A former Olympic boxer has emerged as the leader of an effort to bring a National Lacrosse League team to Vancouver for the 2011 season, a British Columbia newspaper reported Tuesday.

Dale Winters, a bronze medalist in the bantamweight division in 1984 Los Angeles games, and partner Geoff Hughes submitted an application for an expansion franchise in June, according to The Province.

The team would be the second NLL franchise to call Vancouver home. The Vancouver Ravens played at General Motors Place from 2002 to 2004.

"Originally, I was hoping for '09 and then I was looking toward 2010, but there are no venues available because of the Olympics," Walters said.

A benefit to Vancouver is that there are two viable arenas to choose from, including GM Place. However, Walters indicated that the older Pacific Coliseum is a likelier choice.

The Province also reported on the possibility of an exhibition game this fall in Vancouver, likely between the Colorado Mammoth and Edmonton Rush.