THINK LACROSSE / FAUT Y PENSER

By Pierre Filion pierrefilion@bell.net Lacrosse Canada’s 2025-26 fiscal year ended on March 31th 2026. That is four months ago and still Lacrosse Canada has not come forward with the publication of its 2025- 2 6 audited financial statement. To Lacrosse Canada’s defense we all need to admit that the numerous changes within the organization might have led to this delay; the president (Matt Shearer) has been expelled, the Executive Director (Terry Rayner) has been terminated and the Technical Director (Wendy Dobbin) has also left. There is a new president (Barbara Lockhart), a new CEO (Lori Degraw) and a new Technical Director (Dave Stockton) who have stepped in and who are, somehow, trying to steer what appears to be a rudderless ship. Those are important changes and surely indicate that questions need to be asked. Especially in the financial domain as we are waiting for the 2025-26 statement. But four months is a long time for the paying members to wait. Someone from Lacrosse Ca...

 by Pierre Filion        pierrefilion@bell.net  Lacrosse Canada has selected its new CEO; Lori Degraw. Her résumé and experience are impressive. We are dealing here with a qualified person. Her first great advantage is that she does not emerge from the lacrosse community, has no axe to grind with anyone, no quarrels to settle and no promises made here and there. She is no one’s favorite or selection. She owes nothing to anyone. That is significant and will give her leeway to operate and run the ship. A disadvantage is that she will have to ‘’learn’’ the culture of lacrosse, the history of the game and the Association’s past successes and failures. But she has time to learn. The people she will talk to, and learn from, might dictate her appreciation of the situation within Lacrosse Canada. She has already indicated an availability and interest to meet the game’s members and partners in order to get an idea of what’s going on with lacrosse. That in itself is ...

Multi Hall of Fame Ball Stopper Incredible Offensive Threat Buff McCready holding Mann Cup Won by Brantford in 1971 Born in Port Dalhousie, Ontario (near St. Catherines), Bob McCready was an elite goaltender who went onto coach after his playing days (1958-1976). In addition to being a top-notch ball stopper, Bob McCready is credited for transitioning goalies into offensive threats as he possessed sniper passing skills. McCready amassed a total of 15 goals and 608 assists during his career. That is right 15 goals and 608 assists as a goalie! In addition, Buff McCready was known for his overall toughness, a player who did not hesitate to drop his gloves when necessary. Athletes often are given a nickname. The story behind Bob McCready’s BUFF originated during his childhood days. As a youngster under the age of ten, Bob and his buddies would play games such as Cowboys and Indians. Bob was tagged “Buffalo Bob” which was eventually shortened to “Buff”.  The nickname stuck with him for ...

“The Quiet Man”  Known as “The Quiet Man”, (as he let his play speak for him), Joe Comeau won a Minto Cup with the New Westminster Salmonbellies in 1960 (the team had a record of 21-1).  Comeau went onto win four Mann Cup championships (1970, 1972, 1974, 1976). In addition, Comeau received six first all-star team selections and four most valuable player awards. Comeau was not initially a goalie. After playing four seasons of minor lacrosse as a defenseman, Joe decided to become a goalie. After winning four provincial championships, Comeau began playing for the Junior “A” New Westminster Salmonbellies where Joe helped the Junior ‘Bellies win the 1960 Minto Cup with a 21-1 record. By 1962, Joe Comeau played for both the New Westminster Salmonbellies of the Interprovincial Lacrosse League and Port Coquitlam of the Senior “B” League. Comeau backstopped Port Coquitlam to a provincial championship. By 1964, he was a full-time goalie with the Salmonbellies, although he did play with ...