Minneapolis, U.S.A. – Lacrosse, which has been the nation’s fastest growing sport for years, will be added to the product mix at the 15th annual Let’s Play Hockey International Expo in Las Vegas, October 16-17, 2012. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, lacrosse participation in 2011 was at 2.7 million players nationally.

Currently, US Lacrosse, the national governing body for the sport, has over 420,000 registered members, an increase of over 10 percent from the previous year. Numbers continue to grow at the youth, high school, college and post-college ages. The sport also continues to migrate to new markets, especially the western parts of the United States.

Over $75 million (wholesale) was spent on lacrosse equipment in 2011 in the United States, an amount that has increased in each of the last five years. From a buying cycle and product mix, this is a natural addition to the current format of the Let’s Play Hockey International Expo which includes ice and inline hockey, figure skating and broom ball.

“The synergy between lacrosse and the current makeup of exhibitors and buyers is perfect,” said Doug Johnson, President of the Let’s Play Hockey International Expo. “The buying cycles and demographics are a great fit for the Expo. With the recent purchase of Cascade Sports by Bauer Hockey, along with Easton, Warrior and Reebok who are already in the lacrosse market, the hockey industry is very much connected to lacrosse. Plus, a large percentage of hockey players play lacrosse.

“Many current hockey dealers carry lacrosse and vice versa. Dealers are always looking for additional revenue streams and with lacrosse growing substantially each and every year, it is a perfect addition to the Expo.”

The hundreds of lacrosse dealers across the United States and Canada will be invited to Las Vegas at no admission charge. In addition, lacrosse manufacturers will be invited to exhibit. A demo event and tournament is being planned.

With the addition of lacrosse, the new show name will be the Let’s Play Hockey and Lacrosse International Expo. The 2012 Expo will take place October 16-17 at the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

The article Lacrosse Announced as the Fastest Growing US Sport appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The North American Lacrosse League has filed suit against two of its former teams and several affiliated individuals in an effort to restore order to League operations.

Anthony R. Caruso, Esq., Attorney from Scarinci Hollenbeck and acting Commissioner for the League, with the assistance of Joel Kreizman, Esq. of the same law firm, filed the complaint in New Jersey State Superior Court, Chancery Division. The defendants listed include Jim Jennings, Brett Vickers and Graham D’Alvia, as well the Charlotte Copperheads and Jacksonville Bullies.

“This action was authorized by the member clubs in good standing with the League and is necessary to preserve the interests and welfare of North American Lacrosse League,” says Mr. Caruso. “The Plaintiff is in control of the League funds, the League website and the League intellectual property, and seeks to stop the continuous dissemination of false information.”

In addition to the filing of several counts against the defendants, the judge has scheduled a mandatory emergency hearing for next week where the Defendants shall be required to appear and defend their actions. The League has requested, among other things, that a restraining order be issued against the Defendants restraining them from engaging in activity which is disruptive to the League.

“This group has been troublesome to our progress for too long,” says Anthony Chase, principal owner of the Kentucky Stickhorses. ”They have personal agendas that don’t coincide with the League agenda of providing exciting pro lacrosse sooner rather than later. The Stickhorses are excited and ready to play.”

Tyler Low and Jason Wellemeyer of PrimeTime Lacrosse, the owner of the Boston team yet to be named, stands by the League. ”We joined this League because of the integrity and professionalism of the people involved, such as acting Commissioner Anthony Caruso and owner Tony Chase,” says Low. Jason Wellemeyer agrees. ”We are confident that the fans will remain loyal to us.”

The League has announced that, due to the recent actions of the Defendants which have necessitated the filing of this lawsuit, there will be a reduced number of scheduled games. But that doesn’t deter Aaron Musselman, principal owner of the Pennsylvania based Shamrocks.

“We are committed to launching this League for the fans and majority of pro players in the US who wish play competitively in new and exciting markets.” In addition to these teams, there are plans for exhibition teams to visit the League venues from the US and abroad. These teams expect to start their season in January.

The article Lacrosse League Launches Lawsuits vs. Rebels appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.