After making his way through minor lacrosse to the college, senior and professional ranks, Cowichan Valley product Tyson Roe is hoping to make his international debut this fall.
The 6-foot-10, 255-pound behemoth has been invited to play for his ancestral homeland of England at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Syracuse, New York this September.
"It’s very exciting," Roe said. "Obviously you grow up and you want to play for Canada, but just playing in the tournament is awesome."
The English management contacted Roe through the National Lacrosse League’s Calgary Roughnecks, who sent out an email to everyone on their roster saying England was looking for eligible players. A few emails later, and Roe was as good as signed.
"My grandma is English, so as soon as they emailed me I got excited because I knew that was one of the things you need," Roe said. "I jumped on the opportunity to email him back."
Roe’s paternal grandmother was born in England but came to Canada when she was still quite young. He’s looking forward to the possibility of her seeing him in action if the tournament is televised or live-streamed online.
"She’s usually pretty supportive of lacrosse," said Roe, who is currently playing for the Western Lacrosse Association’s Nanaimo Timbermen. "She’s a Shamrocks fan, but when I do play, she cheers for me. As long as I do well, I think she’s happy."
The Timbermen are in last place right now, but still have a chance to make the WLA postseason.
"I think we need to win seven of our last 10 games to make the playoffs," Roe said. "It will be hard, but I think we can do it."
Roe was the Roughnecks’ first pick in the 2014 NLL draft and spent last season on the practice roster. He’s hoping to return to the club next season and crack the lineup.
"The GM said he wants me back, and I want to go back; it was an awesome experience in Calgary," Roe said. "Last season was great, even though I was on the practice roster. It was unreal."
In order to get to Syracuse, Roe will have to scrape together $3,500, which will cover everything from flights and accommodations to gloves and jerseys. Sport Chek has already chipped in with $1,000, and Roe is hoping to hear from other companies about sponsorships. In the meantime, he has set up a crowdfunding page at gofundme. com/xw3k74mc for any other supporters who want to help out.
Roe’s younger brother, Jeremy, who started the season as captain of the junior A Nanaimo Timbermen, was traded last week to the Brampton Excelsiors of the Ontario junior A league. The T-Men are out of the BCJALL playoffs, while the Excelsiors are in third place in Ontario with hopes for a serious playoff run.
