Holy Saints! Junior lacrosse franchise makes home debut
May 08, 2008 10:02 PM
By: John Cudmore
Bringing it home, baby.After an absence of two decades, junior lacrosse marks its return to fans of the fast-paced, rough-and-tumble sport in Newmarket and Aurora Saturday night.
That’s when the Newmarket Saints host the Mimico Mountaineers at the Ray Twinney Complex to launch the home portion of their Ontario Lacrosse Association Junior B schedule.
Delivered to Newmarket by a group of local investors, the Saints are the first local team to run a floor since the departure of the OLA Jr. B Aurora Stallions in the late 1980s.
Prior to that, the storied Green Gaels franchise played at the Newmarket Community Centre for one season, departing after the 1955 season.
So, yes, it has been a long, dry spell for junior lacrosse fans. But now is your chance to revel in the rugged, fast-paced game that claims, at least, to share the mantle of Canada’s national sport.
“We were of the opinion that with the large minor system we have and that the players had to travel so far to ply their trade, this was the way to go,” said Jack Hurst, one of four Newmarket residents investing in the club.
“I think it is really neat to bring faces to our minor system and raise awareness of the minor program in the area.”
“I guess our motivating reason is to provide a great sport to play in a town with a sporting tradition and to add to that tradition. Being Canada’s national sport, perhaps to provide a springboard into the professional ranks from Newmarket.”
Earl Rothery, Al Masson and Mike Ham round out the ownership group that convinced owner-general manager Rick Fitchett to move the team during the off-season from its longtime base in Scarborough. Fitchett has since left the organization.
The Newmarket Redbirds are a thriving minor program with about 600 registered members and stand to benefit greatly with a focal point in place for aspiring players.
To bolster local content, the club exercised its one-time right to reclaim players from existing programs in the league, landing several players through that process.
Veterans Patrick Lee, Jacob Donato, Ryan O’Sullivan, Kirk Nodello and Mike Brand were reclaimed from abroad and figure to provide leadership to a young group of players.
“They were all like away games so these kids didn't have a chance to play with the friends they grew up with or in their home town,” said Hurst. “We think we have a good product, and a natural home-grown product.”
For defender Nodello, it was an easy decision to return home to play after three seasons with the Barrie Tornado.
“We wanted to come here hoping to make the team the best we could,” Nodello, 20, who grew up in the Redbirds' system. “We wanted to get as many guys as we could and get the excitement back into lacrosse.
”I knew if it happened, we would be here. It feels good to come home and play in front of the home crowd and friends.”
Game time for the home opener is 7 p.m.
On the floor, the Saints have split two road games to start their 20-game regular season schedule, including a 9-7 loss at the hands of the Halton Hills Bulldogs Saturday night.
Newmarket competes in the Mid-East Division of the 13-team Eastern Conference. Division rivals include the Markham Ironheads, Barrie Tornado, Clarington Green Gaels, and Huntsville Hawks.
In all, 26 teams participate in the league.
Last season, the Saints finished with a 7-13 record and last in the Mid-East.
As is the case with most Junior B teams, the local player content is high. Of the 23 players on the Saints’ roster 20 are products of the Redbirds' program.
“We’re very happy that's been the case,” said general manager Stew Beatty, also past president of the Redbirds' program and its current director of player development. “It speaks well to young guys going forward. Most teams are as local-oriented as they can be. The league makes sure there is a good player producing system in place before granting a franchise.”
That was no longer the case in Scarborough, leaving a chance for the Newmarket group to get its foot in the door.
Although registration numbers are down slightly in the Redbirds’ organization this year, Beatty is confident the Saints' presence will have positive impact.
“I think this will help generate interest over time,” he said. “I think we are entering a good cycle for the Redbirds.”
Beatty suggests first-time viewers of the Junior B calibre will be in for a pleasant surprise.
“Those who aren’t experienced in junior lacrosse will be impressed with the speed. They’ll also be interested in the roughness and very aggressive game at this level.”
The opening contest kicks off a three-game homestand for the Saints who play host to the Gloucester Griffins on Sunday for a 2 p.m. matinee. Huntsville Hawks visit the RTC Tuesday night for an 8 p.m. start.
Recently retired lacrosse legend Jim Veltman will be included in opening ceremonies prior to the game.
Saints’ special coaches — Cam Woods of the Toronto Rock, and fellow NLLers Kevin Fines and Darryl Gibson — will help conduct pre-game clinics for members of the Redbirds. As well, recently retired Rock star Jim Veltman will participate in the clinic and opening ceremonies.
Pre-game festivities include a barbecue and hospitality tent starting at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $6 at the door for adults and $3 for students. Seniors and children under 10 years are free. Season ticket packages available for $25 for a family of five.
Log on to www.saintsjrblacrosse.com for more details about the Saints.
About the Saints:
• On the floor: Play 20 regular season games in the Ontario Lacrosse Association ... Compete in the Mid-East Division of the Eastern Conference ... Division rivals include Barrie Tornado, Clarington Green Gaels, Huntsville Hawks and Markham Ironheads.
• Saints 2008 record: 1-1.
• Saints 2007 record: 7-13, missed playoffs.
• Head coach: Todd Wilfong ... assistant coach: Luke Ringer ... goalie coach: Steve McMillan ... Special coaches: Cam Woods, Kevin Fines and Darryl Gibson.
• Tickets: At the door - $6 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and under 10, free.
• Season tickets: $25 for family of five.
Home dates:
Sat. May 10 — vs. Mimico, 7 p.m.
Sun. May 11 — vs. Gloucester, 2 p.m.
Tues. May 13 — vs. Huntsville, 8 p.m.
Tues. May 20 — vs. Oakville, 8 p.m.
Thurs. May 22 — vs. Markham, 8 p.m.
Sun. May 25 — vs. Nepean, 3 p.m.
Tues. May 27 — vs. Green Gaels, 8 p.m.
Tues. June 10 — vs. Green Gaels, 8 p.m.
Tues. June 17 — vs. Markham, 8 p.m.
Sat. June 21 — vs. Barrie, 8 p.m.*
* To be played at Magna Centre
http://www.theliberal.com/News/Sports/article/74372
