London Thrashers hope to expand women's lacrosse
On any given day it’s not hard to find out what’s happening in the major, mainstream sports. But what about those sports that don’t have the same high profile, star players, or commercial sponsors as the likes of hockey, baseball, or golf?
That’s where the London Thrashers come in.
The senior women’s lacrosse team is on a mission to build up their sport, and in particular, the sport for women.
“It makes you feel good, and there’s no better feeling than coming to play lacrosse, or play a game,” said Skye Antone. A member of the Thrashers, she was at Lambeth arena Wednesday evening taking part in an exhibition match against the Hamilton Lady Bengals. “Even just practice, it feels good to just pass the ball around,” she added.
London Thrashers lacrosse team at Lambeth Arena in London, Ont. on Thursday, June 30, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)The 26-year-old is one of 25 women on the Thrashers’ roster. The team is part of the Women’s Major Series Lacrosse League. They play games across the province throughout the summer, with the championships held in August. General Manager Karie Wells started the team in 2018. She said they’re trying to work their way out of the shadow of the men’s game.
“We’re trying to break that barrier for sure,” Wells said. “We do see some progress there. There’s definitely some work to be done but we’re very happy with how far we’ve come, and the expansion, and the interest in women’s lacrosse for sure.”
Some of these women play hockey in the wintertime, and play summer box-lacrosse (indoor lacrosse) to stay in shape. Others do it for the recreation or camaraderie.
But the one thing they have in common is that when they’re out on the floor it’s all business, said Wells.
London Thrashers lacrosse team at Lambeth Arena in London, Ont. on Thursday, June 30, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)“It is pretty rough, and the women they don’t mess around either,” she said.
Every bit as rough and tumble as the men’s game, but it’s also a game of heart,” said Thrashers team player Melissa Kennedy. “It’s not just a boy’s sport, it’s a girl’s sport. It’s where you develop friendships, develop long-term friendships. Where you learn not just skills. It’s a medicine game, you know?”
On this night, the exhibition match ended with a 6-2 win for Hamilton. But it’s not about the final score, so much as it is about the joy of playing the game,” explained Antone.
“You know, enjoying each other’s company, and just being here just makes me happy, and it’s kind of my happy place again,” she laughed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.