What was set to be a historic first for Canadian senior men's lacrosse involving the New Westminster Salmonbellies has caused confusion around the sport.
Forward Will Malcom and defender Mike Messenger will no longer suit up for the Victoria Shamrocks at the 2024 Mann Cup, which begins tonight, Sept. 6, in Ontario against the Six Nations Chiefs.
The two were originally announced on Tuesday, Sept. 3, as pick-ups for the Shamrocks after it was believed the senior "A" squad could add three players for the best-of-seven national championship series.
A statement from Lacrosse Canada on Thursday, Sept. 5, however, said they are now ineligible as the policy change never went to a formal vote by the governing body's board of directors.
An immediate vote was held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, and failed to pass after news of Malcom's and Messenger's acquisition reached Lacrosse Canada brass.
The statement explained the requested policy change was presented by the BC Lacrosse Association (BCLA) and was carried as a motion at the sector level.
If approved, the BCLA would've become a "Type 2 association" and the pick-ups would be fair.
'Incompetent,' 'unfair' and 'unfortunate'
The Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) is firing back at Lacrosse Canada, claiming mismanagement of the decision to deny the Bellies' pick-ups.
In a statement of its own today, the league explained the policy, after the BCLA's presentation, was approved, 10-1, by members at Lacrosse Canada’s semi-annual meetings in May and would take effect for the 2024 season.
The WLA is also claiming the reversal was biased, stating "a board member that also holds a senior position with the Ontario Lacrosse Association" participated in Wednesday's emergency vote.
"The timing of this decision is stunning and is just another example of incompetent leadership at Lacrosse Canada," the release reads.
"Regrettably, Lacrosse Canada has once again miserably failed its members, just 48 hours prior to the most iconic championship in the game.
"Their actions are arbitrary and unfair and an unfortunate reflection of a lack of strategic leadership and a history of disgraceful incompetence, bias, and mismanagement."
The latest ballot, as it was conducted virtually, the WLA said, required 66 per cent of the votes to approve the pick-up rule.
The league, which consists of seven B.C. teams like New Westminster, said the Victoria Shamrocks will still compete for the Mann Cup "under appeal and protest," and will "pursue further action" after the championship.
Malcom was named WLA MVP for the 2024 campaign, recording 52 goals and 60 assists for a total of 112 points in 18 games.
The New Westminster athlete and first-team WLA all-star added 22 more points, including nine goals, in five playoff games.
Messenger played seven regular-season games and potted 16 points. The Surrey product was one of the better face-off competitors in recording a near 70 per cent average in the dot.
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