In the spring of 1966, North Glenora Community League Sports Director, John Tayler, invited members of the local midget hockey team to try a new sport – the game of box lacrosse. Shortly after, the first throwaround was held at the North Glenora rink between Bill Tayler and his teammate Alan Heather. The hockey boys were hooked immediately.
What followed is an extraordinary story that not only changed the lives of those first players but those who joined shortly after as John’s vision materialized and the game took hold.
On August 22, 2026, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of what soon became the North Glenora Blues. The story of the Blues is well-documented and the documentary ‘A Ball and a Stick’ provides personal narratives and stories from the early days of the Blues through to the late 1970’s.
The oldest members of that original team are approaching their 80th birthdays. It speaks highly of the game itself and the relationships forged by players from multiple generations that the legacy of Blues lacrosse remains as strong as it does in 2026. There is much to celebrate.
As the Blues community ages, we know we are going to lose those who helped form the legacy. Sadly, Blues player Chris Carlson passed away earlier this spring. Chris began his lacrosse career in McQueen under the leadership of Ron Nichol. Chris played with the Blues from 1972 to 1977. He was always a top goal scorer with a hard accurate shot. Chris played for a number of great Blues coaches including Bob Johnston, Randy Clark, and Peter Sonnen.
Our deepest condolences to Chris’s family.
August 17th, 2026
