The countdown is on for a milestone weekend of lacrosse, community, and celebration as the Huntsville Hawks Lacrosse Association prepares to host the 25th Annual Jack Bionda Shootout, July 10–12, in Huntsville.
Teams from across Ontario will descend on Huntsville for a weekend of fast-paced lacrosse, sportsmanship and special events honouring 25 years of one of the community’s most cherished tournaments — and the enduring legacy of Canadian lacrosse legend Jack Bionda.
The celebrations officially begin Friday, July 10, at 12:00 p.m. at Jack Bionda Arena inside the Canada Summit Centre, with a special Opening Ceremony and 25th Anniversary Celebration at 2:00 p.m. Players, coaches and families from participating associations are encouraged to attend in their team jerseys, filling the arena with colours from lacrosse communities across Ontario. Huntsville’s mayor will also be in attendance to help mark this special milestone.
The significance of the Jack Bionda legacy continues through generations of his own family. Bionda’s daughter, Jocelyn Knox, remains part of that remarkable lacrosse story, while his grandson, Jason Knox, has carried the family’s connection to the game onto the professional stage with the Halifax Thunderbirds of the National Lacrosse League. Knox and the Thunderbirds reached the NLL Finals this year, adding another chapter to a family legacy deeply woven into the sport of lacrosse.
That connection between Jack Bionda’s historic impact on the game and his grandson competing at the highest level of professional box lacrosse is a powerful reflection of what this 25th anniversary represents: past, present and future.
The star power continues throughout the weekend with three-time NLL champion Steve Priolo also in attendance. The Buffalo Bandits captain, teacher, coach and mentor will take part in a special meet-and-greet on Saturday, July 11, presented by Rosseau Lake College.
“This tournament has always been about more than the games,” the Huntsville Hawks Lacrosse Association says. “It’s about community, sportsmanship, the growth of lacrosse and celebrating the people who have made this event special for 25 years.”
Commemorative 25th Anniversary tournament apparel is still available, and athletes and families are encouraged to capture and share photos and videos throughout the weekend, tagging the Huntsville Hawks so the milestone can be celebrated together.
With teams arriving from across Ontario, special guests from the highest levels of professional lacrosse, and a celebration honouring the extraordinary legacy of Jack Bionda, the 25th Annual Jack Bionda Shootout is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Huntsville.
Come for the lacrosse. Stay for the celebration. Be part of 25 years of history.
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