The East Coast Junior Lacrosse League is a junior-level Canadian box lacrosse league headquartered in Nova Scotia, Canada.
The ECJLL has two divisions, a men's and a women's league. The men's league has five teams in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick, and the women's league has four teams in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick. The ECJLL operates from May to July, with playoff teams competing yearly for the Garnet Knight Cup (for males) or the East Coast Cup (for females).
History The league formed in 2004 with five inaugural teams for its first season, the Dartmouth Bandits, Halifax Northwest Rebels, Halifax Southwest Hurricanes, Moncton Mavericks, and Sackville Wolves.
A second-tier "B" league was added in 2012 with Eastern Shore Breakers, St. Margaret's Bay Storm and Truro Bearcats competing against "B" teams from Halifax Northwest, Moncton and Sackville. This league was operational for only two years with St. Margaret's ceasing operation after the 2012 season and Sackville failing to finish their 2013 season.
Only four teams competed in the league in 2014, with the Moncton Mavericks going on hiatus for the duration of the season. Halifax Northwest rebranded as the Northwest Marley Lions. The Mavericks returned in 2015 along with a new team, the Truro-based Mi'kmaq Warriors. In 2016, the Mavericks changed their name from Moncton to the New Brunswick Mavericks.
The 2018 season saw the Halifax Northwest Marley Lions withdraw from play and a dispersal draft spread their players throughout the remaining teams on a one-year release. The ECJLL operated as a five team league for the duration of the season.
Prior to the 2019 season, Halifax Northwest moved to St. Margaret's Bay and rebranded once again as the St. Margaret's Bay Rebels. Previously dispersed players were recalled and the St. Margaret's Bay Rebels began operation, restoring the league to six teams.
The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The league completed a shortened 2021 season with 5 teams, as the New Brunswick Mavericks were unable to compete due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Dartmouth Bandits won their 5th consecutive Garnet Knight Cup, their 7th title overall, making them the most successful franchise in ECJLL history.
League champions have in the past moved on to represent Team Nova Scotia at the Founders Cup, the Canadian National Junior B championship. The ECJLL has produced some notable players, including players who have gone on to play in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, CUFLA and Ontario Junior A and B leagues.
ECJLL (F) The league announced the creation of a female division, ECJLL (F) in January 2022, and in February announced the inaugural four franchises, the Eastern Shore Breakers, Halifax Hurricanes, Sackville Wolves, and Saint John Rapids)
Between May and June 2022 the 12-game inaugural season was played. The Halifax Hurricanes and Sackville Wolves tied in the standings with identical 10-2 records, but Halifax was awarded first place by virtue of the tie-breaking formula. The Sackville Wolves defeated Eastern Shore Breakers 2-0 in a best-of-three semi-finals and went on to face the Halifax Hurricanes in the finals. Halifax did not allow a goal against in their two shutout wins to take the first-ever ECJLL Female Division Championship and the East Coast Cup.
In the 2023 season, Halifax Hurricanes and Sackville Wolves once again tied in the standings with identical 9-3 records. Halifax was awarded first place in the tie-breaking formula. Finishing third with a 6-6 regular season record, Eastern Shore Breakers went on to defeat Sackville Wolves 2-0 in a best-of-three semi-final series. Halifax Hurricanes took game 1 of this best-of-three final series 7-1. Eastern Shore Breakers beat Halifax 11-5 in the second game. Eastern Shore Breakers took the win in the final 5-2, and were awarded the East Coast Cup.
In December 2023, the ECJLL announced the creation of a fifth franchise for the female division, the Dartmouth Bandits, to begin play in 2024.
The ECJLL(F) has produced some notable players, including players who have gone on to play NCAA Division I and II.
Teams
ECJLL (M) Teams Team CityArenaFormedDartmouth Bandits Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaShearwater Arena2005Halifax Hurricanes Halifax, Nova ScotiaSpryfield Lions Arena2005St. Margaret's Bay Rebels St. Margaret's Bay, Nova ScotiaSpryfield Lions Arena2019Mi'kmaq Warriors Truro, Nova Scotia Colchester Arena2015Saint John Rapids Saint John, New Brunswick Lord Beaverbrook Rink2022Sackville Wolves Lower Sackville, Nova ScotiaSackville Arena2005
Former teams Suburban Storm (2006–2008) Halifax Northwest Rebels (2004–2013) Halifax Northwest Marley Lions (2014–2017) Moncton Mavericks (2009–2013, 2015) New Brunswick Mavericks (2016–2019)
ECJLL (F) teams +TeamCityArenaFormedEastern Shore BreakersMusquodoboit, Nova ScotiaEastern Shore Arena2022Halifax HurricanesHalifax, Nova ScotiaSpryfield Lions Arena2022Saint John RapidsSaint John, New BrunswickLord Beaverbrook Rink2022Sackville WolvesLower Sackville, Nova ScotiaSackville Arena2022Dartmouth BanditsDartmouth, Nova ScotiaShearwater Arena2024
Garnet Knight Cup Champions [ECJLL(M)] SeasonChampionsRunner-upResults2004Halifax Northwest Rebels(Best of 5)2005Suburban StormHalifax Northwest Rebels(Best of 5)2006Halifax Northwest RebelsSuburban Storm(Best of 5)2007Halifax Northwest RebelsSuburban Storm(Best of 5)2008Halifax Southwest HurricanesSackville Wolves(Best of 5)2009Dartmouth BanditsSackville Wolves3-1 (best of 5)2010Halifax Southwest HurricanesHalifax Northwest Rebels3-2 (best of 5)2011Dartmouth BanditsHalifax Southwest Hurricanes3-1 (best-of 5)2012Halifax Southwest HurricanesHalifax Northwest Rebels3-0 (best of 5)2013Halifax Southwest HurricanesMoncton Mavericks3-1 (best-of 5)2014Halifax Southwest HurricanesHalifax Northwest Marley Lions4-0 (best-of 7)2015Halifax Southwest HurricanesHalifax Northwest Marley Lions3-2 (best-of 5)2016Dartmouth BanditsHalifax Northwest Marley Lions3-0 (best of 5)2017Dartmouth BanditsHalifax Southwest Hurricanes3-0 (best of 5)2018Dartmouth BanditsHalifax Hurricanes3-2 (best of 5)2019Dartmouth BanditsSackville Wolves3-0 (best of 5)2020no season due to Covid-192021Dartmouth BanditsSackville Wolves2-0 (best of 3)2022Halifax HurricanesSackville Wolves3-1 (best of 5)2023Halifax HurricanesSaint John Rapids3-2 (best of 5)2024Sackville WolvesSaint John Rapids3-0 (best of 5)
East Coast Cup Champions [ECJLL(F)] +SeasonChampionsRunner-upResultsRef.2022Halifax HurricanesSackville Wolves2-0 (Best-of-3)2023Eastern Shore BreakersHalifax Hurricanes2-1 (Best-of-3)
Notable players and alumni The ECJLL has evolved into a competitive and skilled lacrosse league producing players and coaches who have gone on to continue their lacrosse careers at the NCAA, national and professional levels. Notable players/alumni include:
Alex Bechard (St. Lawrence University) Zac Carrigan (Mars Hill University) Brett Draper (Colorado Mammoth) Jack Dulong (Team Canada & Grizzlies) Jamie Dunbar (New England College) Matt Dunbar (Guilford College) Adam Gallop (Emmanuel College) Michael Gallop (Emmanuel College) Brian Huyghue (Limestone College & Team Canada) Halley James (Mars Hill University) Hannah Kent (Niagara University) Chet Koneczny (Halifax Thunderbirds, Philadelphia, Orlando, Washington, Colorado) Liam McGrath (Lenoir-Rhyne University & Team Canada) Jordan McKenna (Toronto Rock) Ian McShane (Victoria Shamrocks) Jake Mosher-McGraw (Tampa University) Alex Pace (Philadelphia Wings)
Luke Parker (Briarcliffe College) Breton Penney (Lynchburg College) Luke Smeltzer (Rochester Institute of Technology) Jeremy Vautour (St. Lawrence University) Zach Watson (St. Michaels University)
League Awards
All-Star Awards +1st Team All-Stars ECJLLYearLeagueOffenseDefenseGoalieRef.2023(F)Rachel Cormier Pearce Batchilder
Hannah KentMaddi Hamilton Samantha TaylorGreer Nagel(M)Ben Allison Francis Greyson
Nate WatsonThomas Davies Cooper PumaGage MacPhee2022(F)Elizabeth Smithers Brooke Rose
Macy GilesSamantha Taylor Jenna GiffinGreer Nagel(M)Glen Holmes Shamus Locke
Isaac AbbottAlex Bechard Ben NormandeauGage MacPhee2021(M)Zac Carrigan Jordan McKenna
Glen HolmesChris Duplisea Brett DraperNate Jollymore2019(M)Zac Carrigan Jake Mosher
Glen HolmesMark Seward Chris MaletteAyden Pierro2018(M)Breton Penney Jake Mosher-McGrawKirk Drabble Chris Malette
Thomas BakeeffAlex Mitchell2017(M)Breton Penney Mitch Broussard
Jake Mosher-McGrawChris Duplisea Chris MalletteMatt Kent2016(M)Bobby Green Andrew Neilson
John MacDonaldAlex Bungay Liam MacDonaldAyden Pierro2015(M)Max McBride John MacDonald
Trey CarveryGee Clarke Nick SimpsonJake Nordin +2nd Team All-Stars ECJLL(F)YearLeagueOffenseDefenseGoalieRef.2023(F)Sofia Mullen Macey HatfieldSophie LeMarquand Anne Christie
Emily ToddKate Heaslip(M)Chris Bungay Ayden McCaustlinAiden Carr Isaac Abbott
Jack CowenZack Malcom2022(F)Rachel Cormier Kelsie Johnson
Cadence HaasMaddi Hamilton Grace LandryAlli Dyer(M)Francis Greyson Ethan Muir
Luke WilsonThomas Davies Grant KeefeNoah Cox2021(M)Mitch Broussard Luke WilsonTheo Grant Chris Malette
Mark SewardNoah Cox2019(M)Mitch Broussard Dakota Morrisey
Connor DennisKirk Drabble Ian ConnorsAlex Mitchell2018(M)Zac Carrigan Glen Holmes
Jordan MckennaChris Burgess Chris DupliseaBrett McKinnon2017(M)Max McBride Luke SmeltzerNic Thompson Chris Burgess
Liam MacDonald
Geoff ZedKeegan Delaney2016(M)Luke Smeltzer Connor Aquanno
Brian HuyghueBret HimmelmanMatt Kent2015(M)Paddy Quinn Jesse Magarvey
Bryson KnockwoodNathan Clarke Keith LangilleDan Hubley +Offensive All-Stars (2013 only)PlayerRef.Rod DiamondAlex TaylorPaddy QuinnBrian HuyghueRick CanningJon Boutin +Defensive All-Stars (2013 only)PlayerRef.Matt BeckAndrew LeonardTrey CarveryJohn GagnierShane MacMillanMatt McConnell
Individual Awards +Indigenous Player of the YearYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(M)Dakota Copp2022(F)Kiley Brow(M)Joseph Asselstine Dakota Morrisey2021(M)Connor Dennis +Offensive Player of the YearYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(F)Pearce Batchilder(M)Ben Allison2022(F)Elizabeth Smithers(M)Glen Holmes2021(M)Zac Carrigan2019(M)Zac Carrigan2018(M)Breton Penney2017(M)Breton Penney2016(M)Andrew Neilson2015(M)John MacDonald2013(M)Paddy Quinn + Top ScorerYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(F)Pearce Batchilder(M)Ben Allison2022(F)Elizabeth Smithers(M)Glen Holmes2021(M)Zac Carrigan2019(M)Zac Carrigan2018(M)Breton Penney2017(M)Breton Penney2016(M)Andrew Neilson2015(M)Rob Diamond +Defensive Player of the YearYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(F)Samatha Taylor(M)Thomas Davies2022(F)Jenna Giffin(M)Alex Bechard2021(M)Chris Duplisea2019(M)Mark Seward2018(M)Thomas Bakeeff2017(M)Chris Duplisea2016(M)Liam MacDonald2015(M)Gee Clarke2013(M)Trey Carvery + Goalie of the YearYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(F)Greer Nagel(M)Gage MacPhee2022(F)Greer Nagel(M)Gage MacPhee2021(M)Nate Jollymore2019(M)Ayden Pierro2018(M)Alex Mitchell2017(M)Matt Kent2016(M)Ayden Pierro2015(M)Jake Nordin2013(M)Jon Boutin
+Rookie of the YearYearLeaguePlayerRef.2023(F)Pearce Batchilder(M)Ben Barreiro2022(F)Macey Hatfield(M)Ethan Muir2021(M)Isaac Abbott2019(M)Alfie West2018(M)Jordan Whitford2017(M)Liam McGrath2016(M)Andrew Neilson2015(M)Alex Pace2013(M)Brian Huyghue
+Coaching Staff of the YearYearLeagueTeamRef.2023(F)Halifax Hurricanes(M)Halifax Hurricanes2022(F)Saint John Rapids(M)Sackville Wolves2021(M)Halifax Hurricanes2019(M)Sackville Wolves +Coach of the YearYearLeagueCoachRef.2018(M)Andrew MacNeil2017(M)Jamie Dunbar2016(M)Luke Parker2015(M)Gary Wallace2013(M)Mitch Hannigan +Team MVPsYearRef.LeagueTeamPlayer2015(M)HurricanesJake NordinMarley LionsJohn McDonaldWolvesConnor AquannoWarriorsBryson KnockwoodMavericksJesse MagarveyBanditsTrey Carvery2013(M)HurricanesAdam GaunceMarley LionsPaddy QuinnBanditsJon BoutinMavericksRob DiamondWolvesCody Marche
References
External links East Coast Junior Lacrosse League