Due to the ongoing and evolving impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) in Ontario and the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) in British Columbia have made the difficult and disappointing decision to cancel both their 2020 seasons and the Mann Cup national championship.
Initially, both leagues planned to delay the beginning of their 2020 regular season play, which was to have kicked off in late May; revised schedules were drafted as the two commissioners worked towards the planning of the Mann Cup series, which was to be held in September in Ontario. Their focus was to ensure the greatest calibre of lacrosse in the world would be played when it was safe for players, staff, volunteers and fans.
However, MSL commissioner Doug Luey and WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte, in consultation with the Canadian Lacrosse Association and while considering directions from government and public health authorities, have now concluded that it would not be possible or responsible to play box lacrosse in 2020.
According to MSL’s Luey, several factors went into the decision to cancel, including:
• government restrictions on large gatherings such as sporting events and concerts.
• government guidelines that call for limiting all non-essential travel.
• the serious economic impacts on MSL’s many business partners, whose support its member clubs rely on for operations.
“While we know this is a huge disappointment for everyone involved in lacrosse — in particular, all of the players, coaches and fans — our primary responsibility is the health and safety of the competitors, volunteers and thousands of fans who will attend and contribute to the success of the Mann Cup,” said the WLA’s Dal Monte. “This unprecedented cancellation reflects the gravity of situation the world currently faces.”
“As disappointing as it is cancelling the 2020 Mann Cup,” said MSL’s Doug Luey, “without question, it is the absolute correct decision.
“We look forward to welcoming back lacrosse fans to the 2021 Mann Cup, which will be hosted in the East by the MSL champions,” Luey said.
Since the modern era of the Mann Cup began in 1926, this will be the first time the trophy will not be awarded to the best Senior A lacrosse club in Canada. The Mann Cup series is held each September, with the WLA and MSL champions facing off in a best-of-seven competition.
In 2019, the Peterborough Lakers won the Mann Cup — their third straight — four games to one over the Victoria Shamrocks in B.C.’s provincial capital.
Things are not looking good for the season. Premier Ford announced that there is a 3 stage plan to get back to normal. Each stage being 2-4 weeks, but being flexible enough to reassess the progress of Covid19 and adjust the time or restrictions. So it could be longer. Large Sporting events are part of Stage 3 in the plan. Please be aware and patient! Your health and safety are everyone’s first concern. Lacrosse will be back with a championship on the line no matter what happens!
The plan broken into stages as per media release from government follows;
Reopening businesses and public spaces
Reopening will be gradual and occur in stages. There will be two-to-four weeks between the launch of each stage to allow health officials to assess conditions before moving to the next one. This will determine if measures should be adjusted, loosened or tightened. This approach will enable the government to ensure there are appropriate measures in place to open safely and limit health risks. Everyday actions to protect your health, like physical distancing, frequent hand washing and staying home when ill, will continue through each stage.
Stage 1
In the first stage, we will consider:
opening select workplaces that can meet current public health guidelines
allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people
opening some outdoor spaces
continued protections for vulnerable populations
Stage 2
In the second stage, we will consider:
opening more workplaces with significant mitigation plans
opening more public spaces
allowing some larger public gatherings
continued protections for vulnerable populations
Stage 3
In the final stage, we will consider:
opening all workplaces responsibly
relaxing restrictions on public gatherings
continued protections for vulnerable populations
Definite info is still to come. We will post as soon as we know when final decisions are made.
Season Tickets are available over the phone at 705-743-3561.
Season ticket holders in the 2018 season will have the opportunity to renew the same seats for the 2020 season. The deadline for Season Ticket Holders to renew their tickets has been extended to Friday May 15, 2020 at 5:00PM. Any seats not renewed by that time will be released for sale.
Season Tickets
Prices range from $45.00 – $175.50
Schedule *subject to change based on the status of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thursday, June 4 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Brampton
Thursday, June 11 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Oakville
Thursday, June 18 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Cobourg
Thursday, June 25 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Six Nations
Thursday, July 2 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Oakville
Thursday, July 9 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Cobourg
Thursday, July 16 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Brooklin
Thursday, July 23 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Six Nations
Thursday, July 30 – 8:00pm – Peterborough vs Brooklin
Your 2019 Mann Cup Champion Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are proudly sponsored by 101.5 The Wolf, Global Peterborough and 100.5 Fresh Radio.
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