By Gloucester Lacrosse Association
With overall participation growth, national-champion players, provincial-finalist teams, popular programs and tournaments, plus many more highlights, it was a highly successful 2016 season for the Gloucester Griffins Minor Lacrosse Association.
The Griffins capped the strong campaign with silver medal wins in the Novice ‘D’ and Bantam ‘B’ divisions at the Ontario Lacrosse Championships in early August, while several more Gloucester sides reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals.
“I think it’s a reflection of all the hard work that the players put into getting better,” signals GLA Club President Greg Rampley, “and the hard work that the parents, volunteers and coaches put into providing a great program for the kids.
“From that perspective, it’s rewarding to see. I think there’s been a lot of growth in the program and in our player development overall.”
The Gloucester Griffins’ annual Ray Broadworth Memorial Tournament had 44 teams from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia participate at the beginning of July. Over the three-day tournament, all but one Griffins team made it to the finals in their division.
One week later, the Griffins hosted the Girls Summer Shootout, the second girls’ tournament they have hosted in the past four years. With 33 teams registered, this “raised the level of excitement for next year,” says Rampley, whose club continued to grow steadily in its female ranks. “A lot of the girls were disappointed the season was over after that tournament.”
Amongst the Griffins’ talented female players are Camryn Gallagher and Leah Young, who were chosen for to play for Team Ontario at July’s National Championships in Calgary, each winning gold.
“Both girls went out to Calgary and got a great experience getting to know, and playing alongside, other high caliber players in Ontario at their age level,” highlights Rampley, “and against nationally ranked competition.”
Success at sport’s highest levels
Other notable accomplishments by graduating midget Griffins players include Carter Brand being selected 7th overall by Peterborough in January’s Ontario Lacrosse Association Jr. ‘A’ draft, and Hayden Fox winning gold with Team Iroquois West at the August World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.
The GLA officially wrapped up the season with its annual general meeting and volunteer appreciation social on Aug. 31.
The association honoured Shawna Burton and Mike Rouleau as volunteers of the year. They convened the peanut and paperweight programs, for players age 3-6. Nearly double the players participated in those programs this year compared to last – “a testament to how well (Burton and Rouleau) were running it every week,” underlines Rampley.
Ben Albert earned the club’s Competitive Coach of the Year award. His Bantam 1 team won two tournaments and moved way up the provincial ranking to finish with the Ontario silver. The Girls House League co-Coaches of the year were Travis Duhaime & Jarrett Chalmers (Novice/Peewee Girls), while Chet Holterman was named House League Coach of the Year.
“It was Chet’s first year coaching lacrosse,” notes Rampley. “He did an excellent job at being positive and reinforcing a really positive message to the kids on the team. There was a big growth in our novice house league division this year.
“We are very lucky to have some great volunteers who are helping to grow the association and grow the sport of lacrosse in Ottawa.”
Check our website for info on upcoming winter lacrosse programs.