Fay made impact on Canton lacrosse

Whenever a person uses the words “Canton” and “lacrosse” in the same sentence, it’s a good bet that Ed Fay is, or soon will be, part of the discussion.

Like the Powells in Carthage, the Fays — Ed and his brother, John — are synonymous with the high school programs they helped to build.

Ed Fay was an All-American for Canton in 1992, graduating a year later after four seasons as a starter for the Golden Bears. As a senior, he made the Times’ inaugural All-North lacrosse team.

Fay also participated in hockey and football at Canton. He was voted MVP of the state Division II hockey tournament in 1993, when the Golden Bears beat Troy LaSalle, 4-2, in the championship. Fay scored a pair of goals in the title game as Canton claimed its first state crown.

Fay continued his lacrosse career at Duke University, competing in Division I of the NCAA. Fay’s first goal as a Blue Devil came in a 14-9 victory over Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Duke bowed out in the quarterfinals with a 12-11 loss to Syracuse.

Fay was slowed by injuries during his college career, but remained a solid contributor for the Blue Devils, who posted a combined record of 40-20 during his four-year stay.

Duke’s most successful season during that span came in 1997. The Blue Devils finished 12-4, ending their season with a 10-9 loss to Princeton in the national semifinals. Fay was named Duke’s most improved player that year, finishing the season with 13 goals and eight assists. Fay had played as a midfielder throughout high school and during his first three years at Duke before moving to attack.

In 1998, Fay joined the Syracuse Smash of the indoor National Lacrosse League. He stayed with the Smash for three seasons and relocated with the team in 2001 when the franchise became the Ottawa Rebel. A highlight of his time with the Smash was a four-goal, four-assist performance in the 1999 NLL All-Star game.

In 2001, he recorded 7 goals and 14 assists in 11 games for Ottawa before rupturing his Achilles tendon. The injury essentially ended Fay’s career as Ottawa announced his release in 2002.

Also in 2001, Fay was selected by Rochester in the first Major League Lacrosse draft. Rochester picked him up in the 16th round with the 91st overall pick. Fay, though, never played in the outdoor pro league.

Fay, 34, lives in Chicago, where he serves as CEO of Fay Financial, a company he founded. He was engaged to Shirley Hunt of Chicago on April 15.

John Fay also played lacrosse at Duke, suiting up for the Blue Devils from 1995 to 1998.

To read about previous selections to the Times’ list of The North Country’s Greatest Athletes of All Time, log on to www.watertowndailytimes.com