Saskatchewan lacrosse community buzzing with news of possible pro team

Saskatchewan's lacrosse community is buzzing with news that a professional team is eyeing the province.

The National Lacrosse League'sEdmonton Rush is exploring its possibilities in light of a dispute with that city over arena space.

• Edmonton Rush owner blames Mayor Don Iveson for possible relocation

Bruce Urban, the team's owner, was recentlyquoted in an Edmonton Journal storysaying he had visited SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

Randy Trobak runs Saskatchewan Lacrosse and says he hopes the team makes Saskatoon its new home.

""For us, I think it will be a great thing," he said"I think the whole province will get behind that team without a doubt. It is typical Saskatchewan, once we get a hold of something we run with it."

Trobak pointed out that ifthe Edmonton Rushdid relocate to Saskatchewan, it would be the province's second professional sports team, something there is an appetite for.

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"We do have a fairly large base for our population,and we have been steadily growing over the years so for lacrosse in general, for the minor organization, it would be huge impact," he said.

Trobak, who founded Saskatchewan Lacrosse in 1999, said about 3,000 people play the sport throughout the province. In Saskatoon, 590 people, aged two to 50, are registered to play, but Trobak said he believes that number would spike if the Edmonton Rush decided to call the city home.

Thanks to Saskatchewan Lacrosse, there is now a thriving western league which gives lacrosse enthusiasts a place to play and a shot at making it to the NLL to play professionally.

This weekend, 14 teams from the prairies will gather in Saskatoon for theJustin SproatLacrosse Tournament.