Retired professional lacrosse player Scott Stewart wants to develop a program in the Highlands that can one day compete with established youth teams in Peterborough and Lindsay.
The 45-year-old played 11 seasons in the National Lacrosse League from 2002 to 2012, representing teams such as the Edmonton Rush, Portland Lumberjax, and Minnesota Swarm. He was known, particularly in his early years, for his offensive play – recognized as one of the league’s top scorers. While he developed into more of a two-way player as his career progressed, he still finished with 151 goals and 162 assists, for 313 total points, in 155 games.
Now residing in Haliburton, moving from Toronto three years ago, Stewart was surprised to find there weren’t any lacrosse programs in the area. He’s hosting a six-week youth camp in Haliburton April 23 to May 28 as a way of introducing youth to the sport.
“I’m doing this as a pilot to gauge interest – growing up, I loved playing lacrosse. It was my favourite thing. Since lacrosse is not readily available in Haliburton County, I want to fill that gap,” Stewart said.
He has operated a gym club for children for months and ran a two-month skating school in Haliburton over the winter. Stewart said parents have been encouraging him to launch a local lacrosse program. He’s formed Raven Lacrosse, geared to youth eight and up.
The camp will run Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at A.J. LaRue Arena. The cost is $150 per player. Equipment is required – while players can use hockey equipment for things such as arm guards, helmets, and gloves, they’ll need a lacrosse stick to take part.
Stewart said his focus is on providing a thorough introduction to lacrosse, teaching players the basics such as how to catch, pass, and pick up the ball, how to improve handeye coordination, and shoot. He’ll also be providing a history of the sport, which has Indigenous roots.
“I grew up in Brantford, which is right beside Six Nations, so I got to play a couple of summers on the reserve. I find that the educational component, of where the sport came from, is really missing in lacrosse,” Stewart said.
As a kid learning the ropes, he had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Gaylord Powless – one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. It had a profound impact. So, too, did one of his youth coaches, Paul Green, who Stewart credits with helping to launch his pro career.
Stewart is hoping to have a similar impact with up-and-coming players in the Highlands.
“Hockey is obviously really big, but I think lacrosse could be big, too. Kids just need the chance to learn about it,” Stewart said.
For more information, or to register, contact laxstar8@gmail.com or 416-735-9564.
