Ron MacNeil holds the distinction of being the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of box lacrosse in Canada. His remarkable record of 868 goals in 389 regular season contests speaks for itself, highlighting both his exceptional skill and enduring passion for the sport.

Born in 1944 in New Westminster, British Columbia, a renowned lacrosse hotspot, MacNeil moved to Etobicoke, Ontario, at a young age. Despite facing a potentially career-ending leg injury at the age of eight, MacNeil persevered through months of recovery and rehabilitation, earning him the nickname “Groucho” due to his cranky disposition during that period.

Growing up in the Alderwood neighborhood alongside his brothers Cyril, Earl, and Milton, sports became a central part of MacNeil’s life. Excelling in various sports, he found particular success in lacrosse, beginning his journey in the minor ranks of Alderwood’s lacrosse league.

Under the mentorship of coaches like Morley Kells, MacNeil honed his skills and rapidly ascended through the ranks. His talent and dedication were evident as he scored an impressive 114 goals in 24 games at the junior level, establishing himself as an all-star performer.

Upon graduation from junior lacrosse, MacNeil joined the newly formed Toronto Maple Leafs senior team in 1966, where he quickly became known for his scoring prowess. However, as his career progressed, his leg injury began to impact his performance on the field.

Innovative by nature, MacNeil turned his attention to improving lacrosse equipment to accommodate the evolving demands of the game. He opened a sporting goods store in Alderwood and introduced his own line of equipment, including specialized gloves and innovative shoulder pads.

One of MacNeil’s most significant contributions to the sport was the invention of the plastic lacrosse stick. In response to a shortage of traditional hickory sticks, MacNeil designed and produced the first plastic lacrosse stick, revolutionizing the game’s equipment standards.

His invention paved the way for the widespread adoption of plastic sticks, replacing the traditional wooden ones. MacNeil’s commitment to innovation extended beyond equipment design; he also coached minor lacrosse teams and played a key role in identifying and promoting talented young players like Paul and Gary Gait.

MacNeil’s illustrious playing career spanned 17 years, during which he played for teams like the Victoria Shamrocks and the Brantford Warriors, winning the Mann Cup in 1971 with the latter. His prolific scoring and enduring impact on the sport earned him induction into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1998.

Even after retiring from playing, MacNeil remained actively involved in lacrosse, joining the GBLax equipment company as research and development manager. His continued dedication to improving the sport’s equipment and advocating for its growth and development exemplifies his enduring legacy as a pioneer and innovator in Canadian lacrosse.