Iconic lacrosse player Mike French lives in the bustling Philadelphia area now, but his childhood was spent in a small Canadian village, writes Don Rickers for PelhamToday.

French, a former Philadelphia Wings player and USA Lacrosse Hall of Famer, grew up in St. David’s, Niagara Falls, Ontario, but his lacrosse skill brought him to the Philadelphia area.

French has been involved with the National Lacrosse League since its inception in 1987 when it was called the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. Now 70, he has been a player, coach, general manager, and league board member.

During his 27 years with the Philadelphia Wings, he led the team to six championships.

French also spent time as a partner with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Philadelphia, He led their Hospitality and Gaming Advisory Practice before retiring.

While he has been a Philly icon for a long time, French will never forget his hometown.

“I learned the game in small-town Niagara, playing box lacrosse for the Supertest Warriors, for the local community,” he said.

“I really loved playing basketball at Niagara District Secondary School as a teenager, and also was active in hockey until it became too expensive for my family to afford. I was the oldest of five children, and money was tight.”

Read more about French’s lacrosse career in PelhamToday.

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