Tanner Fetch officiated his first NLL game on Nov. 25. (submitted photos/Steve Hiscock, Saskatchewan Rush)

By Derek Craddock

THE BIG LEAGUES

Former P.A. Lacrosse player referees first NLL game in Moose Jaw

Nov 28, 2023 | 1:02 PM

A Prince Albert man can now cross National Lacrosse League (NLL) referee off his list of achievements.

Former player Tanner Fetch was in the box for a preseason game in Moose Jaw on Saturday between the Saskatchewan Rush and Calgary Roughnecks.

Fetch has been heavily involved in the lacrosse world as a player, broadcaster, and referee. He said it was a lot of work and time to make this moment in the NLL possible.

“I did the Minto Cup this past year, which is the junior national championship, and a lot of things went into my cards here to make this opportunity possible.”

In his Lacrosse journey, he’s represented Canada as a coach and Ireland as a player, including a stint in the Sin City Box Classic in 2018 in Las Vegas, along with his brother Brady Fetch and Kyle Sawchuk.

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The last time he set foot in an NLL arena was when he tried out for the Panther City Lacrosse Club in Fort Worth, Texas, playing two exhibition games in 2021.

He told paNOW that stepping back in the box was extraordinary — especially with the crowd in Moose Jaw roaring.

“It was an electric energy in that building,” he said. “That was sold out and the crowd was into it and the music was going, the tempo of the game was as high paced as I thought the NLL was going to be. It was just a surreal experience overall and I had the best seat in the house.”

(submitted photo/Steve Hiscock, Saskatchewan Rush)

Despite an aggressive comeback from the Rush, the Roughnecks game away with a 14-12 victory in that game.

For Fetch, getting to this stage of his career has been a long time coming after spending years officiating at different tournaments on the provincial and national stage in Junior A and B competitions over the past decade.

He added he’s grateful he was able to represent Prince Albert lacrosse when calling Saturday’s game and is hopeful other young people will wear the pinstripes.

“I try to promote officiating to a lot of young kids because it’s a good way to make money and stay in shape. But at the end of the day, there’s so many amazing opportunities that could come from this,” he said. “This sport is something that’s given me a lot of opportunity. I’ve been to Finland, I’ve been to Prague, I’ve been to France, I’ve been to New York, Vegas…it’s such a great thing.”

In September, Fetch was offered a position as a referee for the NLL for the 2023/24 regular season which kicks off this weekend. The Rush play their first game on the east coast against the Halifax Thunderbirds on Dec. 1.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com