Lacrosse is back in Prince Albert, as players took to the field for the first practice on John Diefenbaker Football Field. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Lacrosse Rushing Back

Attack get back on the field, lacrosse games coming up sooner than expected

Jun 25, 2020 | 4:07 PM

Trey McShannock couldn’t stop thinking about lacrosse throughout the pandemic, as he impatiently awaited the return of his sport.

“I’ve always kept my sticks in my hand and I really haven’t stopped,” McShannock said about the break. “It’s been the same thing, just practicing at home, pretty much.

“It’s like someone said, ‘get ready for your next lacrosse season, this is your time to practice, your time to learn how to practice yourself and get ready for next season.’”

On Wednesday, McShannock said he finally got his wish as the Prince Albert Lacrosse Association (PALAX) held their Return to Train skills and drills camp at the John Diefenbaker Football Field.

There was a lot of work put on by PALAX to even get back on the field amidst the pandemic, but president Javan Bexson said it was all worthwhile.

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“It’s been an absolute whirlwind to get here, but it’s exciting. It’s awesome to see the kids here,” Bexson said. “It felt like a ton of meetings, a lot of planning and a lot paperwork to make sure everything was looked after as far as a safe return plan. Lots of meetings, really.”

Not only did lacrosse practices get started on Wednesday, but games will be coming up a lot quicker than they expected. With phase 4.2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, games can be back in action on June 29. Bexson said the registration for the camp was planned to include games, had they been allowed by the province.

“We designed this camp to morph into gameplay as the restrictions lifted further. The restrictions lifted a little faster than what we anticipated,” Bexson said. “So, we just have to wait for the guidelines to come out and our Return to Lacrosse document. We’ll give the kids a couple weeks to get moving again before we get them into gameplay. We want to make sure they’re well prepared before they get into scrimmage or gameplay, as well.”

Within PALAX’s registration numbers and the gathering guidelines, games will be seven-on-seven in the upcoming weeks. If restrictions are further lifted to allow for tournaments, there could be provincials in Prince Albert, like they were planned for earlier this year.

The association is still accepting registrations. Those interested can email javanbexson@hotmail.com to get signed up.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW