Saskatchewan's Lacrosse Dynasty: The Saunders Family Legacy
If Saskatchewan has a "Royal First Family of Lacrosse," the Saunders clan undoubtedly holds that distinction. For over five decades, this family has woven lacrosse into the very fabric of their lives, creating a legacy that spans generations and inspires the entire province.
The Patriarch: Shawn "Mr. Lacrosse" Saunders
To his sons Matthew and Adam, Shawn Saunders is simply Dad and coach. But to the wider lacrosse community in Saskatchewan, he is affectionately known as Mr. Lacrosse. Now 66 years old, Saunders has been immersed in the sport since 1970, living and breathing it through every phase of his life.
His involvement has been comprehensive: he has played, he has coached, he has managed. This multifaceted engagement has translated into an extraordinary collection of achievements, most notably 23 provincial championship gold medals. These include 11 from his playing days with the Biggar Roadrunners and four as a player-coach for the Saskatoon Brewers, where he continued competing into his 50s. The remaining medals come from his coaching career.
Despite this impressive haul, Saunders maintains a humble perspective. "They just sit in the basement," he says of the medals. "Nobody wants them." For him, the true value lies not in the hardware but in the journey and the impact on the sport.
A Legacy of Excellence and Influence
Childhood friend Todd Peterson, who calls Saunders "Duddy," offers high praise: "Duddy is one wickedly accomplished lacrosse player, coach, manager and builder. Possibly no one in Saskatchewan, and probably Canada, has more provincial championships in any single team sport as a player, coach and manager."
Peterson highlights Saunders' enduring passion, noting he continued to play, coach, and lead with a burning competitive spirit into his 60s. "His passion, commitment and love for the team inspired everyone around him," Peterson adds.
The Next Generation: Matthew and Adam Saunders
The Saunders legacy continues strongly with Shawn's sons, both accomplished players in their own right. Adam, 33, has been named the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League MVP for five consecutive years. Both Adam and his brother Matthew, 35, have received Saskatchewan Lacrosse's prestigious Russell Slobodian major male athlete of the year award, recognizing those who best exemplify the true spirit of lacrosse in the province.
Adam credits his father's profound influence on his 26-year career. "I think he's been really my only coach throughout my entire career," Adam reflects. "He's definitely shown the ropes for me." Winning alongside his brother and father holds special significance. "It means the world," Adam emphasizes. "Lacrosse has always been a big part of our family growing up. We started right when lacrosse started getting big in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan in 2000."
Growing the Game in Saskatchewan
The arrival of the National Lacrosse League's Saskatchewan Rush in Saskatoon in 2016 marked a significant expansion for the sport's popularity in the region. This development positioned Shawn Saunders as a key ambassador and educator. He frequently found himself explaining rules and nuances to new fans at games. "I'd go to a game and I'd meet people and they'd say, 'tell me about the sport,'" Saunders recalls. "Because they weren't involved with it growing up, and they're wondering about this rule or that rule."
Through decades of dedication, the Saunders family has not only collected championships but has also played a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding lacrosse culture across Saskatchewan. Their story is one of familial bonds forged through sport, relentless passion, and a shared commitment to excellence that continues to inspire new generations of players and fans alike.
