The annual Mann Cup luncheon and press conference was hosted at the Holiday Inn on George Street to kick of the Mann Cup, ahead of Game one on Friday.
Langley Thunder players and coaching staff arrived from British Columbia and were welcomed to Peterborough by Century 21 lakers players and staff.
Hosted by Pete Dalliday, speakers included Doug Luey , Lacrosse Canada Convener and coaching staff from both teams.
In a motivating, powerful speech by Luey, he reminded players of the grit required to play lacrosse.
“In my humble opinion, lacrosse is Canada’s only national sport,” he said.
He reflected with the crowd on the past two years of COVID-restrictions, which saw the Mann Cup canceled for the first time ever and noted that even during World War Two a champion team was named.
As the Lakers chase their fourth Mann Cup win in a row, Luey congratulated both teams and officially kicked off the Mann Cup festivities.
"This is shaping up to be on of the best Mann Cup championships of all time,” he said. “You will go down in history.”
Game one begins Friday with the opening faceoff at 8 p.m.