Let the games begin

Times Editor

 

Typically, when the ice is out of the arena at the Strathmore Family Centre, lacrosse begins its fast-paced, hard-hitting season.

However, for the first time, organizers of the sport chose a non-traditional approach to prepare for the 2012 season.

“We’re having a very exciting pre-season,” said Strathmore Lacrosse Club President Todd Betterton. “We were able to get some floor time in a local gym to get the kids ball-handling and running some drills about a month earlier than we can traditionally get in, so that’s great. 

“The other highlight, now that the ice is out of the arena last week, is that we are full-on practicing on the full courts … and the teams are essentially picked, so (it’s) exciting.”

According to Betterton, there are 10 teams in lacrosse, ranging from mini-tyke all the way to junior, including a couple of all-female teams in the bantam and midget levels.

There are approximately 145 kids registered in lacrosse, a handful more than last year. However, there is a nice growth in the younger levels.

“We just want lacrosse to last – we think it’s the greatest sport on two feet,” said Betterton. “We definitely like to see the young kids playing. 

“Although there are only five or six kids in the mini-tyke, it’s the first time we’ve had enough kids to consider a team (at that level). So that it a milestone for Strathmore lacrosse.

“So they’ll play that program a lot like timbits hockey, where they show them some skills and a little bit of scrimmage.”

Another highlight for the club is the Tier 2 junior program, which is going strong.

According to Betterton, the team has attracted a coach with very high credentials to lead the squad.

“There is a n outstanding young man who is going to coach that team – his name is Andrew Buchanan. “Andrew replied to an ad on our website (and he) grew up playing lacrosse at a very high level on the west coast. He’s played Junior-A ball and Senior-A ball, he’s got some fantastic coaching and leadership experience out of Edmonton and Calgary. He is actually running that Junior Tier 2 program – from coaching perspective and a board perspective, we are delighted to have his calibre of skill involved with Strathmore Lacrosse.”

For more information on lacrosse, or to see the upcoming schedule for all the teams, visit the website (www.strathmorelacrosse.com).