No Carpet For Lakers Classic? Not So Fast...

The Lakers Classic which runs Friday to Sunday is getting carpet after all at the Peterborough Memorial Center (PMC) according to a City Councillor and the Peterborough Lakers.

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. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers issued a statement of disheartenment Wednesday morning, stating that the PMC was originally not going to install the new $325,000 carpet until June 12 without explanation.

“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.”

On Wednesday night, the Lakers announced that the carpet would be installed in time for the event according to a Facebook post.

“After some discussion with the Mayor and the support of our lacrosse community, plans are now on to have the carpet laid and available for use by the JR’s and the Laker Classic this weekend,” as stated in a Facebook post.

Criticism was taken to the municipal government and their response confirmed that the PMC is installing the carpet for this weekend.

“I have been advised by City staff that the company which installs the carpet intends to have it in place for the weekend,” said Councillor Leslie Parnell.

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.

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