Lynx Players Selected to Team Quebec U-16 Squad
Congratulations to Westmount Lynx players Max Brie, Cameron Pepper, Jules Grandsen, and Louis Arbaud, all of whom were selected to the Team Quebec U-16 squad! Their selection is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the game. Keep up the good work, guys.
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A Great Spring 2014 Season!
Thanks to all of the players, parents, coaches, and volunteers who made this spring season a success!
We will be back later this summer with details about our fall season. We expect to have more competitive games and more talent on the Lynx during the fall season. The coaching staff are ready to raise the bar on individual and team performance so that we may take the program to the next level. We anticipate a two-month season, September and October. Practice will be 3X/week, with games on weekends. We expect to play 1-2 games/tournaments in the U.S. in addition to some local and regional games.
In the meantime, for players who are ready to take their own games to the next level, keep hitting that wall, consider camps or clinics over the summer, and get yourself in shape for the fall season. First practice is only 13 weeks away, so start working out now!
Have a great summer!
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What a Spring Season Finale!
June 15 was the final game of the season, the Westmount Lynx’ first annual Father’s Day Challenge. In the first game, the 13-and-under kids played the dads tough and then scored in overtime for a 6-5 victory. Congrats to our 13-and-unders!
The second game pitted the dads against the 14- and 15-year-old kids. The quick-learning dads took some advice from the coaching staff and picked up their offensive and defensive games for the older players, pulling away for an 8-6 victory. The dads were inspired by the arrival of Westmount Lynx and McGill University coaching legend Tim Murdoch, who tallied “4 or 5 goals, I forget, I lost count.” The kids played well but were outgunned by a crew of crafty sports veterans. “Next year will be different” promised the Lynx.
And yes, once again, we all got free ice cream. It was awesome.
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Sunday June 15 – Father’s Day Lacrosse Challenge! Westmount Athletic Grounds (WAG)
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Game 1, the dads vs. the 13 and under players, will begin promptly at 1:30 pm. Players, please arrive at 12:45.
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After a quick break, the dads will play Game 2 against the 14 and 15 year olds at 3:00 pm. Players, please arrive at 2:30.
And yes, there will be free ice cream!
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Video of the Week (<—-click on video)
For those of you wondering what the young kids are capable of after a few years of playing, the video above shows a game between two teams of 7 and 8 year olds. They look pretty good!
New Web Site Content
By popular demand, we have added some information on
- Lacrosse Camps and Clinics and
- Parents’ Guide to field lacrosse (designed for new moms and dads).
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Great Scrimmages and Games May 23 and 25!
It is hard to believe we played four games over the weekend but we did. The coaches are really impressed by the progress the team has made over the last few weeks. Clearly, many of the players are spending time “hitting the wall,” developing their games in between our practices. Keep up the hard work!
Friday night at KGP, we saw a lot of great effort by the players out in the field, and some great saves by our goalies in the cage. On Sunday, we all had a great time in the morning with the Terrebone games, followed by a hard fought game with Alexander Galt HS at WAG. We won some and lost some, but we all came out better lacrosse players. That is a great result.
We will look to make some more progress this week. Keep throwing and catching, and be ready to go!
If anyone has any good photos of the games last week, please forward them to Coach Z. We will get them up on the site! Thanks.
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Game 1 Victory! (May 11, 2014)
The Westmount Lynx U-14 team celebrated a beautiful Mother’s Day with a hard-fought 4-3 victory at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. Many thanks to the parents (especially the moms!), grandparents, and friends who came out to support the squad.
The game featured first-ever game experience for much of the team. The coaching staff was very pleased with the strong effort by the entire group, especially Elliot Lacoursiere, who earned the coveted red “game ball” for his hard work and smart play.
We have a long way to go, with many even tougher games coming up, so we will plan to get back to learning and working hard on Wednesday night. In the meantime, everyone should continue to work on their stick skills by tossing back and forth with a friend, or by hitting the wall.
The U-11 team had another great practice in anticipation of its first Lynx game coming up in two weeks. We worked more on fundamental stick work, and then began to incorporate some game situations, to build the players’ “lacrosse IQ’s.” With another two weeks of solid practice, we are confident that our squad will be ready to go at Terrebone on May 25.
See you all Wednesday.
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Happy Mother’s Day, Players and Parents!
If you are a U-14 Lynx player, as you know, you have a game on Sunday. If not, you have practice. Here are the particulars:
1. Game – for U-14 Lynx Players Only – Sunday May 11, 2014 at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf
- Date: May 11, 2014
- Time: Game starts at 1:30. Players should arrive at 12:45 pm to get geared up, hydrated, and ready for warm-ups to begin at 1:00. Players are responsible for their own transportation.
- Game is for U-14 Lynx players only; all other players will be on regular schedule and location (WAG).
- Location: 3200 Chemin de la côte Ste-Catherine, at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf.
- Other particulars: Wear cleats, as game will be on grass. Wear black shorts. We will have pinnies (jerseys) available for the game; uniforms should be ready by our next game. Wear your mouthpiece and other protective equipment or the referees and coaches will not let you play. Bring plenty of water, as it will be warm. We will plan to get everyone into the game.
2. Practice for non-U-14 Lynx players – Sunday May 11, 2014 at WAG
- U-11 practice goes from 1:30-2:45 at WAG. U-14 and U-16 non-Lynx practice will go from 3:00- 4:30 at WAG.
- Location: WAG (Westmount Athletic Grounds), behind Westmount High.
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Lynx Registration
Registration for the Lynx will remain open. We will have registration forms available at all practices. We have all the players we need to field competitive teams for the games, but we are always happy to welcome new players.
- Westmount Lynx Lacrosse REGISTRATION FORM 2014 – SPRING
- Liability Waiver Form Westmount Lynx Lacrosse (1)
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Updated Master Calendar
Please check out our new and updated Master Calendar with all of our games and practices through the end of the year.
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Practice Wednesday, May 7 — inside at the Westmount Recreation Center
- Date: May 7, 2014
- Location: Westmount Recreation Center, 4675 St. Catherine Street West
- Practice starts at 6:00 pm sharp for U-11 players
- Practice starts at 7:00 pm sharp for U-14 and U-16 players
- Practice notes: Please wear your mouthpieces. Safety first.
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Sunday May 4 Practice is a GO — inside at the Westmount Recreation Center
Since it is raining hard, we will take advantage of our inside space, with a modified schedule.
Modified Schedule: U-11 starts at 2:15, U-14 and U-16 starts at 3:15
- Sunday, May 4
- Westmount Recreation Center, 4675 St. Catherine Street West
- 2:15-3:15 pm for U-11 players
- 3:15-4:30 pm for U-14 and U-16 players
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Great First Practice! Now on to the Next Practices…
Frequently asked questions from April 30 practice
Q: Can we still sign up for the Lynx?
A: Yes. We will have registration forms and will be accepting checks at all practices.
Q: What equipment do I need? Where can I get it?
A: Please visit the “Equipment” page of this web site for all the information you need.
Q: When and where are the games?
A: Please see the “Schedule” page of this web site for all of the information we have right now. The schedule may change a little, but not much. Generally, games are on Sundays.
Q: How about just the U-11 games – can you tell us when they are?
A: OK, the U-11 games are scheduled for 4 Sundays in a row — May 25 (Away at Terrebonne, time TBD), June 1 (Home, 1:30 pm), June 8 (Home, 1:30 pm), and June 15 (Home, 1:30 pm).
Q: One more time, where are practices?
A: Wednesdays are at the Westmount Recreation Center, 6-8 pm. Fridays will be at King George Park, 5:30-7:30, except Friday, May 2, which will be inside at Westmount Recreation Center. Sundays will be at Westmount Athletic Grounds 1:30-4:30. Sorry for the multiple locations, but there is stiff competition for field space.
Q: Do you have any more discounted equipment left?
A: I only have a few sticks — no more gloves or arm pads.
Q: Do we get free pizza after every practice?
A: No.
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First Practice Wednesday, April 30
- Location: Westmount Recreation Center, 4675 St. Catherine Street West
- Practice starts at 6:00 pm sharp for U-11 players
- Practice starts at 7:00 pm sharp for U-14 and U-16 players
Last-Minute Information
- Pizza! The coaches are sponsoring pizza night on Wednesday at the Rec Center. Lacrosse parents and players are welcome to join us starting at about 7 pm, after the U-11 practice. We will stay until after U-14/U-16 practice for the older players.
- Westmount Lynx registration. We will have Lynx registration forms available in the stands at practice and at the pizza spot (TBD). Please bring your check books if you’d like to sign up.
- Arrive early. Please arrive 20 minutes before your practice starts. Players should be dressed and hydrated and ready to start practice on time.
- Gear up. Though we won’t have any contact on Wednesdays, we do expect players to wear their full gear. This includes mouthpieces. If they are missing something the first practice, don’t panic – the coaches will be there to help. At a bare minimum, players will need a helmet and a stick. Please wear regular sneakers, not cleats, to this indoor Wednesday practice.
- Where? This practice and all Wednesday practices are at the Westmount Recreation Center. Go downstairs to the rink without the ice on it and you will see us.
- First name basis. Please put your/your child’s name on the front of the helmet. White athletic tape and a black sharpie work best. First name and first letter of last name, please (e.g. “Robin M”).
- Chill. The coach/player goals for every practice are 1. Safety first, 2. Become a better player at every practice, and 3. Have fun. Relax and let the coaches coach – it is a very talented group.
- Questions? Please email Coach Z (pmz5@yahoo.com) or save them for after practice.
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Great skills clinic April 26 at McGill’s Molson Stadium!
On Saturday, about 30 players toughed out the rain and cool weather and were rewarded by a great clinic on the same turf where the Alouettes play. McGill varsity lacrosse players and coaches served as our hosts. We covered scooping, cradling, throwing, catching, dodging, and shooting. We will work on these skills on Wednesday as well. Many thanks to all of the players, parents, coaches who made it happen. We are very appreciate of McGill Head Coach Tim Murdoch who invited us.
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Notes from April 23 Pre-Season Parents/Players Meeting
Hello All – Thanks again to those of you who came out on the evening of April 23 for the pre-season meeting. Great turnout, great questions, great enthusiasm! The summary notes are below. Please check this web site regularly for season updates.
1. Registration
- To play with Westmount Recreation, you must be registered with the City for the field lacrosse program. If you are receiving emails from us, you are registered.
- The Westmount Recreation program is designed for “Recreational” players who will focus on individual skill development, with little to no physical contact and no games. Practice is two days a week, Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons.
- To provide opportunities for “Competitive” players, the city has teamed up with the Westmount Lynx Lacrosse Club.
- The Lynx players will practice Wednesday and Sunday with the Recreational players, but will have Friday evening practices as well (3 practices/week total).
- The Lynx players will play in games against other local teams later in the season.
- The Lynx players will receive a team jersey and additional coach’s instruction.
- The Lynx players will receive additional training in full game situations that will include contact, consistent with CLA guidelines.
- Registration for the Lynx requires that you fill out two forms and write a check for $200. Click through to the two forms here:
- If you want to play competitively with the Lynx, please bring the completed forms and the check to the first practice on April 30.
2. Teams/Age Groups
- There will be three age groups:
- U-16 (players aged 14 and 15),
- U-14 (players aged 11, 12, and 13), and
- U-11 (players aged 8, 9, and 10).
- As discussed above, our Spring 2014 Youth Field Lacrosse program will offer players two different levels of competitively appropriate play and skills development, “Recreational” and “Competitive,” for each of the age groups listed above.
3. Schedule/Games
- All players will practice Wednesdays and Sundays
- U-11 will practice from 6-7 pm on Wednesdays and 1:30 to 3:00 pm on Sundays.
- U-14 and U-16 will practice from 7-8 pm on Wednesdays and 3:00 to 4:30 pm on Sundays.
- Wednesday practices will be held at the Westmount Recreation Center (inside on the rink). Sunday practices will be held at the Westmount Athletic Grounds (outdoor field by the high school).
- Competitive (Lynx) players will also practice on Friday evenings
- U-11 Lynx will practice from 6-7 pm
- U-14 and U-16 will practice from 7-8 pm
- Friday practices will be held at the Westmount Athletic Grounds (outdoor field by the high school).
- Games/Clinics – here is what we have set up so far:
- April 26 – There is a free skills clinic for all age levels up at McGill’s Molson Stadium from 2:30-3:30 pm on Saturday, April 26. The clinic will follow McGill’s annual “Red and White” game from 12:30 to 2:30 at the stadium. We suggest that players wear a helmet and gloves and bring their sticks. Rain or shine!
- May 25 – Away game at Terrebone for U-11 and U-14. Exact times TBD. Home game with Alexander Galt HS at 3:00 pm.
- June 1 – Home game against Terrebone for U-11 and U-14. 1:30 to 4:30 pm.
- June 8 – Home game against Plattsburgh (NY) for U-11, U-14, and U-16. 1:30 to 4:30 pm.
- We have a few other teams that we are talking to for Sunday games and/or clinics. We will keep you posted as others are added.
4. Equipment
- See this web site under “Equipment” for on-line and local retailers.
- I still have 5 Maverik “Beast” lacrosse sticks ($35) and a handful of arm pads ($10) for sale. Email me if you want to reserve. First come, first served. Sorry, the gloves are all gone. See the “Equipment” section of this web site for local and on–line retailers. A good option is Stinger Sports, 293 Boul Saint-Jean, Pointe-Claire QC, H9R 3J1, tel: 514-694-0183 ask for Chris.
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Season begins April 23 April 30!
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE PRACTICE ON APRIL 23. INSTEAD, WE WILL HAVE A *NON-MANDATORY* PARENTS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6:00 PM. SORRY, THE ICE HAS NOT MELTED YET!
Many apologies for the delay, but the ice at the Westmount Recreation Center has not melted sufficiently for us to play at the rink. Safety first – we will wait another week to get out there.
Instead, on Wednesday night, April 23, we will hold a non-mandatory parents meeting at 6:00 pm at the Rec Center (exact room TBD). We will give a short presentation about our plans and goals for the season and will answer logistics questions about equipment, scheduling, Lynx registration, or anything else that is on your mind. We will send out the meeting notes in an email to parents and will post them on this web site.
See below for information about the clinic on Saturday afternoon, April 26 at McGill, which will now serve as the unofficial start to our season. We realize that Saturdays are not regular practice days, so we are hopeful that you can make it.
Our first official practice will be April 30 at the Westmount Recreation Center. On Wednesday nights, we will practice inside in the rink. Please wear regular sneakers.
On Wednesdays, U-11’s will start at 6:00 pm and the U-14 and U-16’s will start at 7:00 pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to get geared up and be ready to go when practice starts.
On Sundays, we will practice on the field at the Westmount Athletic Grounds. U-11’s will start at 1:30 pm and the U-14 and U-16’s will start at 3:00 pm.
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Spring Season Updates (March 28, 2014)
We are looking forward to a great 2014 field lacrosse season! This spring, the Westmount Lynx are coordinating our program with the City of Westmount. Here are a few notes to share with everyone:
- Year 1999 Birthdays Welcome! If you were born in 1999 and want to play lacrosse this spring, you can sign up along with everyone else with Westmount Recreation. The registration materials suggest that only year 2000 birthdays and younger can sign up, but don’t worry, the 1999’s are free to sign up with us.
- Age Groups. Depending on registrations, we plan to have three age groups – U-16 (1999 and 2000 birthdays), U-14 (2001 and 2002 birthdays) and U-11 (2003 birthdays and younger). Encourage your friends, brothers, cousins, classmates, etc. to join us.
- Great Coaches! We have six experienced coaches signed up and excited to start practice. Spring 2014 coaches are: Marc Malloy, Alex Lekacz, Max Malloy, Chris St-Cyr, Max Murdoch, and Ian Pearson.
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Sign up today for the Spring 2014 Season!
Registration has begun for our Spring 2014 season, which will go from April through June.
Please visit the City of Westmount Recreation web site for registration details.
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Call for Parent Volunteers
We are looking for parent volunteers. No lacrosse experience required. Please contact Peter Zabierek (pmz5@yahoo.com) if you can invest a few hours a week.
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Great Awards Dinner February 19!
The Westmount Lynx hosted their third annual Awards Dinner on February 19, 2014! We presented awards for the 2013 Fall Season and gave parents and players some information about the upcoming Spring Season.
Award winners were:
- MVP-Offense: Henri Boisvert
- MVP-Defense: Max Brie
- Most Improved: Elliot Grenier
- Most Dedicated: Cameron Pepper
- Player to Watch: Louis Arbaud
Congratulations to all Fall 2013 players. Great season!