The Westerner for September 13, 2010

• Nominations for District Governor for the 2013 Rotary year will be received by PDG Terry Drader up to October 15th.
• West Edmonton Club Board will meet on Wednesday, September 15th.
• We still need two members to step forward and volunteer to direct Community Service and Vocational Service for the current Rotary year.  Please contact President Mike to discuss if you are interested.
• Hockey Pool Tickets are now available from Doug MacDougall
• Sherrie Holmes is now Principal at Lansdowne School in south Edmonton, 51 Avenue at 124 Street.  She is circulating a list for volunteers to read to students during Read-In Week, the first week of October.  Please contact Sherrie if you can help.
• Bob Lamoureux announced that we will be having a joint BBQ with the Centennial Interact Club at Laurier Park on Saturday, October 2nd.  Contact Bob for details of time and precise location.
• Edmonton Gateway Club is hosting a wine-tasting with live and silent auction called Robust Reds for Rotary.  It will be at the Delta Edmonton South on Thursday, September 30th at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $50 per person available at Signature Group Liquor Stores.
• President Mike golfed last week in a charity tournament in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter.
• 50/50 Draw - No match in cards by Dan Graham & Chris Gowers.  Thanks, guys!
• Finemaster Chris Gowers collected for bald heads, not doing a make-up in the past week, no pin, & sitting at a table with no lady.

PROGRAM - EDMONTON RUSH LACROSSE CLUB

Rob Dunseith introduced Edmonton Rush President Gord Sawyer to talk about the history and future of this professional sports team in Edmonton.

Gord and his assistant Rick Simigan started off by showing a video of highlights from last year's very successful fifth season in the North American Lacrosse League in which the team made the finals and came up just short of winning the league championship.

Lacrosse has a long history in Canada, first as an aboriginal sport which was actually used to settle disputes between tribes.  Prior to 1972 it was officially Canada's national sport, but the 72 series between Russia and Canada created such interest that Hockey became our official national sport.

The Edmonton Rush struggled in their first few years, but have gradually acquired more skilled players and are now one of the best Lacrosse teams in the world.  Their goal is to win the championship.  They will play against teams from Toronto, Boston, Washington, Minneapolis, Rochester, Denver and Calgary.

Their home games this coming season are as follows:

• Friday, January 28th - 7:00 pm - Calgary Roughnecks
• Friday, February 11th - 7:00 pm - Washington Stealth
• Sunday, February 20th - 2:00 pm - Calgary Roughnecks
• Saturday, March 5th - 7:00 pm - Washington Stealth
• Friday, March 25th - 7:00 pm - Minnesota Swarm
• Friday, April 1 - 7:00 pm - Colorado Mammoth
• Saturday, April 9th - 7:00 pm - Colorado Mammoth
• Saturday, April 16th - 7:00 pm - Toronto Rock

Most of the players, although being "professionals", have second jobs.  Most have university degrees, and most are in excellent physical condition.  Lacrosse is a high speed game and it is very physical.  The ball can move at up to 120 miles per hour and cross-checking in this sport is legal.  It is very tough on goalies - they can be covered with bruises after a game.  Predominent injuries to players include turf toe, ankle sprains & shoulder injuries.

Gord is hoping this year for more support from the Edmonton business community in the form of purchase of season tickets.  Season ticket prices range from $132 to $440.  For more information visit www.edmontonrush.com

Gord Sawyer was thanked by Bill Buckham after answering many questions from an obviously interested audience.