SUMMER 2009 | $4.95

High school taking off in

THE PASSION Katie Guy, Lady Knights alumni, and current member of Team LIVES ON How lacrosse helped past, current and future NHL stars

Laurier Golden Hawks and Lady Blue Knights driven by tradition, teamwork & winning CPM Agreement #40752539 www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com

Summer 2009 • Volume 1 • Issue 3 // CONTENTS

St. Peter's Secondary School (Peterborough), 2009 OFSAA AAA/AAAA Champions FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 8 Photo: Graig Abel Photography SCHOOL’S IN NEWS & NOTES 16 Ontario high school lacrosse growing 4 Team Canada Wins Bronze • NCAA Game by leaps and bounds Sets Attendance Record • Roughnecks Win NLL Title • OMFLL Recap THE UNDENIABLE LINK BAGGATAWAY 20 From Joe Nieuwendyk to Dave Bolland 10 A stroll down memory lane to , hockey and lacrosse continue to enjoy a deep connection RULE BOOK 12 Line Changes & Illegal Checks A BLUEPRINT TO FOLLOW 22 Through tradition, dedication and NATIONALS REPORT teamwork, the Lady Blue Knights and 14 Major Lacrosse League’s newest team Laurier Golden Hawks are putting 20 is holding its own women’s lacrosse on the map 19 LACROSSE ART FORWARD THINKING Talking to the kids behind the masks 24 In Stayner, Whitby and Sudbury, EQUIPMENT BAG developing programs for a younger 28 Helmets generation has attracted a new crop of lacrosse players and enthusiasts

HEY REF! ON THE COVER 26 Time has come to let the referees have Katie Guy, Team Canada their say Photo: Pellerins Photography www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 3 NEWS & NOTES

Ontario Lacrosse magazine is the primary source of information for Ontario lacrosse TEAM CANADA WINS BRONZE players, parents, coaches and officials. After a slow start at the Published quarterly (Winter, Spring, 2009 Federation of In- Summer, Fall), Ontario Lacrosse is mailed directly to more than 10,000 members of the ternational Lacrosse Ontario Lacrosse Association. Our readers (FIL) Women’s World turn to the magazine for the latest lacrosse Cup, Canada de- news, products, trends, insights and expert feated England 14-9 to opinion. All editorial submissions and article queries should be sent to Paul Grossinger, capture the bronze editor: [email protected]. medal. Held in Prague, Czech Republic from The views expressed by the authors June 18 to 27, the 16- are not necessarily those of the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) or team tournament was KAP Publishing Ltd. All editorial the largest in the history submissions are subject to editing. All of World Cup play. rights reserved. Contents may not be After losses to Aus- reprinted without written permission of the OLA and KAP Publishing. tralia (16-11) and U.S.A. (11-4), Canada defeated England (10-9), Japan (23-12) PUBLISHER and Wales (10-6 in quarterfinals) before a close semi- Ontario Lacrosse Association final loss to Australia (12-10). 3 Concorde Gate, Suite 306 , ON M3C 3N7 Dana Dobbie (18 goals, 3 assists), Amanda Friend T: 416-426-7066; F: 416-426-7382 (12g, 7a), Crysti Foote (12g, 7a), Brooke McKenzie (12g, 5a) and Abbey Friend (10g, 1a) led Team Canada Published in partnership with: in scoring. KAP Publishing Ltd. Team Canada members from Ontario included: 1054 Centre Street, Suite 199 Thornhill, ON L4J 8E5 Jessica Brownridge (Whitby), Alana Chan T: 905-370-0736; F: 905-747-0409 (Omemee), Christine Comeau (Whitby), Dana Dobbie [email protected] (Fergus), Kalley Greer (Whitby), Katie Guy www.kappublishing.com (Whitby), Lindsey Hart (Vineland), Tami Rayner (Os- EDITOR hawa) and Kylee White (London). Paul Grossinger Similar to past tournaments, U.S.A. and Aus-

[email protected] tralia met in the finals with the Americans defeat- Photography Photos: Pellerins ing the defending champions 8-7 to take home the gold medal. ART DIRECTOR For complete tournament results, visit: www.lacrosseworldcup2009.com  Mark Tzerelshtein [email protected] OLA JUNIOR 'A' TITANS MEET IN MID-SEASON SHOWDOWN ADVERTISING SALES In an OLA Junior “A” mid-season battle of the top two teams in league standings, the Orangeville REPRESENTATIVE Northmen, powered by the outstanding goaltending Dave Douglas of Nick Rose, defeated the 13-10 CONTRIBUTORS in Orangeville in front of 1,100 fans. Four consecu- Paul Grossinger tive, third-period goals by Adam Jones of Or- Nicole Kallmeyer angeville wasn’t even the featured performance of Roger Lajoie the contest as the highlight of the night was the Paul Whiteside dominating face-off skills of the Chiefs’ Jordan Melissa Yollick McIntosh (pictured). Canadian Publications Mail #40752539 Nine days later in the rematch at Central Arena in Burlington, the Chiefs outscored Orangeville 8-2 in Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: the first period and cruised to a 15-9 victory. For KAP Publishing Ltd. Burlington, Cameron Watts made 46 saves and Circulation Department Kevin Brownell (3g,4a), Kiel Matisz (1g,4a) and Matt 1054 Centre Street, Suite 199 Hicks (4g) led the way offensively. Far more impor- Thornhill, ON L4J 8E5 tant for the Chiefs’ playoff prospects was a loud Printed in Canada home crowd of fans genuinely interested in a cham- pionship chase likely to include the Northmen, the Brampton Excelsiors and the .  Photo: Mike Malone Photo: Mike

4 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 NEWS & NOTES

JAMIESON SCORES OF HIS LIFE (43) of Six Nations celebrates his game- winning overtime goal to capture the 2009 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship at in , Ma. Played on May 25, Syracuse defeated Cornell 10-9 to finish 16-2 on the season, and take home back-to- back national titles. In victory, the Orangemen set a team record of 10 NCAA championships (since 1971). Cornell had taken a 9-6 lead in the game with 5:31 to play before Syracuse embarked on one of the most memorable comebacks in NCAA history. Three consecutive Syracuse goals by Toronto-native Stephen Keough, Jamieson and Kenny Nims (with four seconds remaining) forced the game into overtime. 

NCAA GAME SETS ATTENDANCE RECORD SANDERSON & CODD DRIVE TO NLL TITLE On April 25, in front of a NCAA men’s lacrosse In front of 13,042 hometown fans at the Pengrowth Saddle- regular-season record crowd of 30,192 in dome, the captured the National Columbus, Ohio, the University of Notre Dame Lacrosse League (NLL) Champions Cup by defeating the New beat Ohio State 14-8 to finish as the only un- York Titans, 12-10, on May 15. The victory was the second defeated team in U.S. college lacrosse with a league title in Roughnecks franchise history. Josh Sanderson record of 13-0. The lacrosse game, promoted was named the Reebok Championship Game MVP. as Showdown in the Shoe, preceded the Ohio Orangeville-native Bruce Codd had a two-goal performance for Calgary and remembers the night. State Buckeyes spring football game. “What a feeling it was winning the Champions Cup!” he says. “There is nothing better than On the field for the lacrosse Buckeyes that celebrating a championship on your home turf in front of your fans. The game itself was a afternoon was Brock Sorensen, a 2006 Minto classic as it was a clash of two very different styles and had a little bit of everything: a goal from Cup champion and captain of Team Canada’s centre (Calgary’s Kaleb Toth), between the legs (Titan's Casey Powell) and big saves (by U19 squad in 2008. winning goalie Matt King). It truly was a spectacle for our game.” 

A two-time athlete-of-the-year at Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough, Sorensen re- flected on the experience: “The Showdown in the Shoe was very special to our entire pro- gram. The atmosphere the crowd creates in Ohio Stadium is breathtaking. For me person- ally, I don’t think it truly registered that we played in front of that many people in a spec- tacular venue until weeks later. It was a great experience and our team is looking forward to the same contest next year. With this many people watching in the State of Ohio, it does a lot for the game of lacrosse.”  www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 5 NEWS & NOTES

FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO GROW The Ontario Lacrosse Festival returns July 31 to August 9 with expanded facilities, program and status that now ranks it as the second largest annual youth sport event in the province. With the 2009 event approaching 6,800 athletes and coaches, the Festival is larger than all On- tario youth sporting events except the Bell Capital Cup hockey tournament in Ottawa. The economic impact of the event is now estimated at $5.1 million. This summer the Festival welcomes four new events as part of its 10-day celebration of the game: the Girls Bantam Lacrosse Championship of Canada, the U19 Girls Provincials, the OLA Ban- tam Provincials, and the OLA Midget Provincials. In total, the Festival hosts 12 separate national and provincial championships in both box and field lacrosse. To accommodate the expanded size of the event, the Festival now includes the use of additional facilities in the City of . Children’s Arena, Harman Park Arena and the Donevan Recreation Complex join the stable of existing facilities (Iroquois Park Sports Centre, McKinney, Vipond and Legends Centre) to host approximately 400 teams this year. Opening ceremonies of the Festival are scheduled for August 2 at 4:00 pm on Pad 1 at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby. Rogers Tel- evision returns to broadcast the championship games of the three national tournaments on Saturday, August 8 from the same location, where organizers expect a sold out facility for the sixth consecutive year. Lacrosse Inside the Game personalities Gary Marks (play-by-play) and Ron Messer (game insights/analysis) will be featured on the Rogers broadcasts. 

6 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 NEWS & NOTES

NEW EQUIPMENT POLICY RELEASED BIG GOALS IN BIG GAMES New for the 2009 OLA Provincial Champi- Lacrosse is a game filled with goals — goals that help teams play catch-up, goals that change mo- onships is the implementation of a policy mentum, goals that provide hope and goals that pad leads. designed to improve goodwill between Goals can inspire and impress. Some goals are earned, while others are luck. Some goals are of competing coaches and teams, reduce po- the highlight variety and some are game winners at tournament championship games. Here is just tential tensions in arenas and eliminate a sample of recent big goals that have been celebrated. ambiguity over illegal protective equip- ment, which may be used during games. PLAYER DIVISION TEAMS SCORE TOURNAMENT Bryan Cole Midget A Oakville defeats Oshawa 1 5-4 OMFLL Final Andrew Kelly Midget C West Durham defeats Mississauga 6-5 OMFLL Final Josh Glimes Novice A Mimico defeats Clarington 5-4 OMFLL Final Austin Hasen Novice B Brampton defeats Centre Wellington 5-4 OMFLL Final Patrick Vulgan Novice C Oakville defeats West Durham 6-5 OMFLL Final Ryan Hunt PeeWee A Beaches defeats Oakville 5-4 OMFLL Final Shane Ruddy Midget B Hamilton defeats Guelph 8-7 OMFLL Final Nicholas Karam Bantam A Oshawa 1 defeats Clarington 1 9-8 OMFLL Final Christopher Cloutier Bantam B Kitchener defeats Newmarket 9-8 OMFLL Final Jake McNabb Peewee B/C Owen Sound defeats Whitby 5-4 Innisfil

Under the policy, protective equipment Nicholas Chaykowsky Bantam B/C Newmarket defeats Caledon 4-3 Innisfil worn by players/goaltenders falls into one Matt Henderson Peewee D Burlington 2 defeats Cambridge 4-3 Six Nations of three defined situations with different Dustin Birkhof Tyke A Peterborough defeats Clarington 5-4 Peterborough prescribed consequences. The primary purpose of the policy is to differentiate be- Joshua Medeiros Peewee A Brampton defeats Whitby 5-4 Brampton tween those players/goaltenders using Shane Halliwell Tyke C Cambridge defeats Milton 6-5 Milton approved legal equipment that may be Jackson Topo Peewee C Mississauga 2 defeats Brantford 6-5 Milton worn or installed incorrectly and those who choose to wear unapproved illegal Johnny Powless Midget A/B Six Nations defeats Akwesasne 8-7 St. Catharines equipment. Chase Kavanaugh Peewee B Windsor defeats Sarnia 4-3 Guelph In cases of players/goaltenders using Nathan Bolger Novice B/C Elora defeats Windsor 6-5 Guelph approved legal equipment, which may be worn or installed incorrectly, the Zack Herrreweyers Midget B/C London defeats Sarnia 5-4 Guelph player/goaltender is simply ruled ineligi- Troy Peters Intermediate A/B Kitchener defeats Burlington 4-3 Guelph ble to participate until the equipment prob- Nashton Lawrence Peewee C Kahnawake defeats Whitby 4 5-4 Kingston lem can be corrected. In these situations, time penalties will not be assessed. With Garen Brant-Foster Peewee D Kingston defeats Nepean 4-3 Kingston the equipment problem corrected, the Zack Cameron Novice C/D Fergus defeats Toronto Stars 11-10 Stayner player/goaltender is ruled eligible to re- Robbie Stovel Peewee C/D Fergus defeats Arthur 5-4 Stayner enter the game. Under no circumstances will a game be delayed for protective Cody Farrows Tyke C/D Shelburne defeats Cambridge 7-6 Arthur equipment corrections or adjustments. Robbie Stovel Peewee C/D Fergus defeats Orangeville 2 6-5 Arthur Lacrosse sticks (players/goaltenders) Jacob Giacobbi Tyke B/C Nepean defeats Cornwall 5-4 Cornwall are not considered protective equipment and are therefore not included under this Cortlon Skidders Peewee B/C Cornwall defeats Huntsville 4-3 Cornwall policy. Existing playing rules covering the Brine Rice Bantam B/C Kahnawake defeats Montreal 7-6 Cornwall apply. The OLA Illegal Protective Equipment Levi Anderson Novice A/B Six Nations defeats Whitby 3-2 Owen Sound Enforcement Policy can be found on the Dean Ferris Midget A/B Elora defeats Barrie 4-3 Owen Sound Ontario Lacrosse Festival web site Kole Scott Novice B/C Orillia defeats Brampton 9-8 West Durham (www.ontariolacrossefestival.com) under Playing Rules Advisory.  Tyler Antram Bantam B/C Whitby 2 defeats Brampton 5-4 West Durham www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 7 NEWS & NOTES // OMFLL Championships

DIVISION GOLD SILVER BRONZE Novice A Oshawa Oakville Mimico Hail to the Novice B Caledon Orilla Brampton Novice C Beaches Oakville Oakville Peewee A Oshawa Brampton Beaches CHAMPIONS Peewee B Oshawa Peterborough Windsor Peewee C Centre Wellington Kitchener London n May 22-24, the Ontario Minor Field Lacrosse League held its provincial Bantam A Oshawa Clarington Oakville O championships in Brampton. Here is a rundown of the gold, silver and bronze Bantam B Peterborough Mimico Kitchener medal winners in every division. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, Bantam C Hamilton Orangeville Oshawa host (Brampton Minor Lacrosse Association) and volunteers who make this annual Midget A Halton Hills Peterborough Oakville championship a great event.  Midget B Clarington London Hamilton Midget C West Durham Mississauga Kitchener Photos: Pellerins Photography Photos: Pellerins

8 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 OMFLL Championships // NEWS & NOTES

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 9 BAGGATAWAY // By Paul Whiteside 50 YEARS AND COUNTING

IT’S BEEN A HALF A CENTURY SINCE THE BRAMPTON EXCELSIORS WON THE MINTO CUP, BUT WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT BEING HELD IN ITS OWN BACK YARD THIS YEAR, IT IS TIME TO LOOK BACK AT SOME MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN JUNIOR ‘A’ LACROSSE HISTORY

half-century is a nize round-robin tourna- A long time to wait ments, which are cur- for anything. Yet rently in fashion again. this is how long it has been To make matters since the Minto Cup was last worse, OLA clubs have held in Brampton, Ont. It dominated Minto Cups was also the last time the played in Ontario as Excelsiors hoisted the in 1977 and a championship trophy. B.C. all-star team in Back in 1959, the Excel- 1949 are the only two siors were known as the western clubs to win the Armstrongs (aka, the Minto Cup in the east. A.B.C.s). Since then The norm for OLA fans Brampton has had the is Orangeville’s Minto ex- misfortune to always perience. The Northmen win the OLA title dur- played host in 1993 and ing years — 1962, 1976 1995 and won all eight and 1994 — the Minto between the two games played between the two events. I at- Cup championship franchises is strik- tended seven of those games and it was the was held in British Co- ing. While Brampton kind of miserable defensive dominance I had lumbia. has endured a half- grown accustomed to seeing Peterborough The 1994 final pit- century of near play in the 1980s. If there’s such a thing as ting Brampton and misses, but mostly lacrosse terrorism this was it! Frankly, the the losing seasons, the only memorable moment of those two finals Salmonbellies was a Northmen have en- was the unfortunate Game 3 brawl in 1995 classic showdown joyed endless suc- with a coach being sucker punched, fans in- between two clubs cess since joining the vading the floor and police officers called in to with great lacrosse Junior ‘A’ ranks in restore the peace. traditions, as well as 1991. Twenty years As for my favourite moments at the Minto the two teams with ago the idea of the Cup, Game 3 of the 1997 final stands out. To the longest champi- small town of Or- be precise, it was prior to the actual contest. In onship droughts. angeville winning the my clipboard I was carrying my 1977 Minto (New Westminster Minto would have program, waiting for a chance to meet Jack had previously won in been unthinkable Crosby and have him sign it. Crosby was the 1960.) After seven to many lacrosse general manager of Burnaby in 1977 when the hard fought games, aficionados. team came from two games down to defeat the Salmonbellies re- Whitby. Twenty years later, Crosby was still turned to the Promised Land, while Bramp- MEMORABLE MOMENTS running Burnaby and they were up 2-0 on ton fans have remained in the wilderness — A tricky task for any Ontario lacrosse fan is to Whitby and looking good. He was quite happy 50 years and counting. remember the greatest moments in Minto Cup to sign my little program, a yellow sheet of For Brampton, the other bitter pill to swallow history. Looking back, half the finals were paper folded in half. I had the nerve to point is the fact that a short distance up Highway 10 re- played out West, which leaves many people out to him how his boys had lost the first two sides its arch nemesis: the Orangeville North- without immediate access to half of the cham- games and come back 20 years ago and men, the defending Minto Cup champs, and a pionships. To compound the problem, lacrosse wouldn’t it be ironic if Whitby, having lost the

likely participant in this years’ finale. The contrast traditionalists (this one anyway) do not recog- first two, turned the trick on Burnaby this time. Gun Photography Hope, Hired Photos: Tracy

10 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 BAGGATAWAY

nine days took its toll. The deciding match was the third game in three nights with Vic- toria’s legs giving out as Whitby ran them off the floor with a 16-8 victory. Now we look for- ward to this year’s final in Brampton. It will be a four-team tournament, including one non-league champion from On- tario. At this point, as a 1990 — the powers that be decided the 1985 final lacrosse conservative, I’ll exit stage left. would be a best of seven series. A youthful Joe I think you can guess what happened. Whitby Nieuwendyk, 18 years old, was playing his last Paul Whiteside is a lifetime lacrosse fan whom, won the next four games. seven games against the Gait twins, making their back in the 1990s, had the honour of conducting As for the greatest Minto Cup final held in On- first appearance in Ontario. The finals pitted two lacrosse research, pre-1961. That journey tario, it’s an easy choice. Let me take you back to free wheeling offensive minded clubs. It was the through time took him beyond the Whitby’s Iroquois Park Sports Centre for the 1985 best the Minto final has ever or will ever see. Un- era, back to the start of the Ontario Lacrosse As- final. In the middle of a stretch of round robin fortunately, the series was played during a terri- sociation and the glory days of the National tournaments — 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988 & ble heat wave. The heat, plus seven games in Lacrosse Union. PRIDE LACROSSE “Canada's Top 100”

“Canada’s Top 100” is a lacrosse camp focused on exposing elite Canadian high school lacrosse players to top NCAA Division I, II, and III lacrosse programs. The camp also offers advanced instruction from some of the top players and coaches in the game. Date June 30th and July 1st Location The Hill Academy, Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada Register Email at [email protected]

Camp is open to Rising Grade 10, 11, 12 High School Students. Canada's Top 100 “Providing Canadian high school lacrosse players with the opportunity to display their talents in front of the nation’s top NCAA programs.” "I spent my money on a number of US based camps last summer. Canada's Top 100 was the best bang for my buck. I was able to showcase my skills in a smaller environment with a large number of NCAA coaches watching. I recently committed to Yale and know that Patrick and Brodie were instrumental in making that happen." Kirby Zdrill Yale Univeristy class of 2014

For more information, please visit our website at www.thehillacademy.com/ath_camps_tournaments Tel: 416.500.2492 www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 11 RULE BOOK LINE CHANGES & ILLEGAL CHECKS Photo: Images of You Photo: Images of

QUESTION: In arenas where the bench doors Considering that most of the time the ball is clear instigator of the fight. The same rule are right beside each other, what players (i.e., down the floor away from the bench area goes on to describe an aggressor as the indi- home or visitors) have the ‘right of way’ during when this occurs, it would be a two-minute in- vidual who continues to participate in the al- box line changes? terference penalty. tercation after being instructed by the ANSWER: The general understanding is that referees to stop, after having been separated, the player leaving the floor has the right of QUESTION: When should an instigator penalty or after their combatant has clearly indicated way, but this is not a hard and fast rule. In be assessed in box lacrosse? that they are done with the situation. Instiga- these situations interference can occur in both ANSWER: Under the fighting rule (#45) an tor and aggressor penalties both carry a directions, either onto or off the floor. Even instigator is described as the person who game misconduct penalty, in addition to any though the person leaving the floor has the clearly initiates the altercation, not simply the other penalties assessed. Additionally, a re- right of way, referees are trained to look for person who throws the first punch or the one port will be filed with the OLA (or tournament the player who initiates the contact. It is this who drops his gloves first. A referee must see convener) about the incident and there may player — the one who created the interference the progression for some time prior to the ac- be a hearing called to see if further discipli- situation — that would be called for a penalty. tual altercation to determine if there is a nary action is required.

12 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 RULE BOOK

QUESTION: In women’s field tage call/flag is only assessed for a lacrosse, what constitutes an ille- player carrying the ball. gal check? ANSWER: The advantage flag is a ANSWER: A player must not held whistle for a major foul by the roughly or recklessly check/tackle defense when the attacking team is an opponent’s crosse, nor can a on a scoring play within 15m of the player strike an opponent with her net. The advantage flag area in- crosse or force an opponent’s crosse cludes the 15m fan and the playing into the opponent’s body. A yellow area behind the goal that runs 9m card must be assessed for a check deep and 15m to each side of the that makes contact with a player’s centre of the goal line. In this situa- head. A player must not hold her tion, the umpire shall raise a yellow crosse within a field crosse width of flag when an attack player with or an opponent’s head or neck (ap- without the ball is fouled while her proximately 18cm or the width of a team is on a scoring play.  player’s shoulders). Furthermore, a player must not reach around or Do you have any rules-related ques- across her opponent’s body to check tions for box, men’s field, women’s her opponent’s crosse when her feet field and/or master’s rules lacrosse? If are behind the opponent or level so, e-mail them to offside@ontario- with the opponent. lacrosseofficials.ca. One of our expe- rienced officials will gladly answer QUESTION: True or false: in them in a future issue of Ontario

women’s field lacrosse, an advan- Lacrosse. Photography Photo: Pellerins

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 13 NATIONALS REPORT// By Roger Lajoie OFF TO A GOOD START ALTHOUGH EARLY, THE TORONTO NATIONALS ARE PROVIDING FANS WITH BIG-NAME PLAYERS, EXCITING LACROSSE AND EVEN SOME WINS IN ITS INAUGURAL SEASON IN THE MAJOR LACROSSE LEAGUE

t hasn’t been easy, but the Toronto Nationals are I near the top of the heap in (MLL) in their inaugural season. The Nationals were certainly expected to be one of the league powers this season, primarily because of its veteran- laden line up of players from last season’s league champi- onship team that was based in Rochester. But any thoughts of the club dominating the league were dispelled very early in the season. Toronto did win three of its first four games, but all of them were tightly contested affairs. So a much more comfortable 19-12 win over the Washington Bayhawks at BMO Field re- cently was welcomed by the club, as it put Toronto in first place in the standings. Perhaps more importantly, however, it served as an indi- cation that this team still has the ability to dominate most of its opponents. Top: Geoff Snider faces off against the Washington Bayhawks. Photo: Paolo Cescato It was the third straight win over the Bayhawks, completing Bottom: Brodie Merrill and compete against the Machine. Photo: Paolo Cesato a season sweep, and the Nationals — for the first time this sea- Opposite page: (top) scores the first goal in Toronto Nationals history. Photo: Claire son — showed just how good a team they can be. Harvey; (bottom) Brett Queener stones the Washington Bayhawks. Photo: Averill Lehan

14 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 NATIONALS REPORT

Rookie goalie Doc Schneider, drafted earlier this year in the Major Lacrosse League (MLL) Collegiate Draft from the University of Massa- chusetts, looked sharp throughout the game, stopping 11 of 15 shots in his MLL debut “A lot of teams in this league have a lot of tal- ent, with teams folding,” Thomson asserts. “We have a lot of talent on this one team. It’s great to beat a team three times, and this win puts us on top so it was big. The main goal is to win a cham- pionship and that’s all that really matters.” As for support of the team, attendance has been “about what we expected,” says Stu Brown, the Nationals’ general manager, who feels that “everything considered, with the economy the way it is, we’re doing pretty well here. We have no doubt that in time, fans are really going to get involved with this team and come out and support us.” 2009 Toronto Nationals tickets are still available for July 23 vs. Boston and August 8 vs. . To learn more about available ticket packages, call the ticket office at 416-596-3075 or e-mail: [email protected]. 

Roger Lajoie is a freelance writer in Toronto, Ont.

The Hill Academy The Hill Academy is a unique private school that offers a program specifically designed “We’re into the middle third of the season now and I think this is more for Student-Athletes. While students are engaged in an outstanding academic of what you’ll see the rest of the way,” says Dave Huntley, coach of the Na- program, they are working at a level of tionals. “It was really the first time we played well offensively all year.” sports training normally available only at the College/University level. The “Hill” Huntley certainly has a very strong roster to work with, including provides the foundation for intellectual, many players from Canada’s national field lacrosse program. He ad- athletic, and personal development enabling each individual to maximize their full mits with so many good players on board, getting playing time for every- potential and ultimately reach the next level. body at first was a challenge. Coaches Testimonials “Everybody was good about it, the players knew we were going to "Each day the faculty at the Hill pushes rotate the line up a bit until we got going,” Huntley explains. “Now it’s a me to become a more mature player different story.” and student which will prepare me for my post-secondary career. This year at It was certainly a different story the third time the Nationals beat the the Hill I have learned and grown as a Bayhawks. After 17-15 and 17-16 wins the first two times the teams met, Brodie Merrill player, student, and person and feel Men’s Varsity Toronto controlled the game this time around and if not for a second half confident that I will be able to walk into SBU and make a positive impact lapse, the final score would have been even more lopsided. on the team on and off of the field." Midfielder Joe Walters says that’s because the team is now finally -JJLaforet Stony Brook University class of 2013 coming into its own. "The Hill Academy empowered me. “It was a good team effort, it was a great game for us,” Walters says. Jamine Aponte The coaching and training at the Hill “It’s taken a couple of games for us to get used to each other and get a Women’s Varsity helped me improve my athletic and lacrosse skills which greatly improved line up we can stick with.” my confidence and my game. Now my Defender Brodie Merrill scored two goals, and scooped 10 ground dream of playing Division I balls to be named game MVP. Walters scored three goals and an assist lacrosse has come true. Thanks Hill Academy!" and Merrick Thomson added three goals for the Nationals. - Jason Card Hofstra University class of 2011 Rookie long pole Sid Smith added a short-handed marker and Delby Pow- For information on how to apply to The Hill Academy, please less and Jeff Zywicki recorded a pair each. Geoff Snider, Colin Doyle, Jordan contact us at 905.893.7065 or admissions@thehillacademy Levine and Shawn Williams had one goal each in the afternoon victory. or visit our website www.thehillacademy.com www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 15 SCHOOL’S IN

DESPITE SEVERAL OBSTACLES, HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE IN ONTARIO IS GROWING IN POPULARITY, MAINLY DUE TO THE ENTHUSIASM, COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION OF THE COACHES WHO ARE TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SPORT THEY LOVE

// By Melissa Yollick

field time and lack of funding, to more complex issues such as the sport not being sanctioned as an official Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) at the university level (for men), and the lack of athletic scholarships at Canadian uni- versities. While there is still significant room for growth, and some challenges that lie ahead, it seems the enthusiasm from the coaches — who simply love the game — is what is driving lacrosse’s positive progression. Becoming an OFSAA sanctioned sport in 2007 has no doubt helped develop high school field lacrosse over the past few years. However, since lacrosse (at the high school level) is played in the spring, it depends on the avail- ability of outdoor fields, thus the season’s length is at the mercy of school board regula- tions that do not allow teams to start playing until May 1. One way around this obstacle is to install turf fields, which may be customary in private and independent schools, but not for public schools that are already feeling the pinch of tightening budgets. And it is because of turf fields that teams like St. Michael’s College in Photos: Paul Grossinger Photos: Paul Toronto, Ont., can start practicing right after igh school sports in Ontario is no jok- Athletic Associations (OFSAA). And with March Break — more than a month before H ing matter. Whether it is hockey, many kids landing scholarships to play at col- many of the public schools. rugby, track & field or volleyball, both leges in the United States, there is no doubt Besides the turf versus grass debate, some of boys and girls from grades 9 to 12 are partici- that high school lacrosse in Ontario is only the other challenges confronting high school pating at record levels, and at great intensity. getting stronger. lacrosse affect all schools and high school You can now throw lacrosse into the mix of However, there are still several issues that sports, such as dividing the leagues by school high school sports garnering greater interest stand in the way of the sport ever reaching the population instead of ability. from kids, university coaches and the media popularity of more traditional high school “It is a challenge because we have a couple of as participation in the game has expanded to sports, such as hockey and . The con- schools in our conference that could probably 70 boys and 60 girls lacrosse teams in Ontario, cerns from high school lacrosse coaches vary be better suited playing with teams that are according to the Ontario Federation of School from the usual complaints like competition for more on par with their skill level, but they have

16 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 It is evident by watching just one game that high school lacrosse is surely not lacking tal- ST. PETER’S ented, passionate and skilled players. It is this skill level that attracts many coaches from U.S. CROWNED CHAMPIONS Division I, II and III colleges. “There’s about 150 Canadians on various scholarships and bursaries right now playing men’s lacrosse [in the U.S.],” says Reid. “In Canada, there are a number of universities play- ing lacrosse, and have been doing so since the early 1980s. The Canadian universities generally do not have athletic scholarships. We are told this may be changing, but we haven’t seen it yet.” While there are a number of former Ontario high school students currently playing lacrosse at U.S. universities on athletic scholarships, tal- ent alone cannot lead to receiving a scholarship. Many high school coaches are teachers as well, At this year’s OFSAA Boy’s AAA/ with busy schedules and not enough resources AAAA field lacrosse championships held on June 4-5 at the Sheppard’s or time to place their students’ academic and Bush Conservation Area in Aurora, 12 to play based on school population,” says Rob athletic prowess in front of U.S. college coaches. teams started the two day event with >> McDonald, the boy’s field lacrosse coach at St. Continued on page 18 only one goal in mind: to be crowned Mary Catholic School in Pickering, Ont. champion. However, only one team left As for girls’ high school field lacrosse, there the tournament with the right to this are some schools that are seeing more develop- claim and that was Peterborough's St. ment, such as St. Mary, which started a girls’ Peter’s Secondary School which beat program this year. But where the most devel- Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School opment lies is at the university level because 14-11 in the gold medal game. St. Canadian women’s field lacrosse has been sanc- Andrews College nipped Leo Austin tioned as an official CIS sport since 1998. This Catholic Secondary School 8-7 to take home the bronze medal. status provides them with larger budgets, Going into the two-day, pool play among other benefits, making it easier to play tournament, the 12 teams were ranked more games. in the following order: #1 Holy Cross, “One of the barriers is the failure of Cana- St. Catharines (SOSSA Champion); dian universities to sanction men’s lacrosse as #2 St. Andrews, Aurora (CISAA an official CIS sport, so many of our best col- Champion); #3 St. Peter’s, Peterborough lege-bound lacrosse players go to the United (COSSA Champion); #4 Father Leo States,” says Greg Reid, director of athletics at Austin, Whitby (LOSSA Champion); #5 St. Andrew’s College in Aurora. Malvern Collegiate Institute, Toronto (TDSSAA Champion); #6 MSGR Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Oshawa (LOSSA Representative); #7 Mayfield Secondary School, Caledon (ROPSSAA Champion); #8 Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Burlington (GHAC Champion); #9 Sir William Mulock Secondary School, Newmarket (YRAA Champion); #10 Aurora High School, Aurora (YRAA Representative); #11 Brampton Centennial Secondary School, Brampton (ROPSSAA Representative); #12 St. Joseph Catholic High School, Nepean (NCSSAA Champion). In the OFSAA Boys’ A/AA Field Lacrosse Championship game, held in Peterborough on June 1-2, Hagersville Secondary School defeated Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School 13-10.

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 17 >> Continued from page 17 Photos: Paul Grossinger Photos: Paul

“Teachers in the public and catholic school Some professional players have done just systems have their plate full with teaching. If kids that, such as Jim Veltman and Jason Crosbie, want to get athletic scholarships in the States, former and current Toronto Rock players, re- they almost have to do it themselves. They have spectively, who coach high school and other jun- to go to summer camp in the U.S. and they have ior field lacrosse teams in Ontario. “Because of to promote themselves because most teachers the dynamic of professional lacrosse, profes- don’t have the information, the experience or the sional athletes are very accessible,” adds Alex extra time to do it for them,” adds Reid. Fescura, head coach of the St. Michael’s boys That being said, there are coaches who are lacrosse team. going above and beyond to make sure their play- It is these men, and the other men and ers get noticed. Next year, both St. Mary and St. woman coaching high school lacrosse through- Michael’s are planning to go to Florida to pro- out Ontario, who are fueling interest and ex- mote their teams in front of university coaches. citement in the game for the younger players, This June, St. Michael’s went down to New Eng- and are stimulating the growth of the sport. land to showcase 10 students in front of ap- “Ideally, the high school players that I have proximately 50 U.S. university coaches, while St. now that are going to university will comeback Andrew’s ventured on a similar trip to Pennsyl- in five years time and say, ‘Coach, can I give you vania earlier in the year. a hand?’ or they become teachers and start their “It takes a lot of leg work on a high school own teams, and give back to the sport,” says a coach’s behalf and I know most are interested hopeful McDonald. in moving their kids to a higher level. They are And with more opportunities to play at the uni- in it for the student athletes, and you hope versity level, the more players there will be to come that when their playing days are done they are back and pass on their enthusiasm to the next gen- going to jump back in there themselves and eration of high school student-athletes.  help with the next generation,” says St. Mary’s McDonald. Melissa Yollick is a freelance writer in Toronto, Ont.

18 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 LACROSSE ART BehindMASK THE EVERY GOALIE MASK HAS A STORY, SO WE ASKED SOME KIDS TO TELL US THEIR’S

MATT HASTINGS LIAM WYNNE Age: 16 Age: 13 Team: Goalie Experience: Started in minor tyke Goalie Experience: Started when he was Team: five years old Story Behind Mask: With his nickname Story Behind Mask: Native headdress “The Wall,” Liam’s parents decided to go (mom is part Chipawa Indian) and grim with a design based on the album cover of reaper because Matt is into supernatural Pink Floyd’s The Wall. and good luck charms. — “I play both field and box lacrosse, and I like — “I needed a new mask, so I was pretty playing goalie because it offers more action. My excited. It was a surprise from my dad.” parents designed it — it was a surprise.” KEATON DALE,

BENOIT GAGNIER,

JONATHAN DONVILLE, STEPHEN WALSH Oakville Hawks Age: 10 Team: Clarington HAYDEN Green Gaels JOHNSTONE Story Behind Mask: Age: 15 Steven selected mask, but Goalie Experience: 7 years was surprised when he Team: got mask for Christmas Story Behind Mask: Bought from his parents. He used by coach to wear a hockey goalie — “I was outside in the back- helmet, which was get- yard playing with friends, and ting small and he they needed someone to wanted to have a “real” shoot on. I tried goalie and I lacrosse goalie helmet. liked it.” — “Lacrosse is really fun and it helps with my hand-eye coordination.” Photo: AZ Images

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 19 FROM WAYNE GRETZKY TO JOE THE UNDENIABLE NIEUWENDYK AND MORE RECENTLY DAVE BOLLAND TO JOHN TAVARES, IT IS AMAZING TO HEAR THE HUGE AND POSITIVE IMPACT PLAYING LACROSSE HAD ON NHL STARS FROM THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

played lacrosse together more than 25 years ago LINK now. But hockey players playing lacrosse — or for that matter, lacrosse players playing hockey // By Roger Lajoie — was a common trend long before their time and is still today. ere’s a trivia question for all of you past year after playing 22 seasons in the NHL. One just has to look at the success of David H die-hard hockey fans: What do “The toughness and physical aspect of lacrosse Bolland of the Chicago Blackhawks for proof of Wayne Gretzky, Steven Stamkos, has definitely had an influence on my playing today’s connection between lacrosse and Brendan Shanahan, Gary Roberts, Joe ability in hockey.” hockey. The 23-year-old Bolland just completed Nieuwendyk, Paul Kariya, Joe Sakic, Paul Cof- In his younger days, Roberts was a terrific his first full season in the NHL, in which he tal- fey and Adam Oates, just to name a few NHL lacrosse player, as was his Whitby buddy Joe lied 47 points in 81 games, and sported an im- greats, have in common? Nieuwendyk, whose brother Gil is considered a pressive +19 plus-minus rating. The Mimico For a lacrosse fan, the question is a ridicu- superstar in the sport. Joe, recently named the native also got his first taste of the lously easy one to answer. All of those hockey general manager of the Dallas Stars, wasn’t that playoffs, which ended in the Western Confer- superstars – and many more actually – have all shabby himself as his impressive lacrosse résume ence semi-finals with a loss to the mighty De- played and loved lacrosse. includes a MVP award from the Minto troit Wings. “I always said that there were a lot of Cup when he was as 18 years old. Although he is toiling in the Windy City now, us that would have picked lacrosse “Lacrosse was a great way to get the former London Knights standout says lacrosse over hockey if we could have made ready for hockey, but it was much was a love for him while growing up in Mimico. the same kind of living playing it,” more than that to me as well,” “When my dad emigrated to Canada from says Gary Roberts, 43, Nieuwendyk says. “The memories Scotland, he basically didn’t know anything who retired this I have from minor lacrosse, grow- about hockey,” Bolland recently told Sun Media. ing up in Whitby, and from the “But my uncle and my brother were big into it Minto Cup and the lessons learned and I started playing and loved it. Lacrosse was a from that, are very special ones for me.” big thing for us growing up and it’s a sport that Roberts and Nieuwendyk grew up and really helped me develop as a hockey player.”

John Tavares, the first pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, attributes some of this elite hockey skills to his The Chicago Blackhawks’ Dave days playing lacrosse. Bolland fondly recalls his days Photo: London Knights playing lacrosse in Mimico. Hockey Club Photo: Chicago Blackhawks

20 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 working after practice fool- checks or lean into guys, use your body to create ing around,” he asserts. room, you do a lot more of that in lacrosse be- “Sometimes those things cause it’s such a possession game,” he adds. “You come into play and help learn to make room for yourself, like in hockey. you out.” I learned a lot of those things, working the puck Tavares certainly had a down low in front of the net to make room for great mentor in his life myself, get shots off or make plays and create when it comes to lacrosse. scoring chances [from lacrosse.] Obviously His uncle John Tavares is hand-eye coordination is a big one as well. And of course one of the leg- it’s a physical sport so you learn how to play that endary players in the physical style.” sport’s history. A two-time Tavares admits he misses lacrosse, a sport he loved as a youngster, and played until he was 16 MVP, Tavares is the years old. league’s all-time leader “Lacrosse was a great thing for me because with 671 goals, 749 assists it let me get away from hockey for the summer and 1,420 points in 17 as a kid,” he says. “My mom never really be- years with the Buffalo lieved in summer hockey. I needed a break and Bandits. In 2009, even at I always looked forward to the lacrosse season. the age of 40, he led the And when hockey season came around I was re- league with 51 goals and ally looking forward to that. It was good both was fifth with 94 points. ways to help myself in both sports.” Photo: London Knights Hockey Club Knights Hockey Photo: London

When he first came to the as a budding 14-year-old superstar, John Tavares wanted to keep playing Junior ‘A’ lacrosse in

Mississauga. However, he only played one sea- Photo: Chicago Blackhawks son of Junior "A” Lacrosse for there was much at stake as the number one pick in the 2009 NHL The elder Tavares was a great role model for “I loved lacrosse, too, it’s a great passion of Entry Draft. the younger Tavares. From his uncle he has mine,” he adds. “It was tough to give it up, but you “It’s lacrosse that helped teach me to spin off learned the importance of being a good team- know it has to be done when the commitment checks, take shots and protect the puck under mate and leader, but the budding hockey super- gets this high at this level of hockey. I was a pretty pressure,” says the all-time leading goal-scorer in star says he learnt a great deal watching his good lacrosse player. I wish I could play both.” history. “My stick skills, uncle play lacrosse — and playing lacrosse him- He’s not the only hockey player who feels that the way to read the play quickly comes from self as a youngster — that have paid dividends way. In fact, perhaps the greatest hockey player lacrosse. The hand-eye coordination is just one for him as a hockey player. of them all — Wayne Gretzky — told Sports of the little things that helps you in hockey.” “The biggest [thing] is moving in traffic, Illustrated the same thing many years ago. In fact, when Tavares scored a “lacrosse-like” shooting in traffic, making plays while guys are “I couldn’t wait for hockey season to end so I goal at the world junior hockey championships on you,” Tavares told nhl.com. “When you’re could pick up a lacrosse stick again,” Gretzky said. in Ottawa last Christmas, he once again gave able to do that, you’re able to draw guys toward And when it comes to describing hockey play- credit to his lacrosse roots for his amazing abil- you, make those plays in traffic, I think it cre- ers, love for lacrosse, that pretty much says it all.  ity to control a puck with his stick. ates a lot of chances offensively. “Some of that comes from playing lacrosse and “Also rolling off checks — when you roll off Roger Lajoie is a freelance writer in Toronto, Ont.

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 21 A BLUEPRINT TO FOLLOW WANT TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL LACROSSE TEAM? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN OSHAWA’S LADY BLUE KNIGHTS LACROSSE CLUB AND WILFRED LAURIER UNIVERSITY’S WOMEN’S LACROSSE SQUAD — TWO ORGANIZATIONS THAT EXEMPLIFY TRADITION, WINNING AND TEAMWORK

// By Nicole Kallmeyer

here is no secret to building a suc- boasted six of the top 10 scorers in the OUA last T cessful women’s field lacrosse organ- year. In the last nine years, the Lady Blue Knights ization. Just ask Lynn Orth or Barb have grown to 430 from 90 members, many of Boyes, two women who have run two of the whom move on to play for Team Canada or at U.S. most outstanding lacrosse teams in Ontario, colleges via athletic scholarships. and perhaps all of Canada. Luckily, these lacrosse leaders are willing to “It’s a combination of a lot of years, a lot of share the insights and strategies that got them leaders, and a lot of work on team,” says Orth, to the top. the head coach of Wilfred Laurier University’s When Orth took over the reigns of Laurier’s women’s lacrosse team, the Golden Hawks. lacrosse team in 1998, women’s lacrosse was in “The biggest key to our success is the [girls’] its trial year for varsity status in the OUA. “I commitment level,” adds Boyes, chairperson of the was definitely not recruiting at that point be- Oshawa-based Lady Blue Knights Lacrosse Club. cause I didn’t know how or where to recruit,” Although Orth and Boyes both site tradi- she says. tional methods of strengthening their lacrosse programs, their teams’ superior reputations and numerous trophies indicate they must be doing something different, something more than the average lacrosse organization. Laurier’s team has won six consec- utive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships to date, and Photos: Wilfrid Laurier University Two years later, the team won its first OUA motion efforts are boosted by a comprehensive championship “almost by accident,” and that web page established by Laurier’s athletics de- marked the beginning of the Golden Hawks’ rise partment. The site’s latest headlines are likely to and Orth’s recruiting efforts. entice any varsity lacrosse hopeful: “Lacrosse She started sending letters to existing Hawks remain unbeaten,” and “Lacrosse Hawks women’s field lacrosse club players telling them pick up six All-Star awards.” about the program and the team’s early triumph. As for Boyes, she relies on a “solid volunteer She has done this every year since, and her pro- base” to get the word out about the Blue

22 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 Knights. A media co-ordinator promotes the club in local papers, and other volunteers or- ganize the production and dissemination of “high-end, glossy” posters and flyers. The club also heavily recruits from hockey teams in sur- rounding communities. Successfully recruiting players is one thing, but keeping them year after year is another. Boyes emphasizes the need to create a family at- mosphere in the league, where the girls can de- velop close relationships with their teammates and a true passion for the game. “When they develop that passion, they keep coming back,” Boyes says, adding she tries to in- clude fun activities for the girls in conjunction with their practices and games. The Blue Knights have travelled to Vale, Co., and Lake Placid, NY, while family picnics are organized alongside tournaments that mix all ages and skill-levels. “We go above and beyond trying to “I’m a very quiet coach. All my players will tell you create opportunities for them,” she adds. I don’t ever yell at them on or off the field.” Camaraderie is also a key ingredient in Orth gives her players lots of input in prac- Laurier’s recipe for success. The team spends tice, and although they discuss strategies and time together both on and off the field, and set plays beforehand, she allows the team to get older members help rookies integrate into the creative in matches. team and balance their athletic and academic She also has a unique no cut policy. Anyone commitments. who comes to tryouts, stays on the team, al- Similarly, the Blue Knights pride themselves though they might not get to play in games. on the mentorship that flows from coaches to “You might find a diamond in the rough who by players. Almost all the coaches played for the club her third or fourth year becomes a dominant and return voluntarily year after year. Boyes says player,” Orth says. her club is unique in its exclusive use of young, fe- Orth’s willingness to develop inexperienced male coaches rather than older fathers. “How is a players is matched by Boyes’ attention to the Blue dad a role model for a female athlete?” she asks. Knight’s non-competitive house league program. Taylor Landry exemplifies Boyes’ theory. The self through this program really just inspired me Boyes believes a solid house league is the founda- Under 19 A-team standout has played with the to keep playing,” says Landry. tion of her rep teams’ success and the overall Blue Knights for six years. She says her best ex- As for Orth, coaching Laurier’s team has been growth of the Blue Knights program. Recently, perience thus far has been learning from her an amazing learning experience. “I knew nothing the club has started house league teams for seven coach, Kristen Millar. “Seeing her get a scholar- when I started the job,” she admits, adding she has to nine year-olds. With such an early start, these ship and seeing the success she created for her- developed her own unique style over the years. girls are sure to become great competitive players in the future, says Hanna Burnett, who has the pleasure of coaching this age group. Burnett epitomizes the success of the Blue Knights and Golden Hawks. She played with the Blue Knights for two years before playing goalie on Laurier’s team in her first year of uni- versity. She is also a past OUA all-star and has been coaching with the Blue Knights for two years. Like her teammates in both programs, she has become a strong, dedicated lacrosse player and a gracious competitor who fights hard to stay on top. “Success breeds success,” Orth says. If that’s the case, the Lady Blue Knights and Laurier’s Golden Hawks won’t be slowing down any time soon. 

Photos: Lady Blue Knights Nicole Kallmeyer is a freelance writer in Toronto, Ont.

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 23 FORWARD THINKING Association Minor Lacrosse Photo: Whitby WITH LACROSSE ASSOCIATIONS ACROSS ONTARIO ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR NEW PLAYERS, IT SEEMS THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO GET KIDS INVOLVED YOUNG AND BREED LACROSSE ENTHUSIASTS AT AN EARLY AGE

// By Paul Grossinger

f you ever have the opportunity to talk I to John Grant Sr., take it — you will not be disappointed. The passion Grant has for the sport of lacrosse is contagious. It is this passion, mixed in with his experience in and knowledge of the game that has led to the unbelievable success of the Greater Sud- bury Lacrosse Association (GSLA). Add a committed team of volunteers and some pretty savvy promotional strategies that include free lacrosse sticks given to every new player and a dedication to get everyone in the association involved in tournament play in order to bolster pride amongst club members, Association Hitmen Lacrosse Photo: Stayner and what you get is an association that is mak- lacrosse program in an area of Ontario that is feel they need the edge so there are a lot of ing a difference within the community it serves. typically known for its hockey fanaticism. hockey people running spring camps. Although, Launched eight years ago, the GSLA focuses “It’s a hockey mad community in Northern some hockey people see the value [in lacrosse] most of its attention on its house league pro- Ontario,” asserts Grant, whose son John Grant and put hockey where it should be in the sum- grams, with kids of all ages – four to 20 — par- Jr. is a star with the of mer: back in the box.” ticipating in weekly games from April to June. the National Lacrosse League. “[Lacrosse] is not In its first year in existence, the GSLA signed Sprinkle in the rep teams it fields in the older age as strong here as it is down south. Up here, they up 500 kids to play. It hired referees, ran coach- divisions, and the GSLA is building a grassroots still think their kids are going to the NHL. They ing clinics and painted a three-foot line from the

24 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 boards to eliminate contact, thus improving sociation. To increase enroll- player safety. During its first three years in ex- ment for this age group, the istence, the association was not part of the On- association places ads in local tario Lacrosse Association (OLA) because, publications, holds fun days according to Grant, its house league was not yet consisting of lacrosse demon- ready to “venture into the OLA world.” strations so parents and kids Similar to lacrosse associations across the can see what the sport is all province, the GSLA is always looking for ways about — the kids even get to to promote itself, with the intention of recruit- play with sticks and throw the ing kids to play lacrosse. One way that has ball around — and, similar to proven effective for the GSLA to attract a new the GSLA, gives every new crop of lacrosse enthusiasts every year is player a free stick. Photo: Whitby Minor Lacrosse Association Minor Lacrosse Photo: Whitby According to Chris Matthews, a member of the though they might not last that SHLA executive, the association has been long because they get tired. The helped by several key sponsors, including The cost of the program is an amazingly Lax Shack, which provides discounts for the affordable $50. free stick promotion, and Tim Hortons, which “We teach them how to scoop sponsors jerseys and medals awarded to play- and we keep it fun,” says Michael ers at the end of the season. Wheller, the director of house All three associations are outstanding exam- league for WMLA’s primary divi- ples of how getting young kids to play lacrosse sions. “The best drills are the ones pays dividends for long-term growth and suc- where they don’t know they are cess. Each is also proof that it is not necessary to learning.” always try to reinvent the wheel. Take the GSLA as an example. It patterned itself after the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse As- Photo: Stayner Hitmen Lacrosse Association Hitmen Lacrosse Photo: Stayner sociation and has now become a blueprint for offering new players — regardless other lacrosse associations to follow. Most re- of age — a free stick. Measured, cently, the association received a call from taped and ready to go when the sea- someone in Newfoundland who expressed in- son starts in April, the free stick terest in starting a minor lacrosse house league promotion seems to be working for of his own in Atlantic Canada. the GSLA. “We share everything we have done — what “We believe if you want them to works in one community might work in an- stick with the game you have to other,” says Grant. “We feel we have been suc- give them the best possible prod- cessful. Our association is a template of ucts to use,” says Grant, adding the Peterborough, where I come from. There, the receipt of a grant from the Ontario kids have to play house league to be play rep and Trillium Foundation when the we believe in that.“

GSLA was established definitely Association Minor Lacrosse Photo: Whitby At the end of the day, every lacrosse associ- helped allow for the stick promotion to become “If you can introduce them a little younger ation is only as strong as its volunteers. And a reality. they hopefully catch that lacrosse bug,” he adds. with the case of Stayner, Whitby and Sudbury, Funds from the grant were also used to pur- “We are fortunate in that we have a ton of vol- nothing can be truer. chase goalie equipment, and shooting targets, unteers so we have about five coaches per team. For Grant, the GSLA has been very fortu- even some adorned with Bugs Bunny and You can actually use more because it is like herd- nate to have a strong group of people who care Sponge Bob for the younger kids. ing cats. You make it fun and the goal in all of about the game and who are learning as they The GSLA is not alone in its belief that getting our divisions is to get them to sign up for next go, while in Whitby, its volunteers consist of younger kids hooked on lacrosse is the best path year and help grow the sport.” many people giving back to the sport that has to success. One just has to look at the Whitby Similar to the WMLA, the Stayner Hitmen given them so much. For example, both Steve Minor Lacrosse Association (WMLA) for proof. Lacrosse Association (SHLA) is trying to build its Toll and Shawn Williams of the Rochester Two years ago, it launched Soft Lax, an in- membership through a grassroots approach. Draw- Knightawks help coach their kids in Whitby’s troductory lacrosse program for three year olds. ing kids from towns like Collingwood, Creemore, Soft Lax program. Soft Lax teaches soft skills and forbids contact. Wasaga Beach and Stayner, the association has “We are fortunate that we have a lot of great It is comprised of about 80 boys and girls, who poured a lot of time and financial resources into ex- volunteers,” says Wheller, adding the WMLA enjoy a 10-week session, plus a championship panding its Little Shooters program. boasts 1,400 members. “There is a lot of tradi- day to close off the year. Each week, the kids Designed for kids four to eight years old, the tion in this area and it is one of those pockets take to the floor for an hour-long practice, al- program is key to the future viability of the as- in Ontario that [loves] lacrosse.” 

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 25 program, a two-weekend tournament with high- level lacrosse at the peewee and bantam ages. From there I was invited to referee in the Final Six: The Ontario Provincial ‘A’ Championships. HEY REF! Toughest aspect of refereeing lacrosse: No matter how precise your call is, you will most YOU MIGHT NOT ALWAYS AGREE WITH THEM, BUT THE likely get yelled at. When one team is happy, the other is usually not. I think this is what drives MEN AND WOMEN WHO REFEREE ONTARIO LACROSSE younger officials away from the game. They GAMES – BOX, FIELD, WOMEN’S FIELD AND MASTERS — don’t know how to ignore the yelling and feel in- timidated by it. I admit, being 6'10'' definitely ARE PEOPLE TOO. IF YOU DON’T THINK SO, KEEP READING. gives you some authority on the floor but being tall will never discourage a coach or a fan from letting you know just how dumb they think you MARISA DI BARI player. Some players still think it’s okay to push are. If you get past the yelling then the game is Hometown: Toronto their way through a well set up defense. And on nothing but fun. Age: 33 the reverse of that, players often think they set Years of Lacrosse up a good defensive block and that’s not always Refereeing Experience: 8 the case. EMILY BRANTON Type of Lacrosse Hometown: Wallaceburg Refereed: Women’s field Age: 21 JOE SELLORS Years of Lacrosse Do you currently play lacrosse? I am not Hometown: Whitby Refereeing Experience: 6 playing anymore. I started out playing varsity Age: 19 Type of Lacrosse for York University (where I later coached), then Years of Lacrosse Refereed: Boys and Girls Box club for the Oshawa Lady Blue Knights. Refereeing Experience: 5 What do you like most about refereeing Type of Lacrosse lacrosse? I like being able to give back to the Refereed: Minor Box, What do you like most about refereeing sport by ensuring the game is safe and that the Men’s Masters Box lacrosse? There are a few things more reward- traditions of the game are upheld. Also, I get to ing than being on the floor and knowing that umpire with some of the best umpires in the you are part of the game. Not having had the op- world and they make me feel like I’m a part of an Do you currently play lacrosse? I played portunity to play growing up, I love that refer- elite group of people. from the age of five until I was 18. ring is giving me a chance to be a part of the Biggest lacrosse game refereed: A few years Why did you become a referee? Initially, I be- game I love. The second is the sense of family ago, I refereed a game in the senior provincials: came a referee for a summer job and to stay in that is created, the camaraderie with your fel- Orangeville vs. Six Nations. I had friends on shape. As I gained confidence as an official, I de- low officials and mutual understanding of a both teams, they were the two best teams in the veloped a passion for being on the floor. The in- shared passion. league, both played with heart and showed what tensity of being right beside the action every Why did you become a referee? My summers women’s lacrosse is all about — finesse! step of the way can’t be explained through have been centered on lacrosse for the majority Toughest aspect of refereeing lacrosse: words. It’s something you have to experience of my life and I grew up loving the game. My Knowing you have to go from being yourself to for yourself. brother and dad have both played and my mom being an unbiased umpire who is umpiring your What do you like most about refereeing was a big part of my house league association for friends, former players and former teammates. lacrosse? I have a chance to make a difference a long time. Since I was unable to play, I think ref- The worst part is having to issue a card to one of and provide a fair outcome to the best of my ereeing was my way to be involved with the game. your friends when necessary. The other hard abilities for each team. It is also the people you Biggest lacrosse game refereed: The biggest part is having people (fans, coaches, players) not meet both on and off the floor, the friendships game that I have refereed was the Bantam Girls agreeing with a call you made and getting that develop and the memories you take home Gold Medal game at provincials. It was a really in- “booed” for it. But that’s part of the game; you that is so satisfying. tense game and well played by both teams. Having learn to block that out. Most embarrassing moment refereeing been a part of the girls system over the past few Lacrosse rule you would like to see lacrosse: I was refereeing a novice house league years, I saw this game as a big step for girl’s changed: Allowing goggles. If we played the game and as I was turning to run up the floor I lacrosse. The skill level has just improved so much game the way it was intended, we wouldn’t need tripped over one of the players. I made my best since the league started and I am happy to see goggles. I’m not a fan of the goggles, but I guess effort to avoid him and in doing so fell flat out that girls lacrosse is really coming into its own. I’m biased because I’m a goalie, but I think that on the floor. The fans were pretty amused but Toughest aspect of refereeing lacrosse: The if people use their skills properly, they wouldn’t the best part was when the player asked: “Am I toughest part is being a minority in the game. need more equipment. going to get a penalty?” There are few female officials so we take a lot of Most confusing rule amongst coaches and Biggest lacrosse game refereed: Last year, I was flak. Even before the game, people have a precon- players: A charge call against the offensive given the opportunity to referee in the qualifiers ceived notion of me just because I have a ponytail

26 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 and I find a lot of people think that my gender pads and other lacrosse equipment. Some allowed a draw team, a penalty kill team and alone is grounds for harassment. There have been makes and models of equipment are legal for a power play team. countless times that derogatory comments have junior-major, while illegal in minor field or box been made about me being female and a lot of men lacrosse. Then there is other lacrosse equip- (and even some women) can be extremely disre- ment that was legal last year but is illegal this CAROLYN TOLL spectful of my authority on the floor. However, the year, or has never been legal, or is modified, or Hometown: Oshawa reward definitely outweighs the harassment. does not conform to the body. It seems like Age: 36 everyone (including referees, players, and Years of Lacrosse coaches) are not all on the same page, which Refereeing Experience: 20 ANDREW ECCLESTONE causes some major confusion. Type of Lacrosse Hometown: Fergus Refereed: Women’s Field Age: 23 Years of Lacrosse JOSH HILTZ Refereeing Experience: 10 Hometown: Brampton Do you currently play lacrosse? No, I retired Type of Lacrosse Age: 23 from the Canadian team in 2001 — after the Refereed: Box, Men’s Years of Lacrosse World Cup. Field, Board Box Refereeing Experience: 9 What do you like most about refereeing Photo: Images of You Photo: Images of Type of Lacrosse lacrosse? Exercise, working in the outdoors, Refereed: Minor Lacrosse giving kids the opportunity to play and provid- Do you currently play lacrosse? No. I did play ing women with the opportunity to play at a minor lacrosse from tyke upwards for the Fer- high level. gus Thistles. What do you like most about refereeing Why did you become a referee? I was in- What do you like most about refereeing lacrosse? Being able to stay a part of the volved in the grassroots development of lacrosse? Being part of the game of lacrosse game, meeting new people and working with women’s lacrosse in the late 1980s. The game and the camaraderie amongst officials. We get different partners. was progressing and girls were getting involved the opportunity to see many different teams Why did you become a referee? I played the faster than umpires were being trained. I was across Ontario and to make some good friends game for about 16 years. I became too old to quickly given a whistle and learned the game along the way. play anymore, but I still wanted to be a part over the next 10 years. I continued to umpire Biggest lacrosse game refereed: I would of the game. and play into 2000. After I finished playing at say the gold medal game at the Peewee Na- Most embarrassing moment refereeing the 2001 World Cup, I decided it was time to tionals back in 2004. It was my first big gold lacrosse: When I was refereeing a Junior ‘B’ focus on officiating and retire from playing. I medal game, it was televised, and Pad 1 at Iro- game, a fight broke out and the one guy fell have two children who are involved in the sport quois Park Sports Centre was full. I remember to the ground. I linked on to the guy that was so it is easier to choose my schedule instead of teams Ontario and B.C. went right down to on top and he took me for a ride and smashed trying to work around a playing schedule. the wire. It was fun, intense, and one of my my face off the ground. The two players who Biggest lacrosse game refereed: Bronze most memorable games ever. were fighting stopped right away and said, Medal Game, England vs. Canada, Naval Acad- Toughest aspect of refereeing lacrosse: “Look the ref is hurt.” Funny enough, they emy 2005. Refereeing is a big commitment, so it is hard stopped fighting. Lacrosse rule you would like to see to be able to juggle work and play Biggest lacrosse game refereed: In my sec- changed: Currently, the “check to the head” rule or family and friends with it. On top of it all, ond year, I did a Junior ‘A’ playoff game in the says that the offending player must sit out for it is physically demanding so you are usually second round. I have never refereed a game two minutes, but can return to the game after exhausted and need some recovery time after where the arena was sold out. the two minutes has expired. I would like to see a long weekend of tournaments and some Toughest aspect of refereeing lacrosse: My all “checks to the head” resulting in a two minute cross-province travel. size. I’m not a very big guy, but if you work hard penalty for the offending team and the offend- Lacrosse rule you would like to see and listen to other refs, you quickly realize size ing player would not return to the game. My rea- changed: It’s not so much a rule as it is a pro- doesn’t matter. son for this change is clear: there are some cedure, but I would like if all minor and major Lacrosse rule you would like to see changed: people in the lacrosse world who are pushing for coincidental penalties cancelled each other out The 30-second shot clock on the penalty kill. If a helmets. I would never want to see the game the way minor hockey in Ontario does it. It team has a good player that can run around and played with helmets. Instead, let’s make the pun- takes so long and mistakes are often made when keep the ball off of the other team for two to five ishment more severe so the defenders work sorting out multiple penalties. If we were able minutes, I think he should be able to do that. As harder to get better body positioning and think to cancel out coincidental penalties, then we of now, the rule states that the 30-second shot twice about swinging their sticks. could just say, “Both of you who just came in, sit clock runs during all possessions. Most confusing rule amongst coaches and there for two minutes, and wait for a dead ball Most confusing rule amongst coaches players: Most coaches and players complain before coming onto the floor!” and players: The “No offense/defense” rule. about the consistency of a “dangerous Most confusing rule amongst coaches and Bantam and divisions below cannot change check.” A player must establish good body po- players: Equipment! There are always new their players on the fly. They have to play a sitioning and be in control of her stick to make makes and models of sticks, facemasks, goalie shift at both ends of the floor, but are a stick check.  www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 27 EQUIPMENT BAG // Helmets

CCM Vector V10 The Vector helmet features a shell with ergonomic, aerodynamic design, EPP liner for multiple impact protection, heat activated molded memory foam for comfort, lift and lock tool-free length adjustment, extensive venting for maximum air flow and availability in small, medium, large and extra large sizes. • www.ccmhockey.com BRINE Triumph XP The Triumph XP provides safety for a player’s head as it features a new safety comfort liner that replaces all interior memory foam. Its Custom 360 utilizes an infinitely adjustable interior fit ring that creates a fitting helmet for any size or shaped head, while its facemask configurations offer quality sightlines. It also comes with an integrated shell, visor, jaw and facemask designed to create the maximum field of vision and is customizable with 15 different colour options. • www.brine.com

STRYKE Pro Z Titanium The Pro Z Titanium comes with a chinstrap pivot pint and 15 vapour flow vent holes aerodynamic venting system that channels air in and moisture out. Available in a variety of sizes (i.e., XS, S, M, L, XL), it features: Bucktex laminate liner that offers moisture GAIT Identity XP management, dual density foam The Identity XP offers a quick flip adjustment liner, three expanded ear holes, system that allows users to quickly adjust the cutback shells for increased helmet to fit. Its Dial Fit Comfort System allows peripheral awareness, extended users to adjust the overall fit of the helmet, while back shell length, raised platform its Tru-Vu Vision System provides players with good chin straps and availability in visibility. CLA approved, features include custom colours. • interchangeable visor and chin pieces; and oval www.strykelacrosse.com wire. • www.debeerlacrosse.com

BAUER 9500 Helmet The 9500 helmet is CSA, HECC and CE certified, and features FXPP foam protection, triple-density impact management foam, ergo translucent ear covers, bio-mechanical shell, occipital lock 2.0, tool-free adjustment, ventilation ports, and molded memory foam temple pads. • www.bauer.com

28 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009 Helmets // EQUIPMENT BAG

NAMI OTNY Box Lacrosse Cages NAMI/OTNY box lacrosse cages are available in five sizes to fit all helmets from tyke to adult. The following models are available and CLA approved: Tyke, Junior, and Intermediate/Senior. The facemask curves under the chin and its kit includes adult-sized facemask, hard chin cup, straps and hardware. • www.nami.ca

RIDDELL XR Chrome The XR Chrome comes with a Chrome-Tek face cage and an aerodynamic chin strap. It offers an inflatable lining system for an individual custom fit, an extended aerodynamic jaw-line protection and lowered visor with sleek CASCADE CPX mask to create an unobstructed sight line. The CPX box lacrosse helmet has a liner Available in medium and large, the helmet also system built to the NOCSAE standard. offers a lowered visor, exclusive Cycolac Shell, Offered at three different price points, which enables full customization with custom the one size, fully adjustable helmet is paint, and a Chrome-Tek Cage available in available in classic black mask, chrome or graphite. • www.riddell.com Chromanium or Titanium. Helmets can be customized with various colour combinations for shell, chin and visor at no additional charge. • www.cascadelacrosse.com

WARRIOR Venom The Venom comes with an adjustable EXO Air Fit System that inflates inside the shell to create a custom fit while providing the maximum protection for the head during impact. Its BlackChrome and all chrome face mask finishes with U-bar connections offer good vision and protection, while its 5-Point Face Mask Mounting System is designed for extra protection in critical impact zones. The helmet also features neckline padding and REEBOK 8K Helmet an extended back shell length for additional The 8K hockey helmet features a mechanically protection against errant sticks. Other features include: attached expanded polypropylene (EPP) liner for professional level protection and integrated vapour flow vent holes throughout the helmet, expanded venting channels to keep users comfortable side ear holes that provide improved air flow into the and cool. It also has translucent Surlyn ear helmet, and adjusts to fit small, medium, large and extra covers for protection. CSA, HECC and CE large heads. • www.warriorlacrosse.com certified, the 8K also features: FitClip that adjusts the length of the helmet; MicroDial, which adjusts circumference by tightening the To have your company’s lacrosse products considered for potential preview in a stabilizer straps for a customized snug 360 future issue of Ontario Lacrosse magazine, or on its web site, e-mail product degree fit; molded grip texture Comfort features, specifications and high resolution picture to: [email protected] Cushions; and secure-strap ear loops that keep the chin strap in position. • www.reebok.com

www.ontariolacrossemagazine.com Summer 2009 | Ontario LACROSSE 29 IN ACTION

June 20, 2009 Toronto Nationals vs.

COLIN DOYLE #7 Toronto Nationals Photo: Photo: Buffalo

30 Ontario LACROSSE | Summer 2009