NDP Lacrosse announced today that the Beach Blast Lacrosse Tournament, held annually in Hammonasset Beach, Connecticut, has been awarded the status of official qualifying tournament of the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions. This marks the first club lacrosse national championship qualifier that is held in New England. 

"We're very excited to partner with tournament directors Mike [Waldvogel] and Ken [Vilar] on the Beach Blast," said Josh Gross, NDP's public relations manager. "They stand for what is truly great about the game of lacrosse. The opportunity to work with them in offering talented New England lacrosse players the chance to qualify for the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions is simply fantastic."

The Beach Blast, which has in past years featured seven-on-seven competition, recently modified its tournament to a full-team, full-field format. Vilar, whose CT Hurricanes finished in fourth place in January's national championship, witnessed first-hand how unique the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions experience can be. That was a driving factor for him in establishing the relationship with NDP.

"We wanted to give the kids in the southern portion of New England the opportunity to take part in [the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions], and be part of something that is very special. I don't think they've been exposed to that yet."

Vilar was also drawn in by the appeal of a truly coast-to-coast event (last year's championship featured teams from 12 states and two Canadian provinces), and thinks that the experience will improve the game on a grand scale.

"The more [teams] get out of their local areas and play in the national championship," said Vilar, "the better they're going to become."

That mindset has been instrumental in NDP's growth since its establishment four years ago.

"We take the 'N' in our company name very seriously," explained Brian Tatum, NDP's Director of Operations. "It stands for national, and thinking big-picture plays a key in every decision we make. I'm eagerly anticipating the Beach Blast, as New England, which boasts some of the nation's best players and club teams, will finally have its place on the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions map."

The Beach Blast Lacrosse Tournament will be held October 25 - 26.