The 2022 season is off to a great start so far. It’s been fantastic to see all the kids out in the boxes, sticks in hand and grins on their faces, especially those minis and tykes! We hope everyone is enjoying reconnecting with friends, lacrosse families and teammates.

Here are some updates from your Saanich Lacrosse Executive. But before we get to them, you should know that the Saainch Lacrosse Executive consists of a bunch of parents of lacrosse kids – just like you – who volunteer their time to run the association and make everything wonderful happen. A number of executive members have kids in their final year of minor lacrosse and will not be coming back next season. Therefore, we need new parents to step up and join the executive to take their places and carry on the work of the association. Think about giving back to this amazing sport and watch for more information on the roles that will need to be filled, and where you might be able to contribute.

3 on 3 Tournament
This fun tournament for all ages will be happening May 14-15. Hopefully your kids have made their teams, their managers have entered them, and they are now busy planning their incredible lacrosse costumes! There will be games, skills competitions, and a concession (by donation) put on by the Saanich Express junior lacrosse team. The Saanich merch tent will be there so you can pick up Tiger wear – t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, socks and more. We look forward to seeing everyone out at Braefoot Box.

Team Photos
Team and individual photos are being coordinated with the 3 on 3 tournament, on Saturday May 14 at Braefoot Park. Watch for details on your assigned photo time to come from your team manager soon.

Tournaments
We recognize that sport travel is expensive, but tournaments are some of the most enriching and rewarding experiences our young players will have in their lacrosse journey. Therefore, the Executive has approved funding to support Saanich Teams’ participation in tournaments this season. Tournament fees will be covered for one tournament per team, to help reduce costs to families.

Novice Rules
The Novice rules changed in 2019 and there have been a number of questions and concerns raised this season. The VIMLC has put out guidance for coaches, officials, players and parents. The document is available on Team Pages at: https://www.teampages.com/clubs/1651/documents/549949

Thank-you Sponsors
The association would like to thank Galey’s Morning Fresh Eggs at 4400 Blenkinsop Rd., who sponsor our 16U boys team and provide us with secure storage for our equipment. Be sure to shop Morning Fresh Eggs and thank them for their support.

We would also like to thank the Victoria Optimists Club, who have consistently sponsored three teams every year for the last decade. Thanks so much to the Optimists!! https://www.optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/clubdetail.cfm?club=32070

And a shout out to all of our other sponsors, who are listed on the Team Page.

Saanich Recreation Arena/Dry Floor Facilities Survey
The District of Saanich has initiated a review and analysis of community demand for ice and dry floor arena space across the region’s facilities to help inform Saanich’s rink demand analysis and future facility planning.

The Saanich Lacrosse Association strongly supports the establishment of more dry floor arena space for box lacrosse. Of the 11 arenas in the greater Victoria area, only Pearkes Arena is available to Saanich sports organizations.
Pearkes Arena has ice on the floors of its two rinks until early May, which means we do not have any access to indoor facilities for the first month of the lacrosse season. That requires us to try and book limited space at Panorama or Archie Browning Arenas to host home games, or to schedule all away games at the beginning of the season, which is less than ideal.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing youth sports in North America and the BC Lacrosse Association and member clubs are actively growing the sport. However, Saanich does not have adequate facilities to meet the current demand. We encourage SLA members to complete the survey and ask Saanich to provide more arena and dry floor facilities for organized sports in Saanich.

Take the Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J5GVCL8

That’s it for now – see you at the box!

Saanich Lacrosse Executive