Due to the ongoing and evolving impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) in Ontario and the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) in British Columbia have made the difficult and disappointing decision to cancel both their 2020 seasons and the Mann Cup national championship.

Initially, both leagues planned to delay the beginning of their 2020 regular season play, which was to have kicked off in late May; revised schedules were drafted as the two commissioners worked towards the planning of the Mann Cup series, which was to be held in September in Ontario. Their focus was to ensure the greatest caliber of lacrosse in the world would be played when it was safe for players, staff, volunteers and fans.

However, MSL commissioner Doug Luey and WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte, in consultation with the Canadian Lacrosse Association and while considering directions from government and public health authorities, have now concluded that it would not be possible or responsible to play box lacrosse in 2020.

According to MSL’s Luey, several factors went into the decision to cancel, including:

• Government restrictions on large gatherings such as sporting events and concerts.

• Government guidelines that call for limiting all non-essential travel.

• The serious economic impacts on MSL’s many business partners, whose support its member clubs rely on for operations.

“While we know this is a huge disappointment for everyone involved in lacrosse — in particular, all of the players, coaches and fans — our primary responsibility is the health and safety of the competitors, volunteers and thousands of fans who will attend and contribute to the success of the Mann Cup,” said the WLA’s Dal Monte. “This unprecedented cancellation reflects the gravity of situation the world currently faces.”

“As disappointing as it is canceling the 2020 Mann Cup,” said MSL’s Doug Luey, “without question, it is the absolute correct decision. We look forward to welcoming back lacrosse fans to the 2021 Mann Cup, which will be hosted in the East by the MSL champions.”

Since the modern era of the Mann Cup began in 1926, this will be the first time the trophy will not be awarded to the best Senior A lacrosse club in Canada. The Mann Cup series is held each September, with the WLA and MSL champions facing off in a best-of-seven competition.

In 2019, the Peterborough Lakers won the Mann Cup — their third straight — four games to one over the Victoria Shamrocks in B.C.’s provincial capital.