41 - ERIK TURNER

Born:  January 14, 1993        Height:  6’1”        Weight:  205        ​Shoots:  Right

Erik is one of a fine crew of Alberta lacrosse players who have fit in very well with the Adanacs and with other WLA teams.  He was born at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in St. Albert, Alberta.  He first played lacrosse at age 11 in St. Albert, inspired to after his younger brother Tyler met a friend at school who was signing up for lacrosse.  Tyler brought the idea home to their parents who asked Erik if I wanted to play as well.  Erik says, “I signed up and fell in love with the game because of the speed, creativity, and physicality.”  Erik’s minor lacrosse was with the St. Albert Rams, from Peewee through Midget.  He helped his teams win multiple city and Provincial championships and was selected four times to Team Alberta.  He was selected first overall in RMLL Junior A draft and scored 273 points in 70 games played.  Erik earned a lacrosse scholarship at highly prestigious Cornell University, where his outstanding NCAA Division 1 lacrosse career (he’s a middie) included an Ivy League Championship, three NCAA Tournament appearances and a Final Four appearance.  He graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He’s not one to boast, I had to check Erik’s Cornell bio to find the following: “Turner graduated from St. Francis Xavier after attending both The Hill Academy and Vimy Ridge Academy. He earned four varsity letters and was named a 2011 Adrenaline All-American. As a senior captain at St. Francis Xavier, he was named team MVP. Turner also served as captain of the Team Alberta U19 squad after playing on the U16 team. He was the first overall pick in the 2010 Alberta Junior A box lacrosse draft after serving as team captain for the Rams Midget A box team in 2008 and 2009. Turner also lettered in basketball four times, serving as team captain at Vimy Ridge and earning all-city honors.” Erik is the Director of Community Relations for ATHX Performance.  He adds, “Additionally, I work in the Edmonton lacrosse community helping grow the game through my Lacrosse in School program.”  [That warms our hearts for sure.]  Erik says, “I love everything athletically and physically demanding.  I value every opportunity to compete and test my capabilities.  Reading is one of my essential daily activities.  My favourite novel is The Hard Hat by Jon Gordon. I really enjoy kicking back and watching a good movie.  Some of my favourite movies are Rocky, Space Jam, and Enter the Dragon. I spend a good chunk of every day listening to music. I have playlists for every situation, and they are filled with tons of variety.  However, my go to genre is hip-hop. My girlfriend, Gillian Robertson, is absolutely amazing in every way and I am so grateful for our relationship.”  [That warms our hearts, too.]  Asked about the most important influences in his lacrosse career to date, Erik said, “I have been privileged to play with many amazing teammates and learn from outstanding coaches throughout my career.  During my time at Cornell, I was introduced to the story of George Boiardi. George was a Cornell lacrosse player who passed away in 2004. He has left an incredible legacy based on how he carried himself and the way he positively impacted those around him. George has had a huge influence on my lacrosse career.  Also, I am very thankful for my family’s support in helping me reach this point in my career. They have made a ton of sacrifices to put me in the position to have all the opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.”