Leclair goes pro
Kellen Leclair waits for the next play Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks in the Lancers’ first win of the season Sept. 23 at University Stadium // PHOTO COURTESY GoLancers.ca //
By Michael Hugall
Amidst a 1-4 start to the 2015 Ontario University Athletics conference season the University of Windsor has something to be proud of at the strong-side defensive end position.
Kellen Leclair, 20, is in his third year of eligibility with the Lancers football team. In the off-season he stays competitive through his love for one of Canada’s oldest and most decorated sports, lacrosse.
“I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was four years old,” said Leclair. Leclair, a native of Windsor, began his lacrosse career with the Windsor Warlocks of the Ontario Lacrosse Association. From there he attained membership to the Windsor Clippers of the Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse League, and stayed there from 2011-2015 tallying 10 goals and six assists in his tenure with the club.
Following the 2014 season Leclair tried out for the Six Nations Rebels of the Ontario Jr. A Lacrosse League, winning a Minto Cup this past season. And just as things seemed to not get any brighter for him Leclair was drafted 26th overall to the Calgary Roughnecks of the National Lacrosse League three months later.
Leclair said although he entered the draft a year early he hopes to garner experience in the upcoming training camp.
“I’m hoping to bring what I learn in camp back to Six Nations in the summer and help the team make another Minto cup run,” said Leclair. “My ultimate goal is to make the team, but I know I will gain a lot of valuable knowledge regardless.”
Leclair’s athletic ability has never been in question according to his Lancer football teammates. At six feet, four inches tall and 225 pounds he is a force at the defensive end position, and looks to bring his arsenal of both size and speed to the Calgary Roughnecks next season.
“Kellen’s an important part of our ‘d’ (defence),” said Lancer safety Tarik Bonas. “He brings a unique combination of size and speed that you won’t find in many defensive linemen.” Bonas added, “It is no wonder why he’s able to excel as a two sport athlete.”
Calgary Roughnecks camp begins on Nov. 17 and Leclair said he is excited to get out there and prove himself.
However, Leclair will need to put the thought of professional lacrosse on the back-burner as he will look to lead the Lancers to their second victory of the season on Oct. 24 against the Waterloo Warriors.
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