From the Times-Colonist - 1/12/1985
Photo courtesy of the BC Hall Of Fame
Lacrosse star Kevin Alexander of Victoria is uncertain whether he will go on the inaugural Super Series box lacrosse tour announced this week.
The series, announced by the International Box Lacrosse Association, will match Canadian and U.S. all-star teams starting tentatively Jan. 26 in Rochester, N.Y., and winding up March 31 in Quebec City.
Other centres confirmed are Philadelphia, Syracuse, Baltimore, Norfolk, Va., Providence, Troy, N.Y., Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, with other appearances possible in Montreal, Vancouver, Buffalo and Long Island.
“They’re making a real investment in the future,” John Tobias of Ottawa, technical director of the Canadian Lacrosse Association, said of the 32 Canadians invited to take part in the tour.
“All the Canadian players are paying $500 each for the privilege of being on the team and will get back only their travel and accommodation expenses. Their dedication has really proven my faith in the future of lacrosse. Of course they all are hoping the venture will prove successful and that a professional league will develop from it.”
The tour is really a test to see what fan reaction develops.
Alexander is the lone Victorian asked out for the Canadian team, which is to be coached by Dave Wilfong of Vancouver.
Photo courtesy of the BC Hall Of Fame
Alexander, 29, who is married and the father of two, said he must first consider his job and financial situation before committing himself. He is a letter carrier for Canada Post.
Alexander, who holds 22 Western Lacrosse Association scoring records and who is considered one of the best players in the history of the sport, is greatly desired by tour organizers.
“We certainly want Kevin involved,” said Bernie Burns of Guelph, Ont., president of the Canadian Lacrosse Association. “He is a must-see for fans everywhere.”
Alexander said he will decide in one or two weeks if he will go on the tour.
At a Baltimore news conference, president Ira Blumenthal of the organizing association said the players involved are “paving the way for the players who come after them.” The news conference was held in Baltimore because field lacrosse has long been a tradition in that city and one of its most popular local amateur athletic attractions.
Blumenthal said his group also is trying to organize a world cup round-robin box lacrosse competition involving teams from Canada, the United States, Australia, Great Britain and one made up of North American Indians, originators of the game.
If those plans succeed, that event would be held in the Philadelphia Spectrum in October.
While the U.S. team has been practicing for some time, the Canadians club will meet for the first time the weekend before the series starts.
The Canadian team would include 12 players from B.C., 12 from Ontario, four from Alberta and one each from Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
