MANITOBA BLIZZARD - OUR STORY

• 2010 Manitoba Gryphons petitioned the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL) in Alberta and were accepted.
• In 2010 the RMLL consisted of teams throughout  Alberta; one team from Saskatchewan and one team from Manitoba. As of 2018, the league has grown and there is now 15 teams total, with 2 from Saskatchewan and 1 from Manitoba. The remaining 12 teams are all from Alberta.
• 2011 the Manitoba Gryphons played with a probationary acceptance to see how Manitoba would compete. There was a reduced schedule of 14 games and no eligibility for playoffs.
• 2012 the Manitoba Gryphons earned their way into the RMLL with a full 20 game schedule and playoffs eligibility - which was accomplished.
• 2012 the Manitoba Gryphons applied to the MLA and CLA for the privilege to host Founders’ Cup 2013.
• Founders’ Cup 2013 was hosted out of the St. Norbert Arena from August 17-25, 2013. Teams from across Canada gather with a volunteer base of over 200 lacrosse fans in Manitoba ready to welcome them.
• The Manitoba Gryphons finished this National Tournament as the ‘B’ side champions.
• Through the off season, the Gryphons went through a management change.

• 2014 The Manitoba Blizzard is introduced with the Coaching Staff of Kyle Buchanan (NLL Player); Luc Magnon (former Gryphons player); Rob Wilson and Marc Beghin.
  –Our team was very young, but had strong leadership from veteran players. 
  –Completed the season winning every home game. 
  –Went to first round playoffs where the season would end. 
  –Traveled to compete at Founders’ Cup 2014 in Halifax, Nova Scotia where
  we lost in the Bronze Medal game to the host team. 
  –Created great memories on the East Coast.
• In late 2013, four local like-minded lacrosse dads and coaches purchased the MB Gryphons and changed the name to the Manitoba Blizzard, as well as moving the clubs home arena from Oakbank to the Notre Dame arena also known as the “Ice Box”.

Blizzard 2015

• 2015 was a stellar year for the Manitoba Blizzard winning the RMLL North Division championship and Silver in the league under the coaching of Rob Wilson; Paul Nicholson (former player); and Garrett Malkowich (former player).
• Team had a season record of 14-6
• Competed at Founders’ Cup in Calgary and came home the ‘B’ side champions.
• With the momentum of a another successful season the ‘Blizz Boys’ and Advisory Team have reached out to both the lacrosse and the general community to continue building lacrosse in Manitoba.

Blizzard 2016

• 2016 would have coach Rob Wilson leaving his role, to make way for coach Trevor Anyon. Trevor comes to the Blizzard from Orangeville, Ontario with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Turning out another stellar season, the Blizzard won the now newly formed East Division with a record of 15-5. The playoffs were historic when for the first time in franchise history, the Manitoba Blizzard took home the RMLL league championship. 
• Another great turnout at Founders for the Blizzard as they continue to represent Manitoba.

Blizzard 2017

• Returning as the 2016 RMLL champions, coach Trevor had his sights on another successful season and he did not let us down. With another East Division championship with a record of 18-2 during the regular season, coach Anyon and the Blizzard once again made history with a back-to-back RMLL championship. This has only even been accomplished a few other times in RMLL history. 
• Post-RMLL the Blizzard continue to represent Manitoba at Founders’ Cup.