HAMILTON -- The Leafs could be tripping over lacrosse sticks when they vacate their digs on Carlton St. this winter.

A group headed by Leafs executive Bill Watters has purchased the National Lacrosse League Hamilton-based Ontario Raiders and is moving the team to the Gardens.

The pro lacrosse club, which begins play in Toronto in January, hopes to draw 6,000-10,000 fans a game.

"I look at how well the league has done in Philadelphia and Buffalo and I just think there's a market for us," Watters said yesterday.

"There are 15,000 kids playing minor lacrosse within one hour of Toronto."

Coach Les Bartley and manager Johnny Mouradian will remain with the Raiders club, which will be renamed.

Watters' group, which includes several NHL players, purchased the Raiders for $250,000 US. Players earn $500-$1,000 a game.

Further updates will be made as more details become available. Thanks to Bill in St Catharine's for directing me to this article.