Practices in Full Swing Throughout the North

With new teams entering the MBSLA North Division and new youth lacrosse teams also participating in the MBSLA this Spring, lacrosse in the North is as strong as ever.  One of the longest running northern Minnesota lacrosse teams has also revamped their coaching staff for the coming year.  As practices shift into full gear throughout the North, we'll start to look at team schedules and team previews in preparation for the first games of the season on April 14.  We'll also look at can't miss games in the North during the season.

Grand Cities and Proctor are the two new teams in the North in 2012.  Grand Cities is a co-op based team out of the Grand Forks, ND area that includes players from Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, MN and Warren, MN.  Grand Cities head coach is Aaron Cabanaw and he will be assisted by Cameron Willox and Kelly Hurt.  Grand Cities will play their first game on April 14 against Duluth in Duluth, MN.

Proctor will also be competing in the MBSLA North for the first time in 2012.  Initiated by player interest, the team is looking forward to the coming season under the guidance of head coach Steve Lokken.  Those familiar with Lokken, a former St. Johns University attackman, know that he will prepare his team well for their inaugural season.  Proctor opens play against Duluth on April 14 in Duluth, MN.

Another great sign for the growth of the sport in the North is the addition of a 5/6 level team in Duluth that will compete in the Spring MBSLA league in 2012.  The team presently has 25 players on its roster and the interest in the team has been almost overwhelming.  The team will have an 8 game schedule with an additional tournament to be added at the end of the season.  They will have a couple of scrimmages against the new Grand Rapids 5/6 team this Spring.  In another great development for northern Minnesota lacrosse, Grand Rapids will also be fielding a 5/6 team this Spring.  They won't be competing in the MBSLA this season but will be playing a series of scrimmages against other 5/6 teams including Duluth.

Stay tuned for more updates and the Spring lacrosse season in the North unfolds!