By Thomas Scott
With the lifting of Covid restrictions, the new lacrosse league on the Eastern Shore has been growing fast. The Eastern Shore Breakers have lacrosse teams ranging from 6U to 21U, featuring co-ed and girls’ teams.
This past season, the Breakers saw 174 participants after the first entire season since the pandemic after last year's limited season. The limited season started in July last summer compared to a May start this season.
“COVID-19 definitely had an impact on participation and the ability of kids to play, but the league got a limited season, so we're pretty happy about that,” league president John Fry said in an interview.
The 12U female team was perhaps the most impressive as the team won provincials and went undefeated on the season, winning the Metro League.
“It was a really big deal for the team and our association having those girls playing at a really high level and being able to continue that and keep that momentum all season,” Fry said. “They were amazing. It wasn't just one or two players, we had multiple players playing well and all the kids growing and getting better; it was a team effort to do it.”
The Breakers have been granted a Maritime Junior A girls’ team in the East Coast Junior Lacrosse League, hosting those aged 17 to 21.
Fry said the community aspect is strong and tight and has provided much support.
“The rink on the Eastern Shore has been fantastic in terms of being flexible and supporting us,” Fry said. “We've had some local businesses in terms of sponsorships and support over the years, which really helped us leading up to COVID-19 and coming out of it; I think that’s been really positive.”
The co-ed teams bring positives. “I think the community aspect of it has been really strong. The players are really connected regardless of age and gender; the players come back to help with other teams, they're coming to cheer each other on; they are very supportive.”
