LAX's Shields Named to NEILA All-Star Game Roster

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – The New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) is proud to announce the rosters and game information for the 2021 East-West Senior All-Star Game, which will be held Friday, June 4.

Fifty-two players from Divisions I, II and III —including Mitchell College's Jade Shields—will compete in this year's All-Star Game, which will be played at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.

Shields is the first Mitchell player ever selected for the event. The four-year attackman recorded 76 goals and 35 assists for 111 points in 39 career games. In 2021 he led the Mariners in scoring with 34 points on 25 goals and nine assists. Despite having his final two seasons truncated by the pandemic, he finished his career ranked fifth all-time at Mitchell in goals. 

All players and coaches were nominated by the head coaches within the NEILA. Players were then ranked and selected by a committee, awarding seniors from all three NCAA Divisions who played their college career in the New England region. The all-star game is the only one of its kind, a regional showcase that includes players from all three NCAA divisions. 

The annual event is returning to the field for the first time since 2019, as last year's game was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"This is a great opportunity to highlight the college careers of these young men. For many, it is one last time for them to play an organized game against such high competition. It is also a chance to compete with players you may have battled against throughout your college career," said Tim Murphy, head coach of Curry College and coordinator of the East-West All-Star team selection.

The NEILA East-West game also gives assistant coaches from some of the top programs each year the opportunity to take the reins as the coaching staff of each team. 

The coaches are also nominated by the head coaches who are members of the NEILA. It is a great opportunity for assistants to put their flair on the game. 

This year, the West will be coached by Daniel Thomas (Clark), Eric Johnson (Eastern Connecticut State) and Rich Bernasconi (Salve Regina). The East will be head manned by Ben Feintuck (Lasell), Kyle Hayes (Babson), Nick Neugebauer (UNE) and Matt Gilbert (Saint Joseph's).