The 23rd annual Harry Kazarian Memorial Minor Lacrosse Tournament concluded Sunday afternoon at the JD McArthur Arena.
The local highlight was a victory in the Jim Nickle-Intermediate Division by the Watson Construction NorthStars who nipped the Wallaceburg Griffins 3-2 in the Championship Final.
The win by Watson Construction was one of many victories on the day and through the weekend for local lacrosse, provincial lacrosse and the region in general.
First of all, the Kazarian Family, Minor Lacrosse and a small army of volunteers once again conducted a massive multi-division tournament in smooth fashion. They’ll tell you operating a 40 team event presents a multitude of challenges, but from the outside it looked seamless.
I also applaud the organizers who have extended the legacy of Owen Sound lacrosse by naming each division after key figures in the history of the sport. It’s a very nice and fitting touch.
Next, I was impressed with the level of sponsorship and support the tournament receives; by my count almost 100 companies or individuals assist with financial or product aid.
And that makes sense when you consider the volume of visitor business this event generates. Forty teams times 15 players on average, multiplied again by one or 2 parents and that’s a positive impact for a one weekend function.
And finally, I was impressed at the geography represented by the teams advancing to the finals; Windsor, Nepean, St Catharines and Owen Sound- that’s a vast expanse of territory.
So 2012 is in the books and the 24th annual Harry Kazarian Memorial Minor Lacrosse Tournament will have an exceptionally high level to meet come Father’s Day 2013.
I’m Fred Wallace