Lacrosse Canada Newsletter Vol.2 - English

Lacrosse Canada Newsletter Vol. 2

lacrosse.ca

Growing the Game: MEADOW ARCAND-SQUAKIN

A young, syilx and plains Cree woman from the Penticton Indian Band and talented multi-sport athlete, Meadow Arcand-Squakin’s ascent in Canadian lacrosse signifies the ongoing growth of diversity and inclusion in the sport. As a female Indigenous athlete, her journey embodies resilience and challenges stereotypes prevalent in traditional sports narratives. Arcand-Squakin's success not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse voices within lacrosse.

In January, Arcand-Squakin tried out for Canada’s national women’s box lacrosse team as part of an initiative that brought together close to 200 Indigenous female athletes vying for a spot on Team Canada’s roster, bringing her one step closer to achieving a long sought after dream. Reflecting on the experience Arcand-Squakin expressed, “The tryout experience was an amazing experience overall, and it was a good time to celebrate this sport and come together as athletes looking to grow within this game. I’m just hopefully providing representation for the Interior.”

In a competitive lacrosse landscape historically dominated by certain demographics, Arcand-Squakin’s achievements signal a shift towards greater representation and inclusivity. Moreover, her story serves as inspiration for Indigenous youth aspiring to pursue careers in athletics, demonstrating that barriers can be overcome through determination, perseverance, and skill.

Currently playing for BC Interior Female Lacrosse in sn̓ pin̓ tktn̓ , Arcand-Squakin has transitioned into coaching - a role she sees as a true calling. Her dedication to coaching reinforces her commitment to empowering the next generation of lacrosse players while giving back to both the sport and her community.

Alumni Profile Q& A with Katie Ranger (nee Guy)

Q: What has the transition from player to coach been like for you?

A: As a kid, playing lacrosse in Oshawa, Ontario, and advancing all the way up to the Women’s international stage, has simply been amazing and fulfilled all of my dreams. Today, as my husband and I grow our family, coaching has been an incredible opportunity for me to continue to stay involved at the highest level of the game that I love.

It was an easy transition for me to take on a coaching role, as it allowed me to stay close to the action, develop new strategies, while mentoring amazing, young Canadian women. I hope to continue being a part of the women’s national team program to satisfy that hunger for gold.

Q: How exciting is it for you to see girls now having the opportunity to play box lacrosse on the international stage?

Some of my former teammates on past national teams came from box lacrosse and transitioned to field. I know that for them, box lacrosse was their first passion in the game. It helped them become extremely skilled lacrosse players and their impact on the field was always a big part of our overall team game and successes. To see them and other women now play box lacrosse on the international stage for the first time is a big step forward for equality in the game.

When looking back on the teams that I was a part of, one of the things that still resonates with me is how inspired I felt by my teammates on and off the field - all of the elite women lacrosse players in Canada – sacrificing, training, and pushing each other every day with the common goal of winning the world championships.

Chasing Gold

2025 Men’s U20 Field Championships

Lacrosse Canada is excited to announce the tryout dates for the 2025 U20 Men's Field Lacrosse Team aiming for the World Championship in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, from July 18-27, 2025.

Canada's U20 team has a strong history, earning seven silver and two bronze medals in the last nine tournaments, showcasing their skills in previous events like the recent showdown in Limerick, Ireland. The tryouts will be held in Langley, BC, Calgary, AB, and Oshawa, ON, on June 7-9, July 2-3, and July 24-25 2024, respectively. Players born between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2008, are eligible, with registration open until April 7, 2024.

So, spread the word: register for a chance to contribute to Canada's pursuit of gold next year!

DID YOU KNOW? Canadians in the NCAA Trivia!

#45 is the most common number currently worn by Canadians in the NCAA, across (D1) men’s and women’s. Can you guess the total?

And, the most popular Canadian first names in the NCAA (D1) are...

Jack, Alex, Ryan, & Taylor

Drill of the Month “Crease Shooting”

How it Works 1. First lefty (L1) passes to the first righty (R1) and circles behind the net.

2. As this happens, R1 passes back to the second lefty (L2).

3. L2 then quickly passes to L1 in front of the net who executes a quick shot.

4. Once the shot is off, R1 then begins the second round of the drill.

Why it Works 1. Practice in tight, finishing for both lefty and righties.

2. Development of cross court passing behind the net.

3. Allow goalies to follow behind the net passing, quick shot reaction, and lateral movement.

Have thoughts on this drill or want to see more drills?

Check us out @CanadaLacrosse on Instagram!

As Always, Thank You To Our Sponsors

@CanadaLacrosse

lacrosse.ca