2020 IIJL Commonwealth Cup Announced

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — The Canadian Lacrosse League is honoured to announce its inclusion and participation in the inaugural IIJL Commonwealth Cup which will bring international box lacrosse games to beautiful Melbourne, Australia for the first time in history. 

The IIJL Commonwealth Cup has been established to provide developing box lacrosse nations the ability to host smaller international box lacrosse events in preparation for the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship and other international championships. The first ever IIJL Commonwealth Cup will feature a full slate of competitive games from March 17-22, under international rules, between all-star teams from Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth with Canada playing each team once. The 2020 IIJL Commonwealth Cup will culminate with a winner-take-all final pitting Canada against Australia in the championship game. 

The Canadian Lacrosse League continues to create, develop, and provide new lacrosse experiences to junior age players that have never been available. On March 14th the Canada international program will depart from Vancouver, BC and make history becoming the first Canadian junior box lacrosse team to travel down under and represent Canada in international competition. 

[PHOTO: Canada competing at the 2019 E-Box in Radotín, Prague 16, Czech Republic in April 2019]

The Canada 2020 IIJL Commonwealth Cup roster will be designed, as always, to provide representation from across Canada with a focus on deepening current relationships with players who have played with the Canada international program and an opportunity to evaluate and build relationships with prospective players in preparation for the 2020 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Champions. 

"As an organization we are focused on continually moving forward and adding value for our players and partners," explained Chris Fox. "Australian Box Lacrosse and Ric [Benedierks] have made a commitment to the IIJL and World Juniors. Going to Australia adds to our commitment to them; all while providing our players with valuable life experience." 

The inaugural IIJL Commonwealth Cup will be hosted by Australian Box Lacrosse. "We are excited to welcome the Canadian junior players to Melbourne." Said Ric Benedierks Australian Box Lacrosse Founder and IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship Australia General Manager. "Its shaping up to be a once in a lifetime experience for everyone involved," added Benedierks. Mark Lewer President Altona Lacrosse Club has also been tasked to organize the event. 

[PHOTO: Australia's #44 Jasper Hanna-Roberts from Altona, Victoria, Australia and Altona Lacrosse Club]

Melbourne is the state capital city of Victoria and is the second largest city in Australia behind Sydney. Ranked the world’s most livable city six years in a row and regarded as the “cultural and sporting capital” of Australia, Melbourne is as diverse as its multicultural heritage. The city hosts numerous international festivals, as well as the most prestigious sporting events in the country. 

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN BOX LACROSSE
Founded by Ric Benedierks, Australian Box Lacrosse was established to provide junior age Australian lacrosse players the opportunity to gain experience playing with and against international players from Canada, Iroquois, United States, and around the world. More information about Australian Box Lacrosse can be found on their website and on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

ABOUT THE IIJL COMMONWEALTH CUP
Established in 2019, the inaugural IIJL Commonwealth Cup will take place in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Tickets for the 2020 IIJL Commonwealth Cup are available through the Altona Lacrosse Clubwebsite. Stay up to date using social media on Facebook and Instagram.