Canadian Lacrosse League COVID-19 Update

In response to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding traditional junior lacrosse league seasons in Canada, the Canadian Lacrosse League is moving forward with selecting players for the Canada roster competing at the 2021 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship from August 8-14, 2021 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Bell MTS Place.  

"It has been well documented over the last four (4) years that our message to players has been - winning a National Championship with their junior team is their first priority." said Chris Fox, Canada General Manager. "While that's still the case, not knowing what players are facing this summer has forced us to move forward with assembling our roster." added Fox. 

International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) and the Canadian Lacrosse League are scheduled and preparing to host the 2021 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in a controlled environment; more commonly referred to as a 'bubble'.

"We are in a very fortunate position as a destination event where players, coaches, and officials are hosted on site over the duration of the championship." expressed Fox. "Conversely, we are very empathic to the challenges leagues have faced trying to navigate restrictions that have ultimately lead to many difficult decisions to cancel seasons for a second consecutive year." 

Additionally, in response to the loss of the 2020 WJLC and maintaining the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship as a development path for both domestic and international competition, IIJL Member Nations voted in favour to include a limited number of Overage Players, players born in 2000, for all teams competing at the 2021 WJLC.

"Being able to include 21 year old players provides our staff with the opportunity to include players that could have potentially been on the roster in 2020 and players that we've tried to include over the last few years but haven't been able to because they were still playing with their juniors teams for a Founders Cup or Minto Cup." said Jeff Dowling Canada Assistant General Manager and Head Coach. "We've already started identifying potential Overage Players who we think could make an impact and act as our leadership core." Dowling added.

Canada staff will be in contact with players in the coming weeks and remain flexible as leagues work to provide junior players with opportunities to get on the floor and compete this summer. 

For detailed information regarding Player Eligibility for the 2021 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship please visit the 2021 WJLC website.