The National Lacrosse League鈥檚 plan to delay the commencement of the 2021 season to April 9, pushed back from its usual December start, could have major repercussions for the Western Lacrosse Association. The move to shift the NLL season, because of the pandemic, would cause an overlap with the WLA season, the latter which runs May to August. Literally all WLA star players come to the league each spring and summer after having played in the pro NLL from December to April. The re-scheduling of the NLL season to spring and summer would prove devastating to the WLA in 2021, which had already been battered by having its 2020 season cancelled due to the pandemic. Now it faces the daunting task of having to run an overlapping season to the NLL, which would deny the WLA almost all its marquee players. All the WLA can do is wait to see what unfolds.
Victoria Shamrocks general-manager Chris Welch referred questions to WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte. But Welch did allow that 鈥渁s far as the Shamrocks go, there is lots yet to be seen regarding the return to play and we鈥檒l wait to see how things unfold.鈥�
Welch said he understands the NLL had to make some decision amid the pandemic: 鈥淓very league has to make its plans and be ready to go when the conditions allow.鈥�
WLA commissioner Dal Monte could not be reached for comment.
The 2020 NLL season was cancelled mid-step on March 12 due to the pandemic. 鈥淎n April start date will give us sufficient time to have our protocols in place for players, coaches, staff as well as fans,鈥� said NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz, in a statement.
鈥淲e are working with all teams to provide the safest environment and an acceptable level of fans in the stands. We understand that current circumstances will dictate whether this plan is achievable, and we will be prepared to remain flexible and pivot as needed.鈥�
The situation is familiar to 1974 and 1975 when the short-lived, two-season pro National Lacrosse League (no connection to the current NLL) operated parallel summer seasons which denied the WLA its best players for those two years. The WLA still conducted seasons in 1974 and 1975 but many lacrosse experts say those years should be denoted with asterisks.