Store Review: Fierce Lacrosse

Location & opening date:

Cattaraugus Indian Territory, May 2010

Distance from Buffalo, NY:

30 miles south/ 45 minutes

The goods: Men's and women's sticks (including mesh, sidewall, etc.), anything equipment-wise (for both field and box), apparel (shirts, shorts [they have pockets!], socks, hoodies, polos, hats).

The biz: Fierce is your one-stop shop for all things lacrosse. Owned by Ryan Jimerson and family, the store's walls are lined with equipment (products from Under Armour, Harrow and Warrior just to name a few) and also has a strong focus on the local lacrosse history. There's either a lacrosse interview or game playing on the TV while you browse and Ryan or someone on staff is always willing to suggest equipment based on your needs and answer questions. Fierce also hits the road and makes appearances at tournaments.

The store thrives on the premise that lacrosse is a gift, and sells products that enhance any playing style. Besides merchandise, there are photos around the store of old school teams, youth and world teams, and a wall about two stories tall that is lined with jerseys.

A lot of the apparel includes a connection to the Seneca culture (shorts that feature some of the clans) and/ or the Haudenosaunee/ Iroquois (use of the Hiawatha Belt). Jimerson educates customers on the culture and the meanings of lacrosse and symbols used- for the Hiawatha Belt, he stresses strength and unity- coming together as a team.

My thoughts: Fierce is the perfect place to stop and grab apparel. It's my go-to for gifts to bring when I travel because it's lacrosse and Iroquois-inspired.

I've also brought friends in and Ryan helped them choose the right equipment. I know next to nothing about men's equipment, so it was great to recommend a place, but greater that Ryan could send them out the door with the proper gear.

Visit www.playfierce.com or "like" Fierce Lacrosse on Facebook!

If you want to check out the store, the address is: 1979 Lenox Rd., Collins, NY 14034