SIX NATIONS – The big void left in the winter lacrosse season when the Canadian Lacrosse League folded at the end of last year is going to be filled by a brand new men’s league that will be known as the Arena Lacrosse League, or A.L.L.
The inaugural season will see teams including the: Six Nations Snipers; Paris River Wolves; Toronto Monarchs; St. Catharines Shock Wave; Oshawa Outlaws; and the Peterborough Timbermen.
The new six team team league will have many players from the old CLax plus a few more. The Six Nations Snipers, coached general manager will be Jake Henhawk and they are making a play for Stew Monture to head coach, but that has not been solidified to date.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to be part of something that is just getting off the ground for players looking to get to the next level as well as coaches and people in the management group. The timing is also crucial as NLL teams would prefer to bring in players that are game-ready and in game-shape. This is a great chance for players, especially the younger guys, who wish to invest in their future prospects of reaching the next level” says Henhawk.
Henhawk recently completed his third season as the General Manager of the Six Nations Junior A Arrows, winning back-to-back Minto Cups in 2014 and 2015. He is entering his second season as a Scout for the Vancouver Stealth of the NLL and previously served as GM of the Mississauga Junior A Tomahawks, as well as the team’s Head Coach from 2010 through 2012.
“We would like to have smart players that can push the pace on both ends of the floor. Fans in Six Nations are accustomed to watching highly skilled teams from the minors all the way up to the senior level and we will not disappoint” he added.
The A.L.L. unveiled its inaugural schedule announcing each team will play 14 games. Highlights include the season opening triple-header where all six A.L.L. teams will see action in what is being billed as the Showcase Event. The schedule will see each team play three games against four opponents and two against the remaining fifth team. Please note Showcase will be at the home of the Oshawa Outlaws at the newly named Tribute Communities Centre. The venue was formally known as the GM Centre.
Jan 7th, inaugural games include the Paris River Wolves versus the Toronto Monarchs at 1 p.m.; the St. Catharines Shock Wave against the Peterborough Timbermen at 4 p.m.; and the Six Nations Snipers take on the Oshawa Outlaws.
The following Saturday, Jan. 14th, the showcase continues as the Shock Wave face the Monarchs at 4 p.m., followed by the TimberWolves closing the Showcase against the Outlaws.
Six Nations fans will get to see the new league and the new team at the ILA, also on Saturday, Jan 12th, at 7 p.m. when the Snipers host the Paris River Wolves.
Training camp and try-out dates have not been set at this time.
