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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 14, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Former Buzz star Thenhaus plays first professional contest By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF As Brenden Thenhaus stood for the national anthem at the Sears Centre in Chicago, it suddenly hit him. He was a professional lacrosse player. Thenhaus had been practicing with the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League since being drafted in the third round (37th overall) of the league's entry draft last summer. He had been alerted to be ready for action a couple of times by Bandits coach Darris Kilgour, but had yet to play a game. Relatively calm before his NLL debut, it wasn't until the anthem started Sunday that he realized his childhood dream was about to come true. "It's what I've been looking forward to since I picked up a lacrosse stick," said the 20-year-old, who was the top Jr. B scorer in the Ontario Lacrosse Association last season while leading the Oakville Buzz to a Founders Cup title. "I really enjoyed winning the national (Jr. B) championship last year but that was just one step to get here. This was always the ultimate thing for me." While teammates and former Buzz coach Glen Little told him to relax and play his game, Thenhaus couldn't help but feel nervous prior to the game as he suited up with the likes of John Tavares, the league's all-time leading scorer. However, once the game started, he began to feel more comfortable. Ten minutes into the second quarter, Thenhaus teamed with Tavares to set up a goal by Dan Teat that gave Buffalo a 7-2 lead. However, he never got to hear his name announced as the scorekeeper wasn't aware of the name of the rookie wearing number 18. "I got to hear it for the penalty, though." Thenhaus said. That's after Thenhaus made the discovery of one of the differences between junior and professional lacrosse. Left bench too soon "In the OLA, the boxes (for line changes that players can't leave until their teammate leaves the floor) extend a little beyond the bench but (in the NLL) they end right at the bench. I came out and took a couple of steps too soon," he said. Chicago scored on the power play to cut the lead to 7-6 but the Bandits would hold on for a 1211 victory. Line changes aside, Thenhaus said the pro game was much more challenging. "The play moves a lot quicker, the passes are a OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO A PRO: Brenden Thenhaus, pictured celebrating a goal while playing with the Oakville Buzz, suited up in his first National Lacrosse League game last weekend. lot faster and crisper," he said. "The guys are bigger and smarter. They're not just chasing you around the floor. And the goalies aren't too shabby. I had a couple of great shots but couldn't get one by them." Thenhaus said the atmosphere for the game was incredible with more than 5,000 fans screaming and banging on the glass. Among those in the crowd were members of his family, who woke up at 4:30 a.m. to make it to the game. While Thenhaus is not guaranteed a spot in the lineup for the Bandits' next game in Philadelphia, he'll continue to work out with the team until he gets another opportunity. "I'm not at the top of the totem pole," he said. "There are other guys ahead of me who are nursing injuries but I'll take the chances when they come. " KITCHENS BATHROOMS WALL UNITS FREE ESTIMATES OAKVILLE GYMNASTICS CLUB SPRING REGISTRATION ON NOW Spring Term March 17-June 22, 2007 MARCH BREAK CAMPS March 12-16 · Ages 3 & Older Gymnastics, Arts, Crafts and Other Fun Activities "I Love Gymnastics Week" Come Celebrate With Us...Bring a Friend Wednesday, February 21 & Thursday, February 22 ­ 10:45 - 11:30 am Saturday, February 24 & Sunday, February 25 ­ 12:15 - 1:00 pm CUSTOM DESIGNS CUSTOM FINISHES QUALIFIED DESIGNERS NEW MEMBERS ONLY: FREE trIal for the first 15 kids. Call to register. ARTS & CRAFTS GYM MINI CRICKETS Ages 3 - 5 years BIRTHDAY PARTIES AVAILABLE GIRLS & BOYS RECREATION Ages 6+ years TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING Ages 7+ years I LOV GYMNAS E TI WEEK CS Cabinet Concepts 905-632-0029 Unique EXPERIENCED INSTALLERS Doing It Right Since 1976 905-847-7747 www.oakvillegym.com 1415 Third Line (enter at Glen Abbey Gate) 4150 South Service Road, Burlington www.uniquecabinetconcepts.com