Commissioners 2023 Season Report

Welcome to 2023!  Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League is getting back in to swing of things after Covid.  Being part on a global event like that is one thing, seeing the impact on sports is another. Three years later we are seeing the impacts in our 2006 – 2002 age group. Older players that never returned to play and a younger age that doesn’t feel they got the experience in minor and are hesitant to move up to the Junior level. As such many teams are having challenges with an abundant roster as they have had in the past.  

The return of Junior Lacrosse to, Kelowna, the interior’s largest city, last year was much anticipated and brought our teams back up to five.  Unfortunately, this year it was the reverse, lackluster commitment from players during the League planning stages lead Vernon and Armstrong to combine temporarily for 2023. Quite of few of the rosters will look different from last year with several players being offered the opportunity to play in the Junior A league on the coast. A fantastic opportunity for them to grow their game and bring some of the Interior charisma into the game down there.

We will start off the season with the Ice Breaker in Enderby Arena, Saturday April 8th.  A smaller facility will allow it to be packed and for all the teams to get the dust off, seeing how new and returning players are able to work together.  Games will start the following weekend. Game times and entrance fees will be consistent around the zone which is awesome for everyone.

At the end of this year’s league play, TOJLL will again be off with our league All Star game.  This will be combined with the Minor Zone Championships in Salmon Arm which will be great exposure, showcasing the love of the game for many players who are 16+ years into the love of the game.

This will be a great year of growth and development for both players and the teams.  Let’s get out there and enjoy the games!!!

Heather

TOJLL Commissioner