Memorial Centre Refuses to Install Carpet For Lakers Classic Says Peterborough Lakers

The Lakers Classic is likely being played on concrete as the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) is not putting in the new carpet in time for the tournament according to a Facebook post made by the Peterborough Lakers on Tuesday night.

the Laker Classic has seen many top-level professional players represent their home centers, including local pros such as Shawn, Scott and Turner Evans, Josh and Zach Currier, Ethan Walker, Robert Hope, Thomas Hoggarth, John Grant Jr., and Tracey Kelusky and more. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The statement claims that the PMC has refused to install the new $325,000 carpet in time for the upcoming Jr’s and Laker Classic which will run from May 24 to 26.

“Despite our requests and the significant community impact of this decision, we were informed without explanation that the carpet would not be put down until June 12,” as stated in a Lakers press release. “This decision is a significant blow to our Junior Lakers and the many young athletes participating in the Laker Classic, who will miss the thrill of playing on the premier turf.”

The Laker Classic is in its 36th year, missing only two seasons: one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the other to a storm and tornado.

The long-standing tournament has been recognized by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA), earning Historical Status. It is renowned for kicking off the box lacrosse season for the highest-ranked ‘A’ division in the province.

The Classic has roughly 35-40 teams and 90-100 games over three days across five arenas.

The tournament features divisions from Tyke to Midget with athletes aged seven to 16 across the province.

Playing on turf pays tribute to the Creator’s Game and includes many Indigenous teams from Kahnawake, Six Nations, and Akwesasne.

“In light of PMC's refusal, we urge our supporters to contact their councillors and the mayor to express their dismay at how this decision and other latest decision that resulted in the Lakers late home start, tarnishes our community's reputation as the best box lacrosse center in the world. The Senior Lakers remain committed to advocating for all community teams and continuing to support the growth and success of lacrosse in Peterborough despite clawbacks by the PMC and city each year,” according to a statement released by the Lakers.

The PMC was reached out for a comment but did not respond.

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