By: Rejean Cantlon, South Etobicoke News, Sports

Mimico gained not only a new 6’1″, 190 lb, player with some significant talent, the team welcomed a brother. CJ Kirst, 20,) only joined the team a month ago. In that short period of time Kirst has gained the admiration of team-mates, parents and fans that regularly visit the Drummond Street Bowl to cheer on the local Jr A team on a weekly basis.
Fellow Mountaineer, Ethan Brown, shared that from their first meeting at practice, he knew that CJ wanted to make a difference. “He’s a great player with high energy and he has a team-first attitude,” said Brown.

CJ comes with plenty accolades of his own. He attends Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, where he was a 2023 Tewaaraton Award Finalist (an annual award presented to the most outstanding field lacrosse player in the US, similar to football’s Heisman Trophy) and he was the 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year. Despite the obvious badges of distinction, CJ’s demeanor is that of a humble athlete that understands what it takes to make a difference both on and off the floor.
Finn Thomson, current team-mate and former team-mate of CJ’s older brother, Cole, who captained the Syracuse University lacrosse team said, “CJ is just like his brother. He is the loudest guy in the room and best friend to everyone on the team.”
CJ is one of 5 brothers that are immensely involved in the game of lacrosse at the professional and collegiate levels. Having never played box lacrosse (inside a hockey rink), CJ understands the notable differences between the box and field games. “In box you are in very tight quarters, you have to be tough, use your body more, grip your stick different, and have to find new ways to put the ball in a much smaller net. The art of deception is enhanced in box and you have to trust your team-mates more to find smaller passing lanes. Next to college, this has been a tremendous experience.”
When asked what his first impression of stepping on the floor as a Mountaineer for the first time, CJ did not miss a beat. “It was incredible. From fist-pumps with the young fans to the national anthem, you got a sense of pride and know that this is a special place. The fan support here is great.” He credits a big part of his success here to Head Coach Dean George and Assistant Coach Tanner Thomson, who also played against a brother of CJ in college.
CJ’s pre-game meal and activities include; chicken parm; tape his stick and get some shots up
Post game; peameal sandwich at the Mimico Snack Bar and heading over to the Maple Leaf House for a Great Lakes Mimico Lager
Mimico fans can thank the Dalton family who are billeting CJ during his stay here. Andrew Dalton and fellow local lacrosse player Rory Graham are CJ’s team-mates at Cornell and room-mates in Ithaca where they share a house with another 9 students.