BY Mark Simons

In early June, the Mimico Mountaineers Minor Lacrosse Club hosted the 8^th annual U7 John “JR” Robinson Friendship Tournament at Mimico Arena which included 8 lacrosse teams consisting of 5 and 6-year-olds from as far away as Sudbury and Peterborough.

The Mimico home team, coached by Jonny Grimes, Reilly Grimes, Mike MacRory, Harry Zolnierczyk, and Kevin Taracena (three of them being Mimico lacrosse alumni), finished with a respectable two wins and two losses, including a dramatic come from behind win over Milton.

“It’s great to see new families falling in love with the game and Mimico traditions,” said Head Coach Jonny Grimes.

Attending the tournament were some high profile lacrosse players including the legendary, Shawn Evans Head Coach of Peterborough.

Evans is one of two lacrosse players in history to win the Minto Cup (the Canadian Junior lacrosse title), the Mann Cup (the Canadian Senior lacrosse title), and the NLL Championship Cup, all within 12 months of each other in 2006-2007.

Also in attendance, Randy Staats, a current professional lacrosse player who plays for the Halifax Thunderbirds of the NLL from Six Nations was cheering on the up-and-coming super-stars.

Not to be forgotten, was fan favourite “Blue” the Mimico mascot giving the kids high fives before and after games as well as making sure that all the players got their complimentary ice-cream after their final games.

Proceeds from the weekend’s 50/50 draw went to support the Ian Anderson House in memory of John “JR” Robinson, who played and coached for Mimico Lacrosse. Ian Anderson House is a residential hospice dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in Mississauga and Halton.

Mimico Minor rep teams play in Zone 10 of the Ontario Lacrosse Association and play their home games on Wednesday and Thursday nights at Mimico Arena throughout the month of July.  Don’t be a stranger, come by Mimico Arena to support minor lacrosse and your community.