Angus Goodleaf was adamant that he was hungry to play again.
Approximately a year ago when starting for Kahnawake Mohawks in the Presidents Cup, Goodleaf sent shockwaves through the lacrosse community when he suddenly collapsed during action and had to be resuscitated by a defibrillator.
After spending approximately 11 days in hospital and undergoing various tests, Goodleaf went home but despite not being cleared to play, and not playing he was still property this past season for the NLL’s expansion New York Riptide.
It wasn’t until this past February that the 33- year-old NLL veteran heard those magic words that he was officially cleared by his cardiologist to once again strap on the pads and continue his National Lacrosse League career.
Goodleaf, who was originally chosen by the Minnesota Swarm, fourth round in the 2007 NLL Entry Draft, has quite the impressive lacrosse resume which includes among his many achievement, earning back- to- back silver medals with Team Iroquois (2011 and 2015) at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
Meanwhile, Goodleaf, who goes by the nickname Gus, has in his NLL career also played for the Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks where in 2013 and 2014, he helped them win the NLL Champion’s Cup.
After spending last year with the Riptide, Goodleaf, who hasn’t seen action since August 27, 2019, was on the move as he signed on Wednesday, August 12th with the Philadelphia Wings.
“I’m very excited to join the Philadelphia Wings and build on the great season they had last year,” Goodleaf said. “They were the first team to reach out to me. We had to work things out with my doctor and the team doctors after the deal was done. I’m very happy to be back. It was a long winter not being cleared to play, so I’m excited to strap on the pads again.”
Looking ahead to whenever the season begins, Goodleaf will be the back- up goaltender.
“As always you have to be ready for anything and make the most of your opportunities,” Goodleaf said.
For the past year, Goodleaf had the entire lacrosse community rooting for him, and it’s great to . see his excitement of not only being cleared to play, but resuming his NLL career, this time with the Philadelphia Wings. It’s quite an inspiration for people not to give up hope.
