Lacrosse Canada Newsletter Vol 1 - ENGLISH

Lacrosse Canada Newsletter

Vol.1

A Pivotal Moment: Lacrosse back in the Olympics

The CAN LAX LTR (pronounced “letter”) is a new source for all things Canadian lacrosse��. Whether you're a passionate fan, or someone just discovering the exhilarating world of lacrosse, our newsletter will deliver the latest stories, news, and profiles from ‘coast to coast to coast’ (and beyond), right to your inbox.

CAN LAX LTR is not just a newsletter though; it's a celebration of the rich lacrosse culture that defines Canada. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the passion, dedication, and skill that makes lacrosse a national treasure. Be sure to comment on the letter on our social media pages to let us know what you’d like to see. Remember, lacrosse is more than just a sport; it's a way of life.

In a monumental leap forward, lacrosse has achieved a historic milestone by securing its place back in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee has officially recognized the global appeal of our beloved sport, catapulting lacrosse onto a grand stage. What makes this achievement even more thrilling is the selection of Sixes lacrosse as the official format for the Olympic competition. Sixes lacrosse, known for its fast-paced action and dynamic gameplay, promises to captivate audiences and showcase the essence of our sport in a unique and exhilarating manner.

Stepping into the Box

Women’s lacrosse is growing rapidly with the support from Lacrosse Canada The active involvement of women in lacrosse was the missing piece to the sport’s impeccable growth, inclusivity, and cultural significance. The valuable women and girls who have expanded equality and empowerment into lacrosse have deepened the roots in history and have laid the foundation for the sport’s progressive future. This year will mark the first-ever World Championship for women’s box lacrosse. It’s about time!

December 27th, 2023 was a significant day for women in lacrosse as they finally stepped into the Box for the first tryout of the 2024 Women’s Box Lacrosse World Championship. Breaking the barrier for in traditional norms, the rink flooded with female athletes ready to prove their worthiness. The attendees described the tryouts as full of inspiration. We wish the ladies luck during their preparation for the 2024 World Women’s Box Lacrosse Championship. The event will be taking place in Utica, New York, September 20-29th, 2024

LAX CAN Alumni Profile

Hailing from Orangeville, Ontario, Brodie Merill always had a knack for lacrosse Merill attended the Salisbury School in Connecticut where his defensive prowess began to shine, and he was named the New England Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team high school All-American. While at Georgetown University from 2002 to 2005, he would go on to win many accolades such as First-Team All-American, the Schmeisser Award, All-ECAC player, and the William Corcoran Memorial Trophy for team MVP. Merill’s success didn’t stop at the collegiate level as he would go on to be drafted first overall by the Portland LumberJax in the 2005 NLL draft. He would go on to win countless awards throughout his 18-year stint in the NLL such as Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year, 3x Transitional Player of the Year, 9x All-Pro, and would later retire in 2023 as the NLL’s all-time loose-ball leader. Merill’s success was not confined to the NLL, he also played in the PLL and the MLL, where he would become a 3x MLL champion and 6x Defensive Player of the Year

The State of EDI

In recent years, the realm of Canadian lacrosse has made gradual yet notable strides toward fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), marking a pivotal shift in the sport's landscape. Historically, lacrosse has deep roots in Indigenous cultures, serving as more than just a sport, but as a cultural and spiritual practice as well. Nonetheless, the modern iteration of Canada's national summer sport has faced challenges in fostering inclusivity. Presently, Canadian lacrosse initiatives prioritize EDI efforts through multifaceted approaches Recognizing the sport's Indigenous origins, programs actively engage Indigenous communities, celebrate Indigenous players, and integrate traditional elements. Furthermore, inclusivity training for coaches, officials, and players aims to cultivate a more diverse and welcoming environment Addressing barriers to EDI requires ongoing and persistent commitment from governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, and fans who themselves see great value in fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive lacrosse community. It takes all of us, and we can do better!

Drill of the Month

“Heads Up, Loose Ball”

How it Works

1. The first player in line then goes to pick up the loose ball on the run.

Start with the coach rolling the ball off the boards across the rink.

2. The second player is trailing behind and gets ready to apply pressure.

4.

3. Third player cuts hard to the net ready for a pass.

Why it Works

Simulates fast-paced ground balls during games.

1. Players must deal with pressure, while being able to scoop and pass to a teammate.

3.

2. Develop awareness to complete a pass to a teammate cutting hard to the net.

Have thoughts on this drill? Let us know @CanadaLacrosse

CUFLA Recap!

2023 Baggataway Cup Champions: Western Mustangs

IN 2023, THE CANADIAN UNIVERSITY FIELD LACROSSE ASSOCIATION (CUFLA) BAGGATAWAY CUP MADE ITS WAY BACK DOWN HIGHWAY 401 TO LONDON, ONTARIO, HOME OF THE VICTORS, WESTERN UNIVERSITY MUSTANGS. LED BY THEIR AWARD-WINNING COACHING STAFF, THE GROUP DOMINATED THE REGULAR SEASON AND MAINTAINED THAT MOMENTUM INTO THE BAGGATAWAY PLAYOFFS IN 2024, WESTERN WILL BE LOOKING TO CONTINUE THEIR DOMINANCE, WHILE TRADITIONAL POWERHOUSES LIKE BROCK AND MCGILL LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK!

2023 CUFLA REGULAR SEASON AWARDS:

COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: HC-CHRIS STANDISH, AC-TOM MASTERSON, BRENDAN CHESS, BEN MERCEY (WESTERN)

CUFLA MVP + OUTSTANDING ATTACK: DYLAN JAMES (MCGILL)

OUTSTANDING MIDFIELDER: CHRIS DA SILVA (WESTERN)

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR: CURTIS CONLEY (TRENT)

GOALIE OF THE YEAR: NEEL CARGILL (MCMASTER)

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: AVERY STEINBACH-PARKER (BROCK)

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE PLAYER: MICHAEL ORLANDO (WESTERN)

@CanadaLacrosse