The start of the season may still be months away, but planning is already well underway for the upcoming season of box lacrosse.
A pair of announcements have already put lacrosse in the sports news recently. First came word that Nanaimo would host the B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League midget draft. That was held on Jan. 7 at Bowen Park, and saw the Timbermen select a total of 12 players. For coach and general manager Dave Bremner, it’s an optimistic beginning to the season ahead following a disappointing campaign last year.
Another piece of exciting news came last week, when the senior B Timbermen had their bid to host the 2018 Presidents' Cup accepted by the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association. It is expected that the Canadian Lacrosse Association will endorse the selection early next month.
Meanwhile, things have also been busy for volunteers involved in local minor lacrosse. The Nanaimo District Lacrosse Association held its annual general meeting following the end of last season. Following several years of hard work as head of the association, Brian Boas announced his decision to step down. A search to replace him resulted in Sean Lehman stepping forward to take the president’s role. He will be assisted by vice-president Brande Terris. Also on the executive for the coming year are secretary Andrea Sanders and treasurer Natalie Cashmore.
Other directors include Steve Bishop, Brande Lindskog, Cathy Coulson, Kim Sharpe, Christie MacDonald, Joanna Bowman, Chris Fontenla and registrar Sue Stannard, who is already busy, as registration is now taking place for the coming box lacrosse season. A drop-in open registration session was held last Saturday and another is scheduled for this coming weekend. It will take place Sunday (Jan. 22), from 1-5 p.m. at Beban Park social centre.
Registration costs range from $130 for the mini-tyke division (born 2011-12) up to $280 for midget boys (born 2001-02). For the girls, fees range from $180 for novice females to $280 for junior females.
Minor lacrosse does offer a family discount. The two oldest children from the same family pay regular price, then a $60 discount will apply to each additional child. Late fees will be in effect as of Feb. 15.
Registration for Nanaimo minor lacrosse is also available online. To complete the necessary forms, or to get more information on the Nanaimo District Lacrosse Association, visit the organization’s website at www.nanaimominorlacrosse.ca.
Also at the association’s general meeting, a number of individual and team awards from last season were presented. We’ll review those in a future column.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.