How different might the Western Lacrosse Association look if John Tavares’ first stint in the Senior A boxla circuit lasted a little longer? Would there still be a Vancouver Burrards in the league?
On this day when Tavares announced his retirement from the game it’s fun to ponder.
Tavares, who turns 47 this week, announced his retirement from the wintertime National Lacrosse League today, having played every year with the Buffalo Bandits since their inaugural season in 1992.
The Mississauga native — the uncle of the New York Islanders star of the same name — began his summertime Senior A career in 1990 with the Burrards, leading them to the Mann Cup, Canadian’s national club championship. They lost in four straight there to the Brooklin Redmen, an Ontario juggernaut that featured Paul and Gary Gait, as well Peter Parke and Tom Marechek.
Tavares would play one more season with Vancouver before returning back east. The Burrards would last in Vancouver until 1993. They were based for two years in Surrey before moving to Maple Ridge, where they still reside.
They made the WLA final last year. That marked the first time they had been that deep into the playoffs since Tavares’ rookie year.
He would return to the WLA with the Victoria Shamrocks for three season, finishing that run in 2003. His last summer season was 2012, when he helped the Peterborough Lakers win the Mann Cup. It was his eighth such title.
Of all his records, his Mann Cup numbers may be the most impressive. He’s the all-time leading scorer in the event, with 203 points in 53 games. John Grant, Jr. is next best, with 174 points, in 35 games. Tavares’ 111 assists alone would put him ninth on the points chart.
Vancouver Stealth general manager Doug Locker summed it perfectly in a 2014 Province article.
John Tavares is the most remarkable lacrosse player the league has ever had. You’d be hard pressed to find a comparable in another sport.
Here’s some video evidence of his abilities.
