CLA – Manitoba Lacrosse Association

COVID-19 Update May 2, 2020

As the situation around COVID-19 develops, the Manitoba Lacrosse Association continues to evaluate all options for programming in 2020. As of now, all MLA-sanctioned activity remains postponed until further notice. The government of Manitoba has announced the start of its reopening plan; however, this does not include the resumption of youth contact sports. Though it is clear that the season will not go on as we know it, the MLA board has not ruled out any mid-to-late-summer programming at this time, should it be deemed safe to do so.

A decision on National Championships will be coming from the Canadian Lacrosse Association by the end of May.

The MLA office will continue to be closed while staff are working remotely. Please contact MLA Executive Director Matt Mason at lacrosse@sportmanitoba.ca for any inquiries.

The MLA will continue to be in communication with its membership as the reopening process in Manitoba develops. In the meantime, continue doing your part in keeping the curve flat in hopes that we can safely resume the sport we all love in 2020.

COVID-19 Update April 1, 2020

In response to the recent developments regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the MLA has released an address updating the current state of lacrosse in Manitoba.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to MLA Executive Director Matt Mason at lacrosse@sportmanitoba.ca.

Manitoba Lacrosse Association Announces Staff For 2021 Canada Games Girls Lacrosse Team

The Manitoba Lacrosse Association is pleased to announce Kim Winzoski as Head Coach of Manitoba’s 2021 Canada Games girls lacrosse team. Joining Kim on the staff will be John Harding, Don Jacks, and Daina Ojala.

Kim, who was recently named Volunteer of The Year by the MLA for 2019, has been a longtime coach, manager, and administrator with the North Winnipeg Falcons as well as the Secretary and Registrar for the Red River Lacrosse Association. We look forward to working with Kim as she grows into her new role as Head Coach and builder of the girls program.

Ojala, with her experience as a coach and administrator in the Wizards organization, will be working closely with Kim on the managerial side but also brings experience as a coach in both lacrosse and ringette.

Harding has been coaching box lacrosse in Manitoba for over twenty years since his playing days and will offer a wealth of technical experience to the budding program.

Jacks will play a similar role as Harding, bringing his many years of playing experience at some of the highest levels both nationally and internationally, as well as his years of coaching experience with both Team Manitoba and local club teams.

With lacrosse’s inclusion in the 2021 Canada Games, Manitoba has been gifted an avenue to start sustainable girls-specific lacrosse programs, something that has been missing for too long in the province.

The 2021 Canada Games will take place August 6^th-21^st, 2021 in Niagara, Ontario. The box lacrosse tournament will consist of players in the U17 age group which will be players born in 2005 or later. 2021 will be the first year that lacrosse will be included in the Canada Games since 1985.

If you are interested in trying girls-only lacrosse or have any questions regarding the program, please contact the Manitoba Lacrosse Association at lacrosse@sportmanitoba.ca and visit https://www.mbgirlslacrosse.ca/ to stay up-to-date.

Manitoba Lacrosse Association Names Henkewich Head Coach Of 2021 Canada Games Team; Announces Full Staff

The Manitoba Lacrosse Association is pleased to announce Cory Henkewich as Head Coach of Manitoba’s 2021 Canada Games boys lacrosse team. Joining Cory on the staff will be Luc Magnan, Brett Morrison, and Blaze Bezecki.

Cory, who has gained a wealth of coaching experience in relatively short time over the last 10 years in both box and field lacrosse, has most recently been the head coach of the Manitoba Blizzard Jr. B lacrosse club of the RMLL for the last two seasons.

Morrison has worked closely with Henkewich in their various coaching endeavours over the years with Team Manitoba, club box and field programs, and development programs such as True Lacrosse and most recently the Team Manitoba Athlete Development Program. Morrison and Henkewich’s names have been synonymous with player development in Manitoba for the last handful of years.

From Pine Falls, MB, Luc Magnan is the only Manitoban playing in the National Lacrosse League. Entering his fifth season in the NLL and first with the newly named Halifax Thunderbirds, Luc will be an integral part of the staff, bringing the coaching experience he has gained as a coach at the Hill Academy and the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club in addition to his experience as a professional lacrosse player.

Bezecki, a 2019 graduate of the Manitoba Blizzard Jr. B Lacrosse Club, was the leading scorer in their division this year as well as team captain. Blaze brings the experience that he has gained through his years on a very successful Manitoba Blizzard team that won back-to-back RMLL championships in 2016 and 2017, as well as a coach with the Team Manitoba Athlete Development Program.