Moving Forward: Minto Cup Primed for New Format

OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2013 - The four parties that comprise the Minto Cup Committee, a standing committee of the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA), have come to an agreement that will see a change in how the premier Junior 'A' national championship, the Minto Cup, is formatted.

Starting in 2014, the Minto Cup will move from its current four-team tournament format to a best-of-seven East versus West playoff series. The champions from the British Columbia Junior 'A' Lacrosse League (BCJALL) will compete against the champions from the Alberta Junior 'A' League for the right to represent the West in the Minto Cup playoffs. From there, the stage will be set for the Western champion to face the Eastern champion in a to-be-determined location in British Columbia. In 2015, it will follow the same format, B.C. versus Alberta, with the winner traveling to with the Minto Cup championship being held in Ontario that year.

"We recognize that now is a time for change - ten years ago change was set in motion that brought the Minto Cup to a new level, adding a third member association into the competition; today, we accept change once again" commented Joey Harris, CLA President, following the committee meeting. "The Minto Cup championship showcases the best of what our sport has to offer - that has always been the case, but we have seen that the four team format has not been the best format for those currently involved and also to those that may want to get involved in the future at this level. We have a responsibility to our athletes and the sport, working within the core values of the CLA, to make decisions that will advance and develop lacrosse nationally" Harris continued.

With a commitment to continue to grow the game and expose burgeoning markets to the elite level of Junior 'A' lacrosse in Canada, the 2016 Minto Cup will be played in Alberta under the new format. The Western finals will take place in Alberta prior to the start of the Minto Cup playoffs.

"The CLA, in conjunction with the three member associations who compete for the Minto Cup, have worked hard over the past year examining the Minto Cup, its championship format and its future. We believe the decisions that have been made are what are needed at this time" said Harris.

The 2013 Minto Cup will remain a four-team championship tournament with teams from Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario competing for the coveted title. The champions from Alberta and Ontario will travel to British Columbia this August to play against the top two teams of BC.

Details surrounding the 2013 Minto Cup will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

About the Canadian Lacrosse Association The Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. The CLA mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members and leading our partners and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. We value health, excellence, accountability, respect and teamwork. For more details on the Canadian Lacrosse Association and the sport of lacrosse, visit www.lacrosse.ca

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For more information, contact:

Britany Gordon Events and Communication Coordinator Canadian Lacrosse Association 613-260-2028 ext. 302 britany@lacrosse.ca