Lacrosse registration up in Saskatoon

Get ready for the rush of new lacrosse players in Saskatoon this spring.

Minor league organizers say the arrival of the Saskatchewan Rush has increased exposure for the sport and prompted many families to register their kids.

“Kids want to play what they see on TV; what they can go and watch,” said Michael Surcon, Field Lacrosse House League director.

“With having the market presence in town and on TV, people are more away of (lacrosse) as an option.”

Surcon said registration for his under-eight and under-11 leagues has surged by as much as 33 per cent over last year.

“It’s awesome, it’s good. There’s a lot of buzz in the community and a lot of people inquiring…the phone lines have been burning up,” he said.

The most common questions Surcon hears from parents are about equipment and scheduling.

He said the economic advantage of playing lacrosse is young kids can use their hockey shoulder pads and gloves before investing in specialized equipment as they grow. The league also offers sticks to their under-eight division as a “try it” incentive, he said.

Every league plays two games on the same night every week and the season runs until late June to accommodate summer vacations.