” Off the Wire ” proudly sponsored by Pete’s Auto Body
With great anticipation we awaited word from the Ontario Lacrosse Board of Directors last week pertaining to a final, conclusive, decision on the Brampton Excelsiors Major Lacrosse team shifting their base of operations to Owen Sound to become, essentially, a new entity.
Of course, we’ve already made the official announcement of the move. Twice.
First in November there was confirmation of the transfer from Joe Norton, who was understood by almost everyone to be the owner of the Brampton franchise.
Then in March, there was second confirmation of the shuffle up Highway 10 from Major Series Lacrosse Commissioner Doug Luey.
But in between these two confirmations there have been protests, claims, counter-claims, appeals, delays and other assorted legal and technical moves that have blocked the smooth departure of a failing lacrosse operation to the warm and waiting arms of another community.
It was all to be settled, I thought, last Wednesday when the Ontario Lacrosse Board of Directors, the 27 person board charged with rendering the final decision, were scheduled to meet.
The Directors cancelled that meeting.
I’m told the cancellation had nothing to do with Owen Sound-Brampton but was connected to other issues and factors.
But regardless, the fate & destiny of a Major Lacrosse franchise remains hanging in the balance, maybe until this Wednesday night when sources suggest the Board of Directors will meet again.