History
The team was originally formed in 2010 as the Manitoba Gryphons. This team was the first Manitoba-based team to join the Tier 1 Division in Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League. After a two-year probationary period the Gryphons were granted full league membership for the 2012 season in which they finished 10–9–0, sixth best in the 10-team league. They Gryphons were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
The Gryphons hosted the Founders Cup in 2013 [1] in Winnipeg, finishing in fifth place. The team would see ownership changes in the off-season and were renamed the Blizzard. The club also relocated from their original home in Oakbank to Notre Dame Arena and further to Maples Community Centre, and as of 2025, back to the Notre Dame Arena, AKA, "The Icebox".
As the lone Junior B Tier 1 team in the province, the Blizzard annually represented Manitoba at the Founders Cup. The team has played for the Bronze medal on four occasions falling short each time.
It hosted the Founders Cup 2019 in Winnipeg.
In 2023, the team was renamed the Winnipeg Blizzard to drop the "Manitoba" name at the provinces request.
The team went on to win the 2024 Larry Bishop Memorial Trophy in Airdrie, Alberta. Over those 10 seasons, the Blizzard have been in five championship games, won the East Division 7x and with that win, claimed their third league Championship, and making them the most winningest team in this Division in over a decade. Looking to continue to grow, during the 2025 offseason, an application to move into the Jr A division was submitted. After a unanimous vote, the Blizzard has now moved into the RMJALL for the start of the 2026 season.
This elevation represents the natural next step for this program that has been a dominant force at the Tier 1 Junior B level. Over the past 10 years, the Winnipeg Blizzard have established themselves as the winningest franchise in the league. Their sustained success, strong culture of development, and consistent high-performance standards have positioned the Blizzard as an ideal candidate for Canada’s highest junior box lacrosse tier.
Team success:
When asked, Williams credits the teams success to its past coaching staff and all the players that have transitioned through this program. Their hard work and dedication is what has made this move possible.
Impact to the Province:
When asked what the biggest impact this move will have on the Province, Williams said "This move up, now allows all the high performance athletes to compete at the highest level possible, without having to leave the Province"
Senior Program:
Continuing with the success of the Blizzard Organization, in 2025 saw the very first Blizzard Senior team, which attended the Presidents Cup in Whitby Ontario. This is the first time in close to 20 years, a Manitoba Senior team competed in this event. Williams was quoted saying "The ability to now provide a Senior program locally for all the graduating players, allows them to continue playing this sport within our Province." Sources indicate the Senior Blizzard are in talks with the possibility of joining the Senior league in the PGLL.
For all Blizzard news, see them at www.winnipegblizzard.com
