Player Spotlight | Bowen Carpenter

Far too often junior lacrosse focuses on players who find "success" south of the boarder in collegiate lacrosse, while ignoring player's accomplishments in Canada and outside of the game. 

The Canadian Lacrosse League (CLL) is dedicated to recognizing all of the various achievements our players have while utilizing lacrosse as a vehicle for personal growth. 

Bowen Carpenter is working towards his crane apprenticeship in Alberta while successfully balancing junior lacrosse. Bowen is now four months into his apprenticeship with Mammoet Canada Western Ltd; Mammoet is a crane and transport company that operates world wide.

[PHOTO: Bowen in posing in front of his crane on site.]

When asked why he chose the profession he did, Bowen explained "I wanted to become a crane operator because I’ve always admired how massive jobs are done - and how heavy you can lift with [these] machines." He also added with a smile "and because it’s a big version of toys I had as a kid" - reinforcing the cliche that men are always kids at heart.

It should not be ignored that junior player who choose to jump into a professional career immediately out of high school are quickly adjusted to a work-life balance similar to payers in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). "Lacrosse is a big part of my life. I intent to pursue playing professionally and will adjust my career hours and journey as I continue to play." Bowen added.

[PHOTO: Bowen and U18 teammate Ashton Spanos at the end of the 2023 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship Gold Medal Game]

No stranger to trials and tribulations, Bowen first joined the CLL in at the 2023 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship in Utica, NY where Canada fell to the United States in a thrilling overtime Gold Medal Game. 

While lacrosse can throw emotional ups-and-downs at players, Bowen finds comfort in his professional career "things get crazy, my favourite part of my job is the different cranes you can use everyday - I really enjoy it."

[PHOTO: Bowen operating his heavy crane on the job site.]

Bowen continues to do what is necessary to play the game he loves, adjusting his schedule, taking on extra hours, all in an effort to be able to get away for extended periods of time. 

Bowen is back with the CLL, this time as part of the Canada Development Team (CANDT) competing at the 2025 IIJL Commonwealth Cup in Altona, Victoria minutes outside the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia. 

Games start today (Saturday February 15th in Australia with the time difference) at 7:00 PM local time with Canada taking on the Melbourne Storm. All games can be watched live on the Victoria Box Lacrosse YouTube page (click here) and will be added to the CLL YouTube page following the completion of the game.