history of the northmen
1860
ORGINS OF GLORY
Lacrosse has woven itself into the very fabric of our community in Orangeville, a timeless tradition dating back to the 1860s. Orangeville Lacrosse stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of the sport, and our history resonates with tales of triumph, dedication, and community pride.
We invite you to step back in time and explore the history of lacrosse in Orangeville and learn more about the passion, dedication, and pride that define our remarkable lacrosse heritage.
1897
the EARLY YEARS
The Orangeville Dufferins set the stage for this town’s prowess in lacrosse during the late 1800s. Starting in Major Series Lacrosse — it was later rebranded as the Canadian Lacrosse Association — the Orangeville Dufferins were a league powerhouse during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
The Dufferins would claim four straight championships from 1898 to 1901, which also included a world lacrosse championship in 1901 and second-place finish the following year. One of our own, Dr. G.H. Campbell, took his talents to the grand stage, representing Canada as a member of the Olympic Gold Medal-winning team in 1908. These were the days when local businesses would shutter their doors, and thousands would flock to witness the thrilling field games.
1978
The Birth of a Legacy
Fast forward to 1978, a year that marked the genesis of something truly extraordinary. The Senior Northmen were born, becoming both a force on the lacrosse floor and a beloved part of our community. In the years that followed, they secured the Canadian Championship (The President's Cup) in 1981, 1982, and 1984, while also clinching the Ontario Champions title in 1980, 1983, and 1985. These Senior Northmen were the catalysts behind the resurgence of the Minor Northmen, a development system that today nurtures over 500 aspiring players. Our Minor system spans box lacrosse, boys field lacrosse, and boasts the largest women's lacrosse program in the province. In 1998, the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame paid homage to these remarkable individuals, declaring them an epitome of greatness.
1989
The Revival of Junior Lacrosse
In 1989, the Senior Northmen breathed life into the Junior B Northmen, comprised of local talents who had graduated from minor. Though it was their debut season, they defied expectations and clinched the Canadian Jr. B championship (Founders Cup). The following year, they repeated this extraordinary feat, proving their mettle. 1991 heralded a new era as the Orangeville Northmen ventured into the Junior A ranks, dominating the decade with unparalleled success. The Canadian Jr. A Championship (Minto Cup) was theirs in 1993, 1995, and 1996. Even after losing 14 seasoned players following the 1996 season, the Northmen's indomitable spirit saw them reach the semifinals with a roster of rookies. Remarkably, Orangeville, a small town team, boasted the highest attendance figures across Canada in Junior A lacrosse, a testament to the unwavering support of our passionate fans.
todayCommunity Pride: More than Just Winning
The Orangeville Northmen stand as a beacon of pride for our community. Yes, they are perennial championship contenders, but their significance extends far beyond the banners, titles, and trophies. It's about the enduring strength of the organization, the sense of family that envelopes everyone involved, and the indelible mark they leave on the hearts of our people. The Orangeville Northmen are not just a team; they are a symbol of our shared history, our unwavering support, and our collective love for the game of lacrosse.