were on full display across all placement games, offering unforgettable moments and rising stars.
- Japan stunned many by finishing fifth after a double-overtime thriller against England, marking their best performance in recent history.
- Jamaica made a remarkable debut, securing ninth place with an emotional win over Israel.
- The Czech Republic pulled off a dramatic overtime victory against Germany to secure 11th place.
These achievements demonstrated that lacrosse is no longer dominated by just a few traditional powers. The 2022 Championship proved that passion, skill, and determination can emerge from all corners of the world, promising an even more exciting future for the global lacrosse community.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
The 2022 Championship in Limerick proved that lacrosse’s future is brighter than ever.
The emergence of new contenders, thrilling finishes, and expanding participation from across continents signal a new era for the sport.
For Ireland and all hosting partners, the successful organization of the tournament left a lasting legacy — strengthening the country’s reputation as a top venue for international sports events and inspiring a new generation of Irish lacrosse players.
As the sport continues to grow, these young athletes will shape the future of lacrosse with their passion, skill, and global spirit.