Elora Hawks accepted into Junior 'A' league
OJALL welcomes former Junior 'B' team after arduous eight-month process
ELORA – Elora Hawks Lacrosse can now launch a Junior A team after being accepted into the Ontario Junior 'A' Lacrosse League (OJALL).
Hawks president Chris Redwood said it’s been a long haul that included delicate conversations, many presentations and preparing documents over the last seven or eight months.
But the league approved the move last week and Redwood couldn’t be happier – or more relieved.
He said there are many Jr. B players who are good enough to make the transition to Jr. A.
There are also 10 Centre Wellington players who are playing at the Jr. A level on out-of-town teams because until now, they didn't have the option to play for Elora.
“They can return if they choose,” Redwood said. “That was a huge debate. Elora had to give up financials and draft picks, but the Centre Wellington kids are all protected.”
It’s a big step forward, Redwood said.
Being part of the Jr. A league means players aged 16 to 21 can now compete at the highest level.
“The spotlight becomes bigger. Pro teams are watching, and players could be recruited for U.S. scholarships,” Redwood said. “It gives our kids way more opportunity.”
The deal means the Hawks are now affiliated with the Guelph Junior B Regals, who in turn are affiliated with the Fergus Jr. C Thistles.
“Now we can bring kids from Guelph to our team. It gives us a bigger pool of players.”
The Hawks will be the 12th team in the Jr. A league, joining teams from Brampton, Burlington, Kitchener, Mimico, Oakville, Orangeville, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Six Nations, Toronto and Whitby.
Redwood said it’s fortunate that Elora and Fergus amalgamated into Centre Wellington Minor Lacrosse in 2010 and that some former high-level players, like Mark England and Kasey Beirnes, have been involved as coaches.
“Our minor system is very strong,” Redwood said. “This all put us in a great spot” when presenting to the OJALL.
Redwood said team officials first had to apply to the league, then prepare a proposal, and then meet with the board and commissioner.
The Hawks executive had to convince the league they are in a good financial place and have a strong junior system.
They then presented at the annual general meeting last October, and after passing that hurdle, made the rounds to each of the Jr. A team executives to convince them the Elora Hawks are worth it to expand the league.
Redwood said the OJALL wanted to add the Hawks to the roster in about 18 months, “but we asked to come in this year,” he said, noting they have a full team already that can play at the higher level.
It also has an adoring fan base and that wasn’t lost on OJALL members who came to watch a few games in Elora last season.
“The arena was full, and the fans went crazy,” Redwood said of one particular playoff game, adding many teams are envious of that kind of turnout.
“The boys love playing in Elora. They love that the crowd in on top of the floor. And they love that fans really support the game.”
The business community has also been supportive, pledging to sponsor jerseys and ads on the boards and to provide other supports.
With arena time at a premium in the township, the team often has to travel to Kitchener or even further afield to train.
"This is where things cost money," Redwood said. "Nothing's cheap, everything costs money."
The Jr. A draft is slated for Feb. 18 in Oakville and as the newbies, the Hawks will get the 12th and 24th picks.
Redwood said training will start in March and games begin in May.
“We have our work cut out for us,” he mused.
