CLax pro lacrosse comes to Paris

PARIS ON – With league officials and municipal leaders on hand at the Syl Apps Arena, Tuesday morning, the Canadian Lacrosse League (aka CLax) and the Municipality of the County of Brant announced Paris to be the new home of the Southwest Cyclops for the upcoming 2015 CLax lacrosse season.

Last season the league-owned Cyclops franchise shared floor space at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena with the Ohsweken Demons.

The CLax executive is looking forward to building a winning tradition here in Brant and bringing an exciting brand of lacrosse to Paris.

“The league is now entering its 4th season with a program to grow, learn and have fun with the kids,” says Newsome.

Brant Ward #2 Councillor Don Cardy welcomed the Cyclops on behalf of Council.

“It’s a great relationship that is being established here between CLax and the County of Brant,” he said. “As we all know, Brant is very great in sports whether it is hockey or now lacrosse. It’s a great opportunity. I remember when I was 12-13 playing lacrosse in North Dumfries as well as Six Nations. It’s going to be great for younger children to play lacrosse and identify with the sport and grow with it.”

To coincide with the celebration of the Cyclops’ new home, and its presence within the community, CLax announced that this year’s CLax Combine Tournament will be held at the Syl Apps Arena on November 29th.

The Combine offers an opportunity for CLax prospects to show off their skills to the league general managers and coaches in hopes of being signed to a CLax contract. Last year’s Combine attracted about 60 players.

“The CLax Combine and Draft marks the official kick off of the 2015 season,” says CLax Executive Vice-President and Director of Lacrosse Operations, Jeff Dowling. “We have a number of excellent players from all over Canada and the United States registered to participate, and all of the coaches are eager to see the new elite talent for 2015.”

Deadline to register for the draft is Nov. 14th at midnight. Draft registration can be found on the league website.

In 2010, the arena was outfitted with an astroturf floor to accommodate indoor soccer and other indoor sports, and will be well equipped to handle the fastest growing sport in the world, lacrosse.

CLax is a semi-professional league for men and boasts many former National Lacrosse League players as well as up and coming pros. The league is in its fourth season and includes the Barrie Blizzard, the Durham Turfdogs, the Niagara Lockmonsters, the Ohsweken Demons, as well as the Southwest Cyclops, now playing in Paris.

Many players from the OLA Major Series as well as Sr. B men’s players in the summer find their way onto CLax rosters for the winter season.

Jeremy Talleva will be at the helm for the Cyclops this year as general manager and head coach, with Jesse Cracknell serving as assistant coach.

“It’s great to have a new arena that we can call home for the upcoming season,” said Tallevi. “The ILA was a fantastic venue for us last year, but we’re looking forward to having a unique facility for the Cyclops, our fans and other positive community events.”

The season kicks off in early January with the set schedule being released next week.

“We will also be operating a Jr. CLax program out of the Syl Apps Arena,” says Jr. CLax President Chris Newsome.

The Jr. CLax program, with U-9, U-12, Bantam, Midget and Prospect divisions has been designed to promote and develop young future lacrosse stars and runs from January to March Break.

To register or find more information go to www.canadianlacrosse/jrclax.com

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