Veteran Referee Joins League Front Office

by Kaylen Lomas

Todd Labranche Appointed WLA Official-In-Charge

For immediate release.

Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday January 6, 2026 – The Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) announced today that the Board of Governors has appointed Todd Labranche as Official-in-Charge (OIC).

Labranche brings a wealth of experience to the role, including having officiated five Mann Cups, five Minto Cups, one President’s Cup, one Founder’s Cup, and the BC Summer Games. Todd is also an accomplished National Lacrosse League Official, where he has served as a Crew Chief since 2009 and refereed 472 games and twelve Champions Cup Finals.

“I have known Todd for close to 30 years, and he is undoubtedly among the most respected officials in the game, and we are lucky to have him return to the WLA to lead and mentor our referees”, said WLA Commissioner, Paul Dal Monte.

The 2026 WLA Junior Draft will take place Thursday January 29th at 7 pm, and the 2026 WLA season will kick off on Wednesday May 21st at the Langley Events Centre, when the Nanaimo Timbermen take on the Langley Thunder. Full Draft details will be released the week of January 12th, and schedule details will be released and available at WLALacrosse.com the week of Feb. 9, 2026.

The Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) is an amateur league of men’s Senior A box lacrosse

sanctioned by the Canadian Lacrosse Association. The WLA consists of seven teams, based in

cities throughout southwestern British Columbia, playing an 18-game schedule from late May to the end of July. Each year, the playoff teams battle for the right to compete against the Major Series Lacrosse champion (Ontario) for the Mann Cup every September. The championship is

hosted alternately between Ontario (MSL) and British Columbia (WLA) every year.

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For more information, contact:

Paul Dal Monte
WLA Commissioner
wlacommissioner@gmail.com

604.862.6863