It was expected but that doesn’t make it any easier to take.
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers announced today that the 2022 Home Opener, scheduled for this Thursday, is cancelled.
Team officials say they had a spectacular event planned to kick off Peterborough’s 150th lacrosse anniversary as well as a return to a full season in the Peterborough Memorial Centre for the first time since 2018.
Issues are being created around the league because of the disputed move of the Brampton Excelsiors to Owen Sound – a move that was overturned by the Ontario Lacrosse Association board of directors.
Here is a statement on the ongoing legal situation that led to the postponement of the season:
“We are devastated and appalled at the willful disregard for our Canadian National game of box lacrosse. The Ontario Lacrosse Association and the few individuals involved in a dispute that should never have left the Brampton area and their team’s management, seem to be willing to put themselves before all lacrosse in Ontario by making it impossible for the other teams to play.
Although we feel this great frustration we also know our fans, sponsors, players and volunteers feel the same. Our fans and supporters are our number one concern. We know that they have all been as excited as the team to get back to regular play. There are many questions to be answered and priorities to be changed for the sake of the game. The Lakers ask for a little more patience while we continue to advocate for and help find a solution. All MSL teams want to play so we hope by our next scheduled game that the issues will be settled enough to start our run for a historic fourth Mann Cup in a row!”
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
