What does Wayne Gretzky think of Lacrosse?

"If sport has a high point of the year, it must be the first week of spring." "...When I was growing up, I used to love this time of year. It was when I put my hockey equipment away and I was absolutely ecstatic to see the end of the hockey season. One of the worst things to happen to the game, in my opinion, has been year-round hockey and, in particular, summer hockey. "All it does for kids, as far as I can tell, is keep them out of sports they should be doing in warmer weather. I could hardly wait to get my lacrosse stick out and start throwing the ball around. It didn't matter how cold or rainy it would be, we'd be out firing the ball against walls and working on our moves as we played the lacrosse equivalent to road hockey." "All the good hockey players seemed to play lacrosse in those days and everyone of them learned something from the game to carry over to the other - things athletes can only learn by mixing up games they play when they are young." 

Wayne Gretsky,
National Post, March, 2000

Midland Parks & Rec Learn Lax Program Expands!

After an unprecedented sell out (40 participants) and a wait list of 21 for the Thursday Learn Lacrosse program The Town and the Braves were able to arrange a second hour to accommodate the demand.

Starting Feb 14 we will hold clinics at 4:15 and 5:15.

The Midland Parks & Rec department is contacting those on the wait list today.

If you are not on the wait list, or do not get a call,  please contact them 705-526-9395.

CLA 2013 Rule Changes Aimed At Eliminating Head Contact

Here is the link to CLA 2013 rule changes and featured is RULE 50~ High Sticking. Where it clearly restricts any contact to the neck and head area by first better defining the contact and applying more substantial penalties including game ejections.

The Braves will follow this new policy this season.

The Braves 2013 Season Is Coming

I hope all is well with you and your tribe!

The lacrosse season is approaching again and many are eager to get back to the game.

 
The Braves entered a team in every division at the provincials in 2012 for the first time in a long while. I hope we haven’t forgotten how important that "only one goal" can be as we all strive for a better result this time.

 
As in the past 3 years we start Thursday Feb 7th with the Learning Lacrosse program through Midland Parks and Rec. At at a cost of $20 this is an excellent way for new players (a sibling or friend) to learn the sport.  It is also AOK for returning players to get some floor time. The program is held in the NSSRC gym and runs 8 weeks (excl. March break). The basics of lacrosse are introduced and skills developed in a fun way with supervision by Braves players and coaches. 

Register for this Midland Parks & Rec program at the NSSRC courtesy desk.

 As of today there are 32 of 40 spots taken.

Kids who want to try lacrosse and for returning players, we have the NSSRC gym 4 Saturdays in Feb and March. Bring a friend to try it (some sticks, gloves and helmets are available). For insurance purposes you need to register with MMLA for the coming season. Payment is not required, fees are due by April 30th.

Great news! The arena floor is available 1 week earlier this year so we are planning a FREE training camp (for players and coaches) the night of April 22nd with some feature instructors (more on this shortly).

Year 4 of TimBits Little Braves Lacrosse starts May 2nd and runs from 6-7 for 8 Thursdays. Floor is open at 6 for parents and kids, program starts each nite at 6:15. Last 15 minutes is for optional Tyke play (contact).

House league night for Novice & Peewee is now 8 Mondays from May 6th to June 24th (excl. hol.) with 2 travel games (to Barrie on either Tues/Thurs) and a playoff. 

Bench staff. If you are interested in being involved as a trainer, manager or coach please submit request to

Brian.Blanks@arcelormittal.com or vemberson@gmail.com. Application MUST include copy of current and coaching credentials (go to coach.ca for transcript) or proof of being certified in first aid. 

NOTE: Club reimburses clinic cost on completion of coaching course & books.
Positions will be decided on in mid-March.

Our Canada Day tournament has earned heritage status by the OLA (only 6 in the province). We need champions to take on this very important event and our major fundraiser. A great way to help our club!

Last year the club sold a large amount of donated gear to new players at a great price and raised $300 to buy better goal equipment & more team supplies (like balls!). Donating old sticks and gear helps us all!

We are only as strong as our volunteers so please join in. There are plenty of ways to earn Student Service Hours as well. Get involved and learn more about our national game. We do need your ability.

This year our 2012 Tyke team will play before the Toronto Rock game, Sunday March 24th (game time is 3pm) against our rivals, Stayner. This is also a Bounce Back fundraiser as discounted tickets will be available and The club get $5 for each one sold. Watch our site for more details.

If you intend on playing please register early and help us give you a more successful season!  The 2013 brochure will be posted on this website and mailed out this week. Check it out...

Looking forward to see you all again soon for a fun time!

3rd Year For Parks & Rec. Learn to Play Lacrosse Program!

Want to learn how to play lacrosse? Or improve your skills?

This 8 week program starts February 7th (excl Mar. 16) and teaches the FUNdamentals of our game.

Guided by MMLA coaches and taught by older players  this is for anyone wanting to discover lacrosse and learn to play before deciding to register for the regular games in May & June

Returning players who wish to improve their skills and prepare for the season can also register for this. Participants will be grouped based on individual skill.

Held in the NSSRC Gym from 4:30- 5:30 each Thursday. Open to players 5-16.

Cost is a bargain at $20! Limit of 30 participants.

Indoor running shoes, hockey helmet, hockey gloves and a lacrosse stick is needed.

Some equipment and sticks available to loan courtesy of Canadian Tire's Jump Start program and from used equipment donations.

Please register at the NSSRC courtesy desk for this program!