The 10 Ontario lacrosse teams you should follow this season

When the grass gets greener, and the weather gets warmer, lacrosse is always on my mind! It’s incredibly entertaining and easy to follow; it features the great grass outdoors Canada has to offer, and it’s exciting for spectators of all ages.

If you’re not a big sports fan, it’ll be difficult to comprehend the pleasure of watching this 60-minute team wonder. But trust me, there’s a reason why lacrosse is named Canada’s national game. Its history alone is more than impressive.

History, you say? What’s so remarkable about it? Well…

Lacrosse is North America’s oldest organized sport

Believe it or not, lacrosse’s history started almost a thousand years ago with a game played by the native indigenous people that populated the Canadian territories back in the day. The game was rough, with people often fighting with wooden lacrosse sticks.

They used to play one game for days until one team was declared the clear winner. It was a war training of a sort where only one rule applied: don’t touch the ball with your hand, only with your stick.

Things massively changed when European colonizers set foot on the continent. Step by step, they removed all types of barbarity, reduced the number of players, designated a playing field and introduced a 60-minute time frame.

A description of what we might consider the first modern lacrosse game was documented in the mid-18th century when middle-class Montreal citizens accepted a game challenge. That was the first game ever between Europeans and natives and gave the start to Canada’s most beloved sport.

So how did lacrosse turn out to be so popular in Canada?

Well, the colonizers enjoyed lacrosse so much that they started playing it every day. At one point, it became so widespread that they simplified the game to what we consider the official lacrosse rules today.

They also changed the name from Baggataway and Tewaarathon to lacrosse. Its origins come from the French “la crosse” (the cross), as the sticks reminded Europeans of crosses. In the 1850s, the game was named Canada’s National Sport which led to the creation of the National Lacrosse Association in 1867.

Unfortunately, controversies started with the foundation of NLA. The Association banned native indigenous people from participating in their clubs, creating tension between the two races.

Changes continued down the road with the introduction of indoor lacrosse back in 1931. The stories of box lacrosse are numerous, but it’s believed it was created to popularize hockey arenas. The game rose in popularity in the following years until it was finally declared Canada’s National Summer Sport in the 90s.

Lacrosse in Canada today

Since its founding in 1935, the Canadian Lacrosse Association has served as the sports ambassador, managing all Canadian participation in local and international lacrosse events.

Lacrosse training became more rigorous at the dawn of the 21st century. Canada’s national team rose in international leagues and won the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship, breaking USA’s 28-year winning streak.

Although box lacrosse is America's most popular game version, Canada prides itself on its field lacrosse variety. As the country that made the sport famous, it was the first to have local clubs and associations. Montreal, Ontario and Vancouver became the lacrosse centres that spread the game nationwide.

What teams to follow this season?

Now that you have the history clear, let’s move to the crucial part - which teams to look out for this season. Yeah, I know, it’s still relatively early for the 2023 draw and selections, but Ontario has a long history in lacrosse. That gives some teams a head start.

You also should have a look at the college leagues. After all, all the professional athletes you watch on the big screen or the bigger field come from sports colleges or universities. Lacrosse requires regular practice and talent shows from a young age.

Sports have always been a priority in Canadian culture (not as much as in the neighbouring USA, but still, a big deal of investment goes to sports scholarships), so checking out the university teams is an excellent place to start.

Having all this in mind, the list I compiled includes the teams with the most promising talents and with the longest winning histories. Check out Ontario’s top, and let me know what team you would add to the list!

Peterborough Lakers

Located in the lovely city of Peterborough, this MSL team will celebrate its 45 anniversary next year. One of the most beloved lacrosse teams in all of Ontario for sure, it’s no wonder that this jewel marks the beginning of the list.

The winner of this year’s Mann Cup and 17 more before that, this team rules the Ontario Championships, having won 26 times in total. Their rivalry with Brampton Excelsior is well-known, as they competed in the MSL finals for 9 seasons between 2003 and 2011.

Their rivalry continues to this day, not only on the field but on the stands. The fans get pretty excited during their matches, and fights are common. Peterborough is definitely the team to follow, so stay tuned for all their updates.

Brampton Excelsiors

And it’s the rivals’ turn. Brampton is another example of a superb box lacrosse team with a tremendously long history. Founded over 130 years ago in 1883, the team regularly plays in the Major Series Lacrosse League. Unfortunately, in the last few years, they’ve been unlucky getting up to the 5th or 6th position in the OLA Major.

Their history speaks for itself and for sure makes a promise for a good performance. Issues aside, they can easily win the MSL if they improve their strategy.

Six Nations Chiefs

Another great team performing at its best in the last decade is the Six Nations Chiefs. With 6 Mann Cups already won, the team is trying hard to win their next one. They always get to the playoffs, that’s a given, but they do fail to pass the semifinal sometimes.

The team has almost 30 years of history to base its strategy on, and it’s usually more than successful in beating its opponents. Located in the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Ohsweken, they’re looking for a new head coach. Let’s hope they find the one that brings them their 7th title.

Toronto Rock

Founded in 1998, the Toronto Rock is one of the most popular box lacrosse teams. Having earned 9 division and 6 league titles, they hold the tie for most championships in the league together with Philadelphia Wings.

The team has had its ups and downs, but they’re for sure a star to follow through this season. They currently enjoy practices and home games at their new home - First Ontario Centre in Hamilton, after enjoying 20 seasons at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Not going to lie, they can certainly improve their performance, but they also have a lot of potentials. Nothing can stop them from winning the championship if they put their mind to it.

Brooklin Lacrosse Club

Oh, the good old Brooklin. Don't we all know that red and black B from miles away? The ex-redmen are now precisely that - a team filled with bright, stand-out players.

Founded in 1961, the team prides itself on being a community team, welcoming players from Brooklin, Whitby, Durham and more. A constant participant in the Major Series Lacrosse, they’ve had some major bad luck the past years, falling short in the first round of the playoffs since 2014. However, I believe luck will be on their side for the following seasons, so fingers crossed they get a better ranking.

Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks

Quite a new team whose future is before it. The team represents the best Waterloo has to offer. Part of the Eastern Division of the Major League Series since 2006, the team had a rough couple of years in its young history. Initially declining support or attendance, they were finally forced to offer. It was sold to investors from Cobough and relocated from Waterloo in 2016.

Usually described as the underdog, this team certainly has a lot to offer to its players and fans, so it’d be an excellent decision to put them in your spotlight for a while.

Oakville Rocks

Yet another box lacrosse team you should have your eye on. Founded in 2003 and promoted to MSL in 2010, this Oakville treasure has almost 20 years long history of professionalism. Formerly known as the Ajax-Pickering Rock, they fastly climbed through the Senior B League and moved to the Senior A loop in 2010.

Having participated in 12 MSL seasons, they’ve ranked 2nd-6th in those, usually failing to pass the playoff semi-finals. However, they´re showing great potential in the last seasons, so it’s good to keep an eye on them.

Whitby Warriors

Now it’s time for the Juniors. There are certainly a lot of high school and university teams to follow. Still, as far as precious talents go, you won’t find any better than the guys at Whitby Warriors.

Their performance is almost always on the spot, and they count on promising players to raise them to the top and get them to the playoffs. They’ve competed in the Junior A league for over 50 years, so rest assured they always have something to show.

Six Nations Arrows

A team with almost the same amount of history as the Whitby Warriors, the Six Nations Arrows have competed in more than 30 Junior A league seasons, and they’ve always shown promising results.

They’re doing their best to pass through to the playoffs and go for the Minto Cup, and they’ve done so 3 times in the past 10 years, so it’s safe to say they’re the young to look out for.

Peterborough Lakers Jr A

Last but not least, our friendly Peterborough team. The Junior A team celebrated its 60th birthday last year and has shown extreme potential, as usual. They’ve done everything possible to pass to the playoffs and had success until 2015. Things have gone downfall ever since, but I’m sure with the right push, they can do miracles.

So here you have the top 10 Ontario teams to follow next season. Make sure to have your list ready by the start of the season. I promise you’ll enjoy a superb lacrosse experience.