Lacrosse takes off in Westmount

Last season, Westmount's Sports & Recreation Department launched the program with a grand total of 26 kids participating.

Under the direction and leadership of McGill lacrosse coach Tim Murdoch, however, the program exploded this year with 80 kids registered and playing Canada’s other national sport.

“Our registration just ballooned this year by word of mouth,” said Westmount Sports & Rec sports coordinator Steve Robaire.

“Tim and the rest of his coaches did such a great job organizing the program that we just had an explosion of interest.”

With 80 kids aged 6 to 12, the program was broken into two divisions, each playing in their own mini-league.

“We had the older kids, aged 8 to 12, playing in a four-team mini-league with teams named after National Lacrosse League franchises. We had the Express, the Roughnecks, the Rebels and the Rock,” Robaire said.

“They played a three-game round robin season, playing 50-minute-long games and the kids really seemed to have fun. We expect the league to get even bigger next season.”

The Express, named after the defunct Montreal NLL team, finished atop the four-team division, with two wins and a loss. The Roughnecks, named for the current Calgary team, also finished 2-1, but had only seven goals for to the Express’ 11.

The Rebels, named for the defunct Ottawa franchise, finished third at 2-1 with seven goals for, but two more goals against than the Roughnecks.

Finally, the Rock, named for the NLL’s most successful team, in Toronto, was in last place at 0-3.

The younger kids played a slightly different format.

“We focused more on practice with the younger kids, playing 20 minute games. There were three teams, so when two were playing, the third would practice, and then would rotate in after the game was done,” Robaire said.

“It’s important to work on basic skills with young kids, and the coaches did a great job with them.”

Robaire credited Murdoch for the league’s success.

“We just want to have as many kids as possible playing sports and lacrosse is a great activity,” Robaire said.

“We don’t have the skills or knowledge of the game he and his coaches have, however, so without them, we never could have done it. Tim’s just so passionate about the game that it’s a pleasure to have him around.”

To wrap up the season, the league will host a pair of exhibition games between McGill’s men’s and women’s teams and as yet undetermined opponents at King George Park (also known as Murray Hill) on Sept. 8.

For more information on Westmount lacrosse, call 514-989-5353.