Todd Labranche Appointed WLA Official-In-Charge

Veteran Referee Joins League Front Office

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.