Dowling Sharing His Coaching Skills
Chiefs GM/Coach is assistant with NLL's Landsharks Sam Laskaris: Burlington Post Saturday March 1, 2003 BURLINGTON -- Lacrosse coach Jeff Dowling has the best of both worlds. For starters, he can continue to pass on his knowledge to teens eager to soak up any lacrosse tips he has to offer. And then he also has the chance this season to coach in the world's top pro league. Dowling, 35, is gearing up for another season as the coach and general manager of the Burlington Chiefs, the local Junior A squad that competes in the Ontario Lacrosse Association. The Chiefs will open their training camp next month. Dowling is also an assistant coach with the National Lacrosse League's Columbus Landsharks, a pro franchise that is enjoying a rather decent season. Besides the age difference, Dowling said there is another key difference between coaching adult pro players and those in the junior ranks. "There's really not that much teaching (in the NLL)," Dowling said. "Most of these guys know what they're doing and you just reinforce it." The Landsharks, a third-year franchise, are having their best season to date. The club sports a 6-4 record, good for third spot in the league's four-team Central Division. More importantly, Columbus, which has six regular- season matches remaining, is in playoff contention. The NLL's post-season will include the league's three regular-season divisional champions as well as three wildcard squads. Those spots will go to the three teams that don't win their divisions but have the next three best records. Columbus is currently holding onto the third wildcard spot. The Landsharks' next game is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) on the road against the Philadelphia Wings. Though this is his first season with the Landsharks, Dowling had been involved with other NLL clubs in the past. For a while last season he served as the director of scouting for the Ottawa Rebel. After that, he worked as the colour commentator during Buffalo Bandits' radio broadcasts. Dowling has also done some scouting work for the Calgary Roughnecks and had represented both Ottawa and the defending NLL champion Toronto Rock at league meetings. And Dowling isn't the only member of his family involved in the NLL. His younger brother Ted, 32, plays for the Colorado Mammoth. Since NLL contests are primarily held on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, Dowling is able to hold onto his day job. He's the Canadian sales manager for Transmatic, a Michigan-based company that specializes in interior lighting. The Landsharks have flown to some of their contests this season. They've travelled by bus to others and team members have driven to games in Buffalo and Rochester. Though based in Ohio, the Landsharks could rightfully be called the Ontario Landsharks. "There's only three guys on the team that are not from Ontario,"Dowling said. As a result, the Landsharks stage their weekly practice in Ancaster, Dowling's hometown. The NLL season concludes in April while the OLA regular season traditionally begins in early May. "It may affect a little bit of (the Chiefs') training camp," Dowling said of his Landsharks' responsibilites. "I'm pretty confident though the people I have working with me (in Burlington) can fill in." Dowling is not the lone Burlington connection with the Landsharks. Columbus' roster includes three former local junior stars. Pat Maddalena is the Landsharks' leading scorer. He's played all 10 games this season and has racked up 43 points (24 goals, 19 assists). Also, Jamie Taylor has played in eight games and has 10 points (seven goals, three assists) while Greg Judge has one goal in 10 appearances.

BATLEY NAMED MAMMOTH INTERIM COACH
Denver Mammoth Press Release Friday February 28, 2003 DENVER -- The Colorado Mammoth announced today that Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator Jamie Batley will take over the responsibilities of the Interim Head Coaching position. The Head Coaching position was formerly held by Rod Jensen who was dismissed from his coaching duties today. "When a team of this caliber is not performing at their peak level, I felt it was necessary to make a change. Rod Jensen is a tremendous person and a good coach, however, the team was not responding to him." said Steve Govett, president and general manager for the Colorado Mammoth. In 2000, Batley turned his focus to coaching when he joined the Peterborough Junior A program and was voted OLA Coach of the Year in 2001. In 2002, Batley took on the Head Coaching position for the Peterborough Senior A team. He is also the Founder and Director of Peterborough Summer Lacrosse Camps including the Hiawatha First Nations and Curve Lake First Nations Lacrosse Camp. Batley has been serving as the Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator for the Colorado Mammoth through the first nine games of the 2003 NLL season. Batley began his lacrosse career in the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse system in Ontario, Canada. Batley continued on in the Peterborough Junior A program from 1984 through 1988 where they won the Minto Cup in 1986 and 1987 and was named the Ontario Lacrosse League Leading Scorer in 1986 and 1987 as well. He scored over 750 points in 5 years and was named the OLA's Most Valuable Player in 1987. Batley was a member of the Peterborough Senior team, the Six Nations Senior team and Akwesasne program. With Six Nations he won the Mann Cup in 1995 and 1996. Batley also had a career in field lacrosse. He was a member of Team Canada from 1989-1994 where they won the Silver Medal in 1990 and the Bronze Medal in 1994. Batley attended the Division I Lacrosse Program at the University of Maryland from 1990-1994 and was named All-American in 1993. Batley joined professional lacrosse with the Buffalo Bandits in 1995 and 1999, the Syracuse Smash in 1998 and the Pittsburgh Crossfire in 2000. Batley currently resides in Peterborough, Ontario with his wife and four children. Aside from his responsibilities in lacrosse, Batley also holds a position in the Canadian Federal Government.

Whitby Sporting Honours For McDonald, Tran, Vipond
By Brian Mcnair: durham.com Thursday February 27, 2003 WHITBY -- Expect Christina McDonald to be beaming with pride and floored by the honour when she vaults into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame. Like Lori Strong, who entered the hall two years ago, McDonald will bring a gymnastics resume that includes a trip to the Olympics when she is officially inducted at Heydenshore Pavilion along with lacrosse notables Peter Vipond and Elmer Tran on April 26. "It means a lot more to be recognized by your hometown," says McDonald, a University of Florida graduate now living in Alabama. "I think it makes it all the sweeter... Whitby will always be my home." Now 33 and working for the Global Catholic TV Network, McDonald says she looks forward to returning home for the ceremony, where she expects to be joined by parents Lee and Allen and a number of other relatives still living in the area. McDonald was born in Oshawa, began her gymnastics career at four with Gemini Gymnastics and won her first provincial championship in the Argo A division in Thunder Bay. For Vipond and Tran, the honour is all the more special in that they will be entering the hall at the same time. With Vipond as head coach and Tran as an assistant, the two led the Whitby Warriors to a Minto Cup in 1984, the Brooklin Redmen to a Mann Cup in 2000, and are still working together with the New Jersey Storm of the National Lacrosse League. "I've know Elmer for a long time now," says the 53-year-old Vipond, who coached the Redmen to five Mann Cup national title all told. "We're good friends." Vipond, who was born in Oshawa and lives in Brooklin, also excelled as a player in lacrosse and hockey. He won four Minto Cups with the Oshawa Green Gaels, serving as captain in the final year of the team's incredible seven-year reign, and played three games in the National Hockey league with the California Golden Seals. A longtime general manager for the Oshawa Legionaires hockey team, Vipond is already in the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Green Gaels. "I was proud of the team we played on in Oshawa - we set a record that's never going to be beat," says Vipond, but adding the individual recognition coming from Whitby "is a little bit more special." Tran, 61, was born in Stouffville, but grew up in Whitby playing both hockey and lacrosse before turning his attention to coaching. As a player, he won a Minto Cup at the start of the Green Gaels' dynasty in 1963 and several provincial championships in hockey. "It's quite an honour to be included with the people already in there," Tran says of the coming induction, when he will join the likes of Mike Keenan, Sandy Hawley and Anne Ottenbrite. The 2003 gala will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. on April 26 at the Heydenshore Pavilion. CHEX TV's Dan Carter will serve as master of ceremonies, while Dave Broadfoot of the Royal Canadian Air Farce will provide entertainment along with the Jazz Cats. Tickets cost $85 and can be obtained by calling Don Fleming at 905-665-0932.

Rowland Wants To Land The Quad With Merchants
By Brian Legree: durham.com Wednesday February 26, 2003 BROOKLIN -- Terry Rowland takes a lot of pride in the lacrosse championships on his resume. As well he should. Rowland has captured Minto and Mann cups, courtesy of his playing days with the Oshawa Green Gaels and Brooklin Redmen. In addition to those national Junior A and Major Series championships, he also won two Founder's Cup Canadian Junior B titles with the Clarington Green Gaels, doing a lot of executive leg work to bring the Gaels name back into existence and prominence. With three major championships on his mantle, Rowland would now like to pull off the quad, by landing a President's Cup, as head coach of the Brooklin Merchants of the Ontario Lacrosse Association Senior B loop. Rowland takes over the Merchants after Paul St. John left the team to join the expansion Ajax-Pickering Rock. After spending a few seasons on the executive side of the game, Rowland says he "missed the opportunity of coaching," and is itching to get closer to the action. Although the club has yet to hit the floor for training camp, Rowland believes the Merchants will be well-positioned to take a run at the title this season. "Everybody who played last year wants to come back," says Rowland, who also expects to add some talent from western Canada and perhaps players with National Lacrosse League experience. With Kitchener joining Ajax-Pickering as expansion entries, the senior B league has now grown to nine entries, after starting with three teams just three years ago. Rowland will be assisted by veteran lacrosse coach Scott Harris and Jason Crosbie of the Redmen, while Mike Gray is handling the general manager's duties. Indoor workouts will likely begin next week, with league play expected to begin in late April. The Merchants will play a 16-game regular season, with the majority of their home games once again on Saturday nights at Luther Vipond Memorial Arena.

What's The Buzz Forbes new coach in the fold for upcoming season
From Oakville Beaver Wednesday February 26, 2003 OAKVILLE -- The Oakville Buzz Junior B Lacrosse Club is very pleased to announce that Derek Forbes has agreed to become the team's head coach. Forbes played for the 1970 Canadian Minto Cup Junior A Champion Lakeshore Maple Leafs. He then continued a successful playing career, ultimately moving to the United States to suit up for Philadelphia in the North American Professional League, the predecessor to today's National Lacrosse League. His son Scott now plays in the NLL for the Calgary Roughnecks. Derek Forbes has extensive coaching experience at all levels of the sport. He has coached Canadian senior championship teams and has coached winning teams at the junior level from Brampton to Owen Sound to Toronto. He is a proven winner. The trademark of his teams is their dedication to team play and their fierce determination to play winning lacrosse. Coach Forbes looks forward to the challenge of taking the Buzz to the playoffs and making a run at the Ontario Junior B crown. The Buzz open their third regular season at Maplegrove arena on April 25. This year the Buzz will be playing on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons and, as in the past, all Oakville Minor Lacrosse players get in free.

Nathan Gilchrist Jr. A Chiefs' MVP
By Sam Laskaris: Burlington Post Wednesday February 26, 2003 BURLINGTON -- The Burlington Chiefs handed out some hardware for their 2002 season last weekend. Nathan Gilchrist was selected as the most valuable player of the local Junior A lacrosse squad. Gilchrist finished fifth in team scoring this past year. He appeared in 19 games and collected 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists). David Lomas, who led the Chiefs in scoring with 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists), was named the top rookie. Also, Paul Winger was chosen as the top defensive player while Merrick Thomson was honored as the most sportsmanlike player. Other award winners were Tim Cribb and Ryan McNish. Cribb was deemed the Chief of the Year, an accolade presented to the player that best represents the club on and off the floor. McNish was selected as the team's most dedicated player and presented with the Chris Hiepel Award. The award is named after a former Chiefs player who died in a car accident in 1995.

Luey Takes Coaching Reins A's general Manager Names Himself Coach
By Bill Potrecz: St.Catharines Standard Tuesday February 25, 2003 PORT DALHOUSIE -- Bob Luey, the general manager of the St.Catharines Athletics lacrosse team, decided to take over as coach when he determined last season's experiment with co-coaches did not work out to his satisfaction. In 14 years Bob Luey has performed just about every job imaginable for the St. Catharines Athletics from treasurer, to general manager, to president. Now the 51-year-old St. Catharines native has added the title of head coach to his resume. Luey, who previously coached lacrosse at the intermediate, bantam and novice levels, will take over behind the bench from Steve Fannell and Morris Conn who acted as co-coaches last season. The A's last year ran the table with 20 straight wins in the regular season but came up short at the Minto Cup championship in British Columbia where they dropped a six-game set to the Burnaby Lakers. Luey, who will remain as general manager, appointed himself to the position when he determined the experiment of co-coaches did not work out to his satisfaction. "It was not an ideal situation and I had to make a decision," Luey said. "I think it's fair to say neither one wanted to come back in a co-coaching situation. Both wanted to be head coach." Originally, Luey gave the position to Fannell, a former two-time Canadian champion as a player with the A's. However, Fannell is dealing with some personal issues and ultimately felt it best he commit only as an assistant. "Steve will not be back this year as head coach," Luey said. "He wants to stay with the team, no doubt about that. I want him to play a role on the team." With Fannell and Conn out of the picture, Luey then turned to the one person he knew best as the A's attempt to get back to the Minto Cup for the third straight year -- himself. "The positive thing about me being head coach is that I'm very organized and I will work with our staff," Luey said. "It will be more of a football-type staff. Everyone will have imput. "I don't look at it as me being totally in charge and making all the decisions." Luey admitted he had to sell the A's board of directors on the idea of taking over behind the bench. "We had a meeting and they certainly had some questions about me appointing myself as head coach," Luey said. "How much power do you give one person? "I don't think of it as power, I think of it as how dedicated I am to the team." To aid Luey with his increased responsibilities, former head coach Don Smith, who led the A's to a Minto Cup championship in 2001, has agreed to re-join the club as an assistant after a year off. "Don knows the players and helped build the system," Luey said. "I think he understands where we differed. In the past I stood and watched the games and wasn't on the bench. My concerns were the same as his are now after he stood and watched the games for a year." Eric Vinc, brother of goaltender Matt Vinc, will be given additional responsibilities while former A's sniper Sean Howe has been brought on to help out on offence. Former coaches Buff McCready and Jim Hopgood will also help out. McCready will work with the coaches and Hopgood as assistant GM. Luey said he regrets losing Conn, a well-liked individual whose son Craig is an integral part of the team. "I think Moe did a great job for us in the year he was here," Luey said. "He was very dedicated and he put us first. "It's difficult to lose Morris. He brings a lot to the team. He was organized and the players liked him, but there can only be one head coach." The A's open their season Wednesday, April 30 at home against Kitchener. While the bulk of the roster is back from last year, the A's may be short-staffed to start the season. Several players, including Vinc, Sean Greenhalgh and Rory Glaves, will be unavailable due to school commitments. As well, Conn, Jamie Floris and Kyle Neufeld could just be finishing up a Sutherland Cup run with Thorold Blackhawks and may need some time off.

Meet New Storm Coach Peter Vipond
New Jersey Storm Press Release Monday February 24, 2003 East Rutherford, NJ —- When the New Jersey Storm appointed assistant coach Peter Vipond to the position of head coach on February 22, 2003 they did more than just change the structure of their team, they provided themselves with a proven winner. Vipond, who for the first time in his 34 years of lacrosse experience served as an assistant coach of any team, officially took over the reins from Storm General Manager Jim Brady for the road game at Philadelphia. “I’m excited about the opportunity and I’m glad that I was able to get a feel for the National Lacrosse League and the players at first,” Vipond stated shortly after being promoted. “Although it will be a challenge, things will get turned around and become more positive.” The Brooklin, Ontario resident holds the record for all-time wins at the Major League in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and is a Canadian Lacrosse Hall-of-Fame member. Over his 34-year coaching career he has amassed an impressive record while leading the Whitby Warriors to a Minto Cup title (Junior-A) and the Brooklin Redmen (Major) to five Mann Cup championships. Vipond, who is known throughout the lacrosse world as a top-notch coach (specializing on the defensive side of the ball), feels that his Storm club will need to become stronger in front of their own net in order to be successful. In addition to his lacrosse experience Vipond is a former National Hockey League player, after being both drafted and playing left wing for the now defunct California/Oakland Seals during the 1972-1973 season. When not working with the Storm club, Vipond serves as the General Manager to the Oshawa Legionaires of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. Vipond will make his home coaching debut this Friday night, February 28th when the Storm return home to the Meadowland to take on the Albany Attack.

Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Looks Forward To 2003 Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Association put 2002 year behind them and looks forward to the 2003 season with optimism
By Wray Maracle: Turtle Island News Monday February 24, 2003 OHSWEKEN -- The Six Nations Police have been called in to investigate an allegation of misappropriation of funds totaling over $45,000 from the Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Association (SNMLA). It's been a year since the association discovered funds were missing throwing a shadow over the organization that has plagued them for the past year. The SNMLA said they have turned over affidavits to Six Nations police over the missing money. Six Nations Minor Lacrosse discovered the funds had gone missing after cheques began bouncing. The former treasurer Wendy Staats, the wife of band councillor Ladd Staats, admitted at an association meeting last year that she had taken the money. Carmen Thomas, re-elected as president, said the Staats family has since paid back $21,000. At their monthly general meeting this past Saturday at the Community Hall the executive are ready to put the 2002 season behind them and look forward to the 2003 with hope and optimism. SNMLA starts this year with money in the bank, un-like last year when it was discovered that over $ 45,000 had gone missing. Carmen Thomas returns for a second term as President of SNMLA says the issue is in the hands of the Six Nations Police to complete their investigation. Thomas says that last year's executives had to file affidavits with the authorities.
Six Nations Minor Lacrosse Association executive for 2003. Front Row (L-R) Julie Harris - Secretary (Temporary), Delmor Jacobs - 2nd Vice-President, Carmen Thomas - President, Graeme Sandy - 1st Vice-President and Connie Williams - Treasurer. Back Row; Colleen Hill - Volunteer Fund Raising Committee Rep., Tom Johnson - House League Convenor, Randy Martin - Coaches Convenor, Bill Montour - 3rd Vice-President, Clint Doolittle - Zone 9/OLA Rep. and Jacqui Martin - Registrar. Absent is Mel VanEvery - Referee-In-Chief


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Excelsiors 2002 Awards Banquet
Sunday February 23, 2003 BRAMPTON -- The Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club had their Annual Awards Banquet Saturday, February 22nd at the Garden Banquet Centre. On a stormy night the event still drew 175 people. The following were the awards presented to the Mann Cup Champions. M.V.P. Regular Season - Josh Sanderson M.V.P. Playoffs - Dan Teat Regular Season Scoring Leader - Josh Sanderson UnSung Hero - Brian Beisel Rookie of the Year - Jamie Roy Best Defensive Player - Jim Moss Special Acknowledgement made to Nan Teat for her help to the Major Excelsiors. The Major Team also announced the return of Head Coach, Terry Sanderson for the 2003 season. A C.D. hightlighting the 2002 season and particularly the Mann Cup Series was presented to each player and all staff. They are available to the public for a cost of $15.00 e-mail "majorexcelsiors@hotmail.com" for details

Clarington Minor Lacrosse Bigger Trying To Get Better
By Brad Kelly: durham.com Saturday February 22, 2003 CLARINGTON -- After surviving the growing pains associated with introducing a new sport to a community, the Clarington Minor Lacrosse Association is back for another season, even bigger than before. And better, too, organizers predict. The ice hasn't melted at the local rinks yet, but that hasn't deterred the enthusiasm of a committed group of volunteers who are waiting in the wings to get the summer season off and running. A total of 570 kids have registered this season, up from close to 400 a year ago. While those numbers validate the league is bigger, the better comes with the announcement that rep teams will be available for the more highly skilled players. "Kids should hear from the coaches by late March," in regards to rep tryouts, which begin April 20, says president Peter Wynne. The CMLA will offer rep programs in the novice, tyke, peewee and bantam age levels in a season that runs until mid-August, he adds. That time frame is slightly longer than the house league, which begins with a players' clinic April 12 and wraps up by the end of June. Players are on the floor for nine practices and nine games, including playoffs. Because of the increase in registration and the addition of a rep program, the association was forced to seek another venue to accommodate the extra floor time. In addition to using the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex and Darlington Sports Centre, the Newcastle Memorial Arena will also be utilized. As the league continues to grow in the coming years, floor time should be eased when the new twin pad in Courtice opens this fall. The league is also thinking about making the sport as accessible recreationally as baseball or soccer with the construction of a lacrosse bowl. While kids can stroll down to any park or field and throw or kick a ball around, those types of facilities don't presently exist for lacrosse. "The idea isn't to bring lacrosse out of the arenas, but rather have somewhere kids in the community can go and pick up a stick and ball and try the sport," says Wynne. "You can't just show up at an arena and start throwing a ball around." He envisions the outdoor facility will have boards, wire fencing, lighting and an asphalt surface with painted lines. A business plan is currently being put together to present to Clarington council for the $100,000-$120,000 outdoor venue that would be constructed on land on Green Road. In the winter, the lacrosse bowl could be converted into an outdoor skating rink, says Wynne. With the start of the season drawing closer, the association is in need of more volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly. Anyone interested can contact Wynne at 905-697-0226, or visit the CMLA website at www.kidssportsnet.com/lacrosse/cmla.

WORLD INDOOR LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP DATES SET
Friday February 21, 2003 The world's best indoor lacrosse players will descend upon Southern Ontario May 15 - 24 in quest of a gold medal and World Indoor Lacrosse Champion title. The World Indoor Lacrosse Championship 2003 will feature all-star teams from six nations: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Iroquois Nationals, Scotland and the United States. Twenty games will be played over ten days in four different venues. Sanctioned by the International Lacrosse Federation, the WILC 2003 officially heralds the arrival of modern indoor lacrosse to the international scene. The Ontario Lacrosse Association (O.L.A.), a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Association, is spearheading the organizational aspects of the competition. Rogers Sportsnet will be televising nationally four games including the gold medal match.
Day Arena Date Team A Team B Time
1 Oshawa Civic Centre Thu May 15, 2003 Iroquois Scotland 12:00 PM
1 Oshawa Civic Centre Thu May 15, 2003 USA Czech Rep. 4:00 PM
1 Oshawa Civic Centre Thu May 15, 2003 Canada Australia 7:30 PM
2 Oshawa Civic Centre Fri May 16, 2003 Czech Rep. Scotland 12:00 PM
2 Oshawa Civic Centre Fri May 16, 2003 USA Australia 4:00 PM
2 Oshawa Civic Centre Fri May 16, 2003 Canada Iroquois 7:30 PM
3 Hershey Centre Sun May 18, 2003 USA Scotland 12:00 PM
3 Hershey Centre Sun May 18, 2003 Iroquois Australia 4:00 PM
3 Hershey Centre Sun May 18, 2003 Canada Czech Rep. 7:30 PM
4 Hershey Centre Mon May 19, 2003 Australia Czech Rep. 12:00 PM
4 Hershey Centre Mon May 19, 2003 Canada Scotland 4:00 PM
4 Hershey Centre Mon May 19, 2003 USA Iroquois 7:30 PM
5 Kitchener Memorial Arena Wed May 21, 2003 Scotland Australia 12:00 PM
5 Kitchener Memorial Arena Wed May 21, 2003 Czech Rep. Iroquois 4:00 PM
5 Kitchener Memorial Arena Wed May 21, 2003 Canada USA 7:30 PM
6 Kitchener Memorial Arena Thu May 22, 2003 5th 6th 12:00 PM
6 Kitchener Memorial Arena Thu May 22, 2003 1st 4th 4:00 PM
6 Kitchener Memorial Arena Thu May 22, 2003 2nd 3rd 7:30 PM
7 Copps Coliseum Sat May 24, 2003 Loser 1 Loser 2 10:00 AM
7 Copps Coliseum Sat May 24, 2003 Winner 1 Winner 2 1:30 PM


Lacrosse Off To Kinsmen
By MIKE DAVIES: Peterborough Examiner Tuesday February 18, 2003 PETERBOROUGH -- The city’s top lacrosse teams are upset they have to play at Kinsmen Civic Centre this summer. Originally, Peterborough Office Bar and Restaurant major series Lakers and Peterborough Merit Precision junior Lakers thought the Memorial Centre would be open with limited seating as the 46-year-old facility is renovated. They learned in December bidding contractors want exclusivity to the building to insure work is completed by October. With the Evinrude Centre booked for a hockey school July 1 to mid-August, lacrosse has no alternative but the Kinsmen, say team officials. Both teams will try to get most of their regular season in at the Evinrude prior to July 1. The end of the season and playoffs will be at the Kinsmen. The seniors could get the Evinrude back if they reach league finals. “Before they go ahead,” said senior Lakers’ owner Ted Higgins, “and make a big decision about closing the arenas, they should think about the repercussions. The city arena group never even asked or considered our opinion in these things and we’re their major user in the summer. I’m not overly pleased about the whole business.” Higgins feels Canadian Hockey Enterprises should give up icetime to accommodate lacrosse. “The hockey school runs to nine o’clock in the evening some nights and they don’t want to cut him back a few hours,” Higgins said. “Everyone feels the pain but the hockey school and we don’t think that’s fair.” CHE director Paul Crowley said he didn’t want to be drawn into a public debate. He said he shared his stance with lacrosse people in private. Crowley said the Evinrude is the only facility which can accommodate his ice, dressing room, kitchen and conference room requirements for his more than 1,400 students and staff. CHE is signed to a multiyear contract which he says should be honoured like any business or trade show. Community services director Bob Browne said he’s explored a number of alternatives. “We did meet with Mr. Crowley,” Browne said, “and explored several options to try to make things work but, unfortunately, his school operates on a very full schedule and there just wasn’t an opportunity to accommodate both.” He says the hockey school generates “in excess of $80,000” annually for the city. Browne admits the Kinsmen isn’t ideal for junior or senior lacrosse but he says it’s the only alternative. He’s offered to bring in bleachers to improve seating capacity. “It’s a one-year problem,” Browne said. “Hopefully, next year we’ll have a wonderful opportunity for lacrosse.” Browne expects lacrosse to be the biggest beneficiary of an air conditioned Memorial Centre. “They’ve had to suffer with the hot summer weather and I think that’s adversely affected their attendance,” he said. Junior Lakers’ general manager Lee Vitarelli doubts fans will follow them to the Kinsmen. “We’ll lose our shirt,” Vitarelli said. “Nobody wants to go to the Kinsmen. It’s not a suitable facility. I don’t know how the seniors will make out. It will probably have a bigger impact on them.” Vitarelli feels lacrosse isn’t a priority for the city. “The city is firmly committed to things other than lacrosse,” he said. Minor lacrosse’s use of the Memorial Centre in past years was the Laker Classic tournament in June. Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association president Stephen Hynes said they’ve planned this year’s event without the Memorial Centre. “The big impact on us is the trickle down effect,” Hynes said. “If the ones who normally use the Memorial Centre use the Evinrude, where we had a lot of hours last year, it will trickle down and we’ll probably end up going to Ennismore for our practices because of it.” Hynes is disappointed the Evinrude is unavailable. “That’s where the people who play in front of an audience should be able to go,” Hynes said. “We pay a premium on every hour of floortime we rent to get the Evinrude built and now it’s not available to us. It seems rather unfair.” Peterborough masters house league uses the Memorial Centre Wednesday nights but can’t find floor time this year. League spokesman Ernie Ellement said they’ll use the outdoor Ontario Winter Games Legacy Bowl if necessary. “It’s a beautiful spot,” Ellement said. “It’s no different than playing ball outside. If it rains, we don’t play.” Ellement would like to find four hours of floor time to host a Borough Boys reunion July 11-13. They’ve planned a Legends of Lacrosse game and a masters game against Toronto Beaches. Ellement feels lacrosse doesn’t get the respect it deserves considering the number of national and provincial titles it’s brought the city. “The city should step back and look at the principle of the thing instead of the money,” he said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brooklin Redmen Second Annual Future Redmen Lacrosse Camp
Tuesday February 18, 2003 WHITBY -- The Brooklin Redmen Lacrosse Club is pleased to announce that the second annual “Future Redmen Lacrosse Camp” will be held for two weekly sessions this summer. The camp is scheduled from July 14, 2003 to July 18, 2003 and from July 21, 2003 to July 24, 2003. Cost for week one is $ 225.00 and for the second week it is $ 185.00. Once again this year campers will be treated to expert lacrosse instruction, both Field and Box, from Redmen, National Lacrosse League and Junior players. Please be sure to register by June 15, 2003 to avoid disappointment as well as for your chance to enter a draw to win a free registration. This is a great chance for kids to develop their lacrosse skills, have fun and spend part of the summer learning the “fastest game on two feet.” Remember sign up early to avoid disappointment and come out for a great experience. Further details at www.iroquoispark.com and www.brooklinredmenlacrosse.com or call 905.668.7765 and 905.668.3932. Register now at Iroquois Park Sports Centre; pay by cheque, Visa, MasterCard, or Debit Card. Contact: Mark Stehlin 416.750.3590

A Lacrosse Legend
By KEN GILES: Brampton Guardian Sunday February 16, 2003 BRAMPTON -- During the years leading up to Brampton's Sesquicentennial, the Mulliss name has been synonymous with an illustrious Excelsior lacrosse saga. The recent death of Bill Mulliss closed a chapter in Excelsior lore which spanned both field and box-lacrosse eras after almost 90 years. Mulliss, a Canadian Lacrosse and Brampton Sports Hall of Famer was in his 90th year at the time of his death on Feb. 7. He hadn't celebrated a first birthday when his father Charlie and his Excelsior teammates made an initial quest for a Mann Cup, emblematic of Canadian lacrosse supremacy in June of 1914. At the time, Brampton lost to the Vancouver Athletics in a two-game total-goal series 10-7 after winning Game One 5-4. Following in his father's footsteps, Bill was a sought after lacrosse star during the '30s Great Depression. At 21, Bill left the Excelsiors to help the Orillia Terriers win a Mann Cup in 1934 before playing for New Westminster Salmonbellies in 1936. Following 1936, he returned to his native Brampton where he played for the next 14 years. He, and a predeceased brother Jim, also a Canadian Lacrosse and Brampton Sports Hall of Famer, helped the Mimico-Brampto Combines win a Mann Cup in 1942. A merger of the Excelsior and Mimico Mountaineer franchises during the Second World War years of 1942 and 1943 saved the teams for the Ontario Lacrosse Association. Several young players from both clubs had joined the Canadian Armed Services. It was an era when games were played at Brampton's renowned Rose Bowl in Rosalea Park, an era when Brampton's entire town population could have snuggled into Brampton's Centre for Sport and Entertainment, that is, 4,000 and change. Prolific scorer, speedster, icon describe Bill Mulliss. He was also an ardent curler, honourary life member of the Brampton Curling Club, and raconteur. His tales about lacrosse and as an outdoorsman were legendary. His favourite story involved a day-long train trip to Orillia where he was to join the Terriers. It highlighted each and every whistle stop between Brampton and Orillia and took at least an hour in the telling. He always liked to boast that he owned the only new suit in Orillia courtesy of his big bucks Terriers' contract that had enticed him to leave Brampton during the depths of the Depression. Being on opposing teams created a dilemma for the Mulliss brothers as Jim continued to play for the Excelsiors. How would it be resolved? Easy, was Jim's response, just don't come down my side of the floor. "Do it and you'll be "touched up" just as any other opponent was Jim's brotherly warning. It was never a cruise control ride to the Excelsior net when facing Jim Mullliss. For "touch'em up" was a signal for Jim to lay on the lumber. His chopping check was administered with Paul Bunyan intensity, the best that the hickory of a Logan or Martin stick could deliver. I was at the printing stage, a 7-year-old who had yet to dream of print journalism, when I first saw the Mulliss brothers in action with the Mimico-Brampton Combines. Before the end of their careers, I'd be a Wellington Street West neighbourhood kid who along with Bill's son Bob honed his lacrosse skills in the lane separating our homes. The occasional broken cellar window never amused Bob's mother Rhoda. Bill's advice to the next generation of budding Excelsiors was score. Don't hit the cross bar or posts of his home-made net, thus alleviating the problem of ricocheting balls and his busted windows. Bill didn't escape a 20-plus year playing career unscathed. Blackened eyes and broken nose came along with his Mann Cup souvenirs. One summer morning, Bill's excited son Bob demanded that I come and see his father. And yes, I did. And there was Bill propped in bed, his eyes jet black, closed to mere slits, raccoon like, along with a nose plastered against his face. It wasn't a figure to enhance your love affair with lacrosse. In later years, Bill, who was left with a W. C. Fields snout, would surprise and entertain his grandchildren, by moving that same snout around his face, a fete never accomplished by the kids. Curling nephew Wayne Middaugh, a two-time world champion said, "grandpa Jim and uncle Bill always had advice for me, spending hours to explain their curling strategy. "I've always known that they were my greatest supporters," he said. When Bill returned from hunting camp, there was often a buck or doe lashed to the fender of the Mulliss car. Bill, being who he was, always assured the kids that there still would be a Christmas. Santa's Dasher, Dancer and Prancer were not among his hunting prizes. At the time of his 1972 induction into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, it was rumoured that Bill had killed his first moose. Hunting camp buddies always maintained that the moose found Bill. Mulliss moose chilli was a delicacy to be savoured at the close of many men's bonspiels at the Brampton Curling Club. Happy hunting Bill. Should there be a lacrosse stick within range, don't play for Orillia or New Westminster. Remember, brother Jim, always an Excelsior, is likely in the wings.