The Junior A and Tier 1 Timbermen will play a shortened showcase season though the month of July. The Tmen will welcome lacrosse fans back to the Nanaimo Ice Centre for a minimum of six home games. (Gary Johansen)

By Dan Marshall

Lacrosse Returns

Nanaimo box lacrosse returns after nearly two year hiatus

Jul 6, 2021 | 7:29 PM

NANAIMO — Junior lacrosse is back in the Harbour City for the first time since 2019.

Both the Junior A and Tier 1 Timbermen will play shortened showcase seasons with limited fans allowed at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Timbermen President Chris Bowman said he’s happy to see the return of high level box lacrosse.

“It’s great to be around the energy of the kids again. They’re so excited to finally be playing lacrosse.”

In 2019 the Junior A Tmen lost out to Coquitlam in the semifinals of the BCJALL while the Tier 1 squad bowed out to Delta in the quarterfinals of the Junior B league.

rare sight

Clear Nanaimo skies offering prime 'planetary parade' viewing

17h ago

expanded space

Modular classrooms coming for space-strapped Nanaimo schools, timelines clarified

Jan 18, 2025

cell tower

Rogers pushes for improved Nanoose Bay cell service

Jan 17, 2025

Both teams will have a different look behind the bench with Nanaimo Senior A player Mason Pynn coaching the Junior A team and Bruce Lesperance taking the reigns of the Tier 1 Tmen.

Lesperance said the organization has overcome some logistical challenges with the decision to have a season happening very quickly.

“We’ve been able to practice in Duncan, where we practice normally anyway. The players have been out for about three weeks prior to the season.”

The season begins Saturday, July 10 for the Junior A Timbermen with a game at 4 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre against Burnaby.

They will play a seven game schedule with a best of three Island championship against the Victoria Shamrocks to be played in early August.

The Tier 1 team started their five game schedule with a 12-6 win in Burnaby on July 4.

A best of three series with Victoria will conclude their Junior B season as well.

The Timbermen have approval for 200 fans at the NIC for home games.

Tickets will be available on a first come first serve basis with doors opening 45 minutes before game time.

After waiting a long time to put a team on the floor Bowman is confident local lacrosse fans will be able to see two winning teams in 2021.

“We’ve got a pretty amazing roster in Junior A and definitely a strong roster in Junior B as well. Our group of coaches is going to do everything they can to make this a great season and help these kids grow.”

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW