For diehard Innisfail lacrosse players an opportunity to play is not hard to find.
Both experienced and newbie players can be found at the Winter Lax 2014 event, set to run at the Innisfail High School gymnasium from Jan. 8 to March 2.
ìThe Winter Lax is a conditioning/training session for players of all ages except tykes,î said Xtreme Energy Midget coach Trey Christensen. ìWe usually run two groups, and combine midget with bantam and novice with peewee.î
Calgary Roughneck captain Andrew McBride, owner of Triumph Lacrosse and Christensen, owner of Flow Bros Lacrosse, are partnering with the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association to provide a training/evaluation opportunity for players. The tentative plan is to run two-hour sessions: one hour for midget/bantam and another for novice/peewee. Both weekly events will start at 7 p.m.
ìIn the past, we have averaged 40 registrations for the Winter Lax,î said Marlane Quinton, vice-president of the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association (IMLA). ìWe don't have final numbers for this year to date, but hope to have the same. Our final timetable and structure depends on registration.î
The IMLA is back in Innisfail after a year of playing out of Olds due to a conflict with the Chinook's Edge School Division, which has since been resolved.
ìWe are looking forward to being able to play locally, which should impact our numbers again,î added Quinton. ìIt will be interesting to see how many players we get this year.î
Innisfail lacrosse teams have been successful in their respective leagues. The Xtreme Energy Midget team won regionals in May of 2013, and placed second in the provincial competition in June. Three players, Trey Christensen, Teren Christensen and Elek Himer were chosen for the national team.
The lacrosse association is still accepting registration for the Winter Lax. Interested players can find out more at www.innisfaillacrosse.com or go to Best of Health in the Henday mall.
