Lacrosse has historic roots. Created and first played by Native Americans thousands of years ago, there’s no doubt about its origins. What else makes lacrosse unique? Its impact on the development of other major sports in North America.
In 1636, Jean de Brebeuf first witnessed and wrote about the game just outside of what's now southern Ontario, calling it "lacrosse". A demonstration from the Kahnawake Nation in 1834 led to the formation of the Montreal lacrosse club in 1856 – when lacrosse was declared the National Game of Canada. In 1860, the “father of modern lacrosse” George Beers began to codify the first written rules of the modern game.
Shinny was an early form of hockey with no standard rules, played in Nova Scotia. The format was constructed from the style and physicality of lacrosse. In 1875, the first ice hockey game was played in Montreal. Inspired by his colleague George Beers, as well as his love for Shinny, James Creighton wrote the first rules of ice hockey in 1877.
In 1883, James Naismith attended McGill University – also in Montreal, where he played lacrosse. He later became the school’s AD and was tasked with creating a sport that could be played indoors, during the winter. Referencing lacrosse, hockey, baseball and rugby – Naismith eventually invented basketball.
Conn Smythe was born in 1895 – a WWI and WWII vet, as well as the former owner, coach and GM of the @MapleLeafs. Due to his profound impact on the game, the NHL named their Stanley Cup MVP award in his honor. Famously, Conn Smythe said, “If I had to go to war again, I’d bring lacrosse players.”
With the @NHL and @NBA Playoffs ongoing, @NCAALAX Championship Weekend ahead, and the 2024 @PremierLacrosse season opener on June 1st, there’s not a better time to celebrate the skill, physicality, endurance, intelligence and teamwork of North America’s first game.
🎥 Andrew Peeke on being an option to return tonight in Game 3: "It’s intense. You all saw last game, that third period, and that emotion, that energy. I’m just looking to add to it. It’s exciting for me coming back into a game like this...and just being able to add what I can."
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