The Presidents Cup is the National Senior B level box lacrosse championship for the Canadian Lacrosse Association with championship awards of Gold, Silver and Bronze to the respective winning teams.

The Pioneers first attempt at winning the championship was in 1990 when they finished fourth, dropping the game against the Owen Sound North Stars by a 11-5 margin with the series played in Fergus Ontario. 

Locally the Ladner Pioneers have been graced with winning five Presidents Cup Championships with the first dating back to 1998 when they defeated the Newton Golden Eagles when the series was played in Tuscarora, NY.

Their second championship was in 2004 with a 6-3 win that saw the event played in Langley when they went on to defeat the Kahnawake Mohawks (ILA) with the Langley Knights finishing third that saw Rob Cook named as the MVP.

In 2006 they finished third that saw the Wellington Aces (OLA) take top spot defeating the Sherwood Park Outlaws 9-5

The Pioneers managed a third place finish pulling out a 12-6 win over the Tri-City Bandits as the host team for the championship.

The championship was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID 19 Pandemic which put everything on hold for two full seasons for all sporting events in  Canada as well as other sports.

The 2022 season saw the Pioneers pull out an impressive 8-6 championship win when they defeated the Akwesasne Bucks (CAN-AM) finishing second with the championship played in Edmonton.

The 2022 season saw a “new look” Pioneers team hit the floor that saw them regain top seed winning the championship over Akwesasne Bucks (CAN-AM) while Six Nations finished third with the series played in Edmonton.

Striving for dominance as the “top dog” in Senior B Lacrosse in Canada saw them again build a championship team in 2023 that saw them defeat the Edmonton Miners (RMLL) while the Oakville Rock finished third with the series played in Oakville on their home floor.

Three-peats are hard to come by for any organization but the Pioneers bid to host the championship a success they worked long tireless hours to put on a successful championship with the Pioneers being the host team.

The series was played in Ladner, home for the Pioneers in a series that saw them fill the Leisure Centre for each game – day and night.

The final championship was played on a Saturday night in front of a packed building with the “fire marshal” probably looking the other way.

The week long championship event was organized by John Burr and with his group of volunteers the event ran like clock work going off without a hitch.

Their opponent was the Edmonton Miners who gave them a good run but in the end came up just short of taking the trophy back to Edmonton, to the delight of the home town fans.

The 2025 season saw a “re-build” that saw them finish with a record of 13 wins, 2 losses grabbing 146 goals while allowing 78  that saw them advance to the league final against the Shamrocks.

The best of three saw them sweep the visitors in a three game series advancing to the Presidents Cup Championship venturing back east in hopes of bringing the championship back to Ladner, which failed to happen.

The trip east saw them come up short playing five games that saw them win two, dropping three coming up short in the  goal department scoring 39 and giving up 44 with 66 PIM’s with a winning % of 0.400.

They continue to entertain the local fans on home floor but putting a championship team is something that not all teams can manage.

The three championship seasons (2022, 2023 and 2024)  saw Alex Buque (2022), Austin Shanks (2023) and Christian Del Biance (2024) named MVPs.

The Pioneers leading scorers for the Presidents Cup in the following years.

• Kyle Goundry 1997 (10 goals/9 assists)
• Jeff Pringle 2007 (12 goals/7 assists)
• Tyler Pace 2024 (10 goals/26 assists)   

The post Pioneers Come Up Short At Presidents Cup first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

This year marks the fifth consecutive season that the Pioneers won the league championship managing it by pulling off a 8-4 win giving them the 3-0 series win in the best of 5 setting up a trip to Whitby Ontario for the President’s Cup Championship.

They played 6 playoff games finishing with a perfect 6-0 record collecting 64 goals while allowing 34 against playing Victoria in the league final who were 3-3 in playoff action managing 37 goals for and 40 against.

The third period saw the game tied at four before two goals 6 seconds apart from Brayden Bushnoe and Coady Adamson, coupled with a pair of late short handed goals gave Ladner the series win and a trip to the Presidents Cup.

Bushnoe led scoring in game three finishing with 2 goals and 1 assist with Alex Buque turning aside 41 of 45 shots.

Adamson swept all playoff offensive categories with goals (9), assists (12) and total points (21) while Buque had the top save percentage (88.8%), goals against average (5.43) and wins (6) in goal.

Currently there are eight teams all vying for the coveted championship and while local Delta fans are cheering for the Pioneers it’s anyone’s championship title.

The Championship is hosted by the Brooklyn Merchants with the first game or the Pioneers is against the Winnipeg Blizzard at 10 AM Ontario time so if you want to catch the action be sure to set your alarm.

Without sounding overly disrespectful to the other team over the past seasons the Pioneers have had little to contend with with some asking if the league will even survive in the next few years but that’s out of my paygrade.

Everyone questions if players are paid to play in the league and that question remains a mystery  to many while we hear that some are and others play for the love of the sport.

Depending on who you ask some teams have a stronger following while some have a hard time attracting a regular and consistent group of fans, which is sad to see.

While the championship is getting started it’s going to be an interesting week of exciting Sr. B Lacrosse.

Cheer for your team but if you live in the lower mainland – cheer for the PIONEERS!!!

The post Pioneers Search For Another President’s Cup first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Thomas loved lacrosse and was a member of the 2004 President’s Cup team as well as a lacrosse coach, and a Delta Firefighter as well as a Journeyman Welder.

Thomas sadly lost his life to cancer and since his passing the Delta Lacrosse Community has hosted a Thomas Haydon Memorial lacrosse day which features an Alumni game followed by a regular season Delta Islanders Junior A Lacrosse game.

This year’s game was mid-afternoon with the teams wearing special Thomas Haydon jerseys that had the number 6 on the back showing support for the cause supporting Cancer. 

In addition to the game we had the chance to watch “a father and son” game better known as a “run around” when the game was over.

Kids chasing their dads that eventually turns into a small or mini-game with everyone having fun followed by a Bar B Que out back

One part of the day or game is that all the players wear sweaters with the number six on them, which is hard to do play by play for, but we make it happen.

In addition to the game  the day is set aside as  a fund raiser for an award created by some of Haydon’s closest lifelong friends and is affiliated with Delta Lacrosse. 

The awardI comes with a $2,500 scholarship with the winner receiving a custom Haydon axe, reflecting his career as a firefighter.

During the second intermission of the Junior A game the presentation was made with this year’s 2025 recipient of the Thomas Haydon Memorial Award will be presented to a Delta’s #7 Cameron Squarek that comes with a $2,500 scholarship. 

The winner receives a custom Haydon axe that reflects his career as a Delta firefighter that has a much larger version of the award on permanent display inside the LLC at the Zamboni end of the rink in the top of the stands.

The award was created by some of Haydon’s closest lifelong friends and is affiliated with Delta Lacrosse.

I was told last night that he (Thomas) exemplified several amazing characteristics and was an outstanding member of the Ladner community,” said his friends in a prepared statement. “Our hope is to help a Delta lacrosse player who demonstrates some of his admirable qualities (hard work, loyalty, courage, and respect) to pursue post-secondary education, work in the trades, or benefit from financial assistance.”

The family sincerely “thanks” everyone for their on-going support from the City of Delta, Delta Fire Department, Delta’s lacrosse community and appreciate your support. 

I hear that Delta Lacrosse is planning on next year’s event to make it even bigger!!

The post Delta Lacrosse Hosts Thomas Haydon Day first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

While it’s a thankless task its not in the cards for everyone mainly due to the verbal abuse from PARENTS who know very little about the rules of the game and are only focused on winning at all cost.

Sad but true and over the past years I personally have seen several quality young officials quit all due to the abuse.

Parents seem to think its allowed to both shout and holler verbal abuse at young officials not thinking of how hurtful their words are.

Over the course of my officiating span doing various sports I have had the privilege to work with several great individuals who were in the game for the love of the sport.

Having said that, not all officials officiate for that reason and given today’s world there are many in the game ONLY for the money.

At times I get asked to assign officials to games and it sounds sad to say but quite often the first question I get asked is “how much do I get paid and why not more.”

Thankfully these individuals are a “dime a dozen” and are in the sport for the wrong reason which is sad as some have the talent to go far, but chose not to.

This is the same with all sports and if asked some assignors (but not all) will tell you they can name these individuals prior to the start of the season.

Regardless of the sport it happens and not just in BC but across the country and around the world.

He retired, putting his whistle away to manage the Burnaby Junior Lakers Club from 1995-1999 and became the team manager and equipment manager as his career was winding down as an on-floor official. 

Ron began as an Intermediate and Jr. lacrosse referee in 1976. Over the next 30+ years, Crosato officiated 11 Mann Cups, 8 Minto Cups, the 1978 Commonwealth Games and the final game at the Nations ’80 World Box Lacrosse championships. 

This 5 time Jimmy Gunn Award winner as top Sr. lacrosse referee, also served as Referee in Chief, Referee Allocator, Clinician and Senior Referee Evaluator. 

No other WLA referee has handled as many games – 408 league, 146 playoff and 26 Mann Cup contests for an incredible 580 games at the Senior ‘A’ level. 

Near the end of his career he was hired by the professional National Lacrosse League (2001-10) as an on-floor official. 

Ron is the five-time Jimmy Gunn award winner and senior official who has served as referee allocator, RIC and senior referee elevator who has officiated 408 league games, 126 playoffs, 26 Mann Cup and 580 games at the Senior A level.

He was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2013 as well as being inducted into the Burnaby Hall of Fame as well as the St.  Thomas Moore Collegiate Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. 

While Ron is no longer officiating as an active “on-floor” official, young officials would learn a lot if they could sit and have a chat with Ron.

The post Officiating A High Level Of The Game first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Jagraj has been my  broadcast partner for games broadcast live on Eastlink TV Tuesday nights as well as the Richmond Sockeyes in the PJHL as well  as broadcasting games for the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL and again this year the Delta Islanders Junior Lacrosse program.

For the “team” of Jag and Jarman I personally am pleased to know them both knowing that this is  a major step for not only them but also the CEBL Vancouver Bandits which should be doing all games, but that’s a business decision for the team.

The following is the press release sent out by the team – Enjoy the read!! 

The Vancouver Bandits and Connect FM are proud to announce the continuation of their groundbreaking partnership to broadcast select 2025 Bandits home games in Punjabi, marking the second straight season of inclusive, community-driven basketball storytelling on air.

In 2024, the Bandits and Connect FM made history by becoming the first team in Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) history to deliver a live Punjabi radio broadcast on June 1, 2024. 

This milestone moment resonated with fans across the Lower Mainland and the global South Asian diaspora, creating space for representation, access, and cultural celebration through basketball.

“As a radio platform, Connect FM has always focused on organizing and partnering with initiatives that involve projects benefiting our community. Our partnership with the Vancouver Bandits is purely based on the idea of offering something that has never been done before, “ said Tejinder Singh, director – strategy & operations of Connect Media Network. 

Connect FM’s live broadcast of CEBL games in Punjabi was well received by our audience in 2024. This year, listeners will have a great experience of catching the game updates live in Punjabi language again.”

Bringing the action will be play-by-play broadcaster Jagraj Lalli and analyst Jarman Chahal, who together bring experience from Hockey Night In Canada: Punjabi Edition, the BC Hockey League as well as several broadcasting stints with various leagues and community events throughout the Lower Mainland region.

Connect FM will provide live Punjabi commentary for eight marquee Bandits home games this season. Fans can tune in across multiple platforms:

• Online:​ connectfm.ca → Click Listen LIVE Surrey FM 91.5
• App:​Connect FM Canada (available via App Store & Google Play)
• Radio: 91.5 FM in Surrey and surrounding areas

2025 Punjabi Radio Broadcast Schedule on Connect FM:

• Saturday, May 24 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, June 1 – vs. Calgary Surge | 5:00 PM
• Saturday, June 14 – vs. Montreal Alliance | 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 20 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (South Asian Heritage Night) | 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 28 – vs. Saskatchewan Rattlers | 7:00 PM
• Sunday, July 6 – vs. Brampton Honey Badgers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, July 20 – vs. Edmonton Stingers | 5:00 PM
• Sunday, August 3 – vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears | 5:00 PM
  

“The return of our Punjabi radio broadcast is a meaningful step in our continued commitment to inclusion,” said Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits team president. “This partnership with Connect FM not only brings the game to Punjabi-speaking fans but also celebrates the vibrant South Asian community that is a proud part of our team’s identity and culture. Punjabi will not be the only language we explore for Vancouver Bandits live stream and radio broadcasts.”

### 

For Vancouver Bandits media inquiries, please contact:

Justin Sulpico, Senior Manager, Brand & Communications, (604) 626-8513, media@thebandits.ca

About the Vancouver Bandits:

The Vancouver Bandits are British Columbia’s professional basketball team. As the westernmost club in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Bandits offer an entertainment experience that combines a fast-paced game day atmosphere with a presentation of some of Canada’s top professional athletes within a world-class venue at Langley Events Centre (LEC).

About the CEBL:

A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its rosters being Canadian and more than 10 players with NBA game experience in 2025. 

Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. 

More than 20 players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. 

The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by Tonybet, TSN, TSN+, RDS, Game+ and Next Level Sports & Entertainment. 

More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.

The post Bandits Broadcast Team On Connect FM first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The excitement continues to grow for the Junior A community considering both the B1 and B2 teams have played games looking to grab more wins as they advance their skills on the winning ways for a championship season.

In conversation with Matt Hoegg President of Delta Lacrosse  he mentioned that “They were happy with the draft and at present they are able to bring some of the up and coming young guys into the line-up right away which helps the program.”

Running a Junior program isn’t an easy task and as we saw last year the B1 team was 40 seconds away from defeating the Adanacs and what’s changed is that the B1 team has gotten younger and younger each year.

Having the luxury to fit this into the program means that they are able to get the younger players to play at that level of the game preparing them to go to play A lacrosse.

Overall the JV1 team has been competitive each year allowing players to move up to the A level of the game which is no different from having the B2 players move up to play at the B1 level of the game

While changes take place each year the Islanders had very few changes entering this year and Matt feels this is due to having the outdoor box now covered  so the players can play year round.

The off season saw the Islanders had their systems in place for the draft as well holding their AGM that saw the board return as well as holding their Christmas event so from top to bottom they feel very aligned as an organization.

Overall they were happy with the outcome of the draft with several top picks which he credits to Logan Schuss helping organize the picks that he wanted to focus as well as giving some of the top graduating players a chance to advance to the next level.

In addition they held Lacrosse Fest that was held in the outdoor box with a dunk tank which saw Logan take part in a game the following day with an impressive raffle with some quality items in the draw.

This year they have a “parent pass” which allows the parents to take in three games for the price or two which helps draw fans through the turnstiles.

They can’t say enough about the Vancouver Warriors who are only a call away and they are so very thankful for all the Warriors do to help the program while he mentioned that the Warriors do “tons’s” for minor lacrosse in the area.

If you are looking for excitement this summer plan on taking in an Islanders game either Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the Leisure Centre.

Stay tuned they are only getting started with lots of exciting things happening!!!!

Lacrosse – Canada’s National Summer Sport at the Ladner Leisure Centre!!!!

The post Delta Islanders Strong Start first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Despite a resilient four-goal third quarter that lifted them to an 8-6 lead, the Warriors couldn’t hold off the two-time defending champions.

Buffalo surged back with five of the game’s final six goals to sweep the best-of-three series and secure its place in the NLL Finals.

The loss, however, doesn’t overshadow the Warriors’ historic campaign. Vancouver reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and advanced to the semifinals, marking a significant step forward for the team and its fan base.

Adam Charalambides powered the Warriors’ offence with a seven-point performance (three goals, four assists), while Keegan Bal and Marcus Klarich each chipped in two goals and three assists. Kevin Crowley and Riley Loewen each added a goal to round out the scoring.

Buffalo opened the night with a quick 2-0 lead, but Vancouver answered back, tying the game 2-2 just before the first-quarter buzzer. 

The Bandits carried a narrow 5-4 advantage into halftime, but Vancouver roared out of the break, netting four goals in the third quarter to flip the script and take control.

It was short-lived. From the fourth quarter onward, Buffalo showcased its championship pedigree, storming back to silence the Rogers Arena crowd and book its trip to another title series.

Both teams entered Sunday’s matchup on short rest after Game 1 in Buffalo, which saw the Bandits win at home. 

The series then shifted across the continent, with both clubs travelling 2,600 miles (4,184 kilometres) west to Vancouver.

For Warriors captain Brett Mydske, the defeat stung — but the pride in the team’s growth was undeniable. Mydske said the group left everything on the floor and truly believed it could make a deep run.

In a post game scrum he continued  “It’s hard to feel happy right now because there’s so much belief in this room and this team wasn’t just happy to make the playoffs — we believed we had a team that could go all the way. Credit to Buffalo; they’re two-time defending champions for a reason. But when you look at that game, every single guy gave it their all. A couple of days from now, we’ll be able to look back and feel proud of the performance.”

Mydske reflected on the team’s journey over the past two years and believes Vancouver is poised to remain a contender.

“You’ve got to learn how to lose before you can win,” he said. “We’ve made great progress. Last year we were playing playoff games, and this year we were 5-7 at one point and then rattled off seven straight wins. It’s been great to play in those high-pressure games. And trust me — we’ll be back in this situation. We’re going to contend for a cup.”

Head coach Curt Malawsky also praised the team’s resilience, noting the character of the players was what impressed him most.

“Resiliency — this is a really resilient group,” Malawsky said. “We were 5-7 at one point, but we just kept battling. Last year, we also went on a run near the end. What stands out to me is that we’ve got quality individuals in that dressing room. They truly care about the logo on the front of the jersey and about each other.”

Malawsky will stay involved with lacrosse this summer as an assistant coach with the Langley Thunder Jr. A program alongside head coach Matt Beers. 

Beers, who recently completed his 13th NLL season as an assistant captain with the Warriors, will team up with Malawsky to help develop the next generation of players.

Malawsky credited local programs for fostering talent in all areas of British Columbia.

“The British Columbia Lacrosse Association does a great job developing elite athletes and lacrosse players,” he said. “It’s special to watch these guys come up through grassroots minor lacrosse, work their way up, and then get the chance to play at the highest level in front of their family and friends in their hometown. That’s pretty cool to see.”

As the Warriors enter the offseason, they do so with momentum and optimism. With a foundation of talent, a proven ability to battle through adversity, and the experience of competing on the NLL’s biggest stage, 

Vancouver looks poised to reach even greater heights in the 2025-26 season.

The post Warriors Eye Bigger Breakthrough Next Season first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Given their play of date since acquiring Del Bianco March 10th and currently riding a five game winning streak thanks to wins over Buffalo, Toronto plus having a home floor win over the Georgia Swarm, Toronto and the Albany Firesolves.

Burnaby firefighter Keegam Bal has has managed to notch 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in his last five games while Christian Del Bianco has five wins since being acquired in the trade.

Entering the afternoon’s game has the the Wings are in need of a win to lock up a playoff run and hoping that they can get pas Vegas, manage a win over Vancouver while getting wins from Buffalo and San Diego .

The Wings wrap-up their regular season against Vancouver ia 5-10 . n what is only their second visit to Vancouver in six years and notably the last one dates back to April , 2019.

The Wings managed to pull off a 14-13 win over Vancouver in Philly that to their dismay turned the win into a eight game losing streak going from a 5-2 record.

The afternoon’s contest saw the Warriors attract more fans than in the past given not just the success they are having but also the popularity of the game in the lower mainland.

If you ask the kids they’ll tell you it’s fun but if you ask the parents they’ll say first it’s a healthy sport for the kids and secondly it’s affordable for the families.

While this game never went the way the Wings were wanting it’s interesting to note that they have scored 15 or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history over the first three games this season.

Not only did the Warriors win it was a win for all the volunteers who worked with the Ladner Pioneers who won last year’s Presidents Cup played at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

In addition it was nice to see Delta Minor Lacrosse hit the floor for a half-time scrimmage that promotes not only Delta Minor Lacrosse but also Minor Lacrosse in the area.

The Warriors managed to lock-up a six-game win streak with an impressive league-leading 7-2 home record, as they secured their first-ever postseason appearance and home playoff game. 

They also announced the winners of the top five Team Awards and the 2024.25 season from the addition of star goaltender Christian Del Bianco, who remains undefeated  with a 6-0 record as well as Keegan Bal setting the franchise’s all-time scoring list.

Thanks to the Vancouver Warriors 2024.25 Team Awards:

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Keegan Bal

For the third consecutive season, Keegan Bal has been voted the winner of the Warriors’ MVP Award.

The Coquitlam, BC native has put together another outstanding campaign, setting new career-highs in assists (68) and points (111). 

His 111 points also tie the franchise record for most points in a single season, previously achieved by three different players, most recently by Corey Small in 2017.

Bal also reached several career milestones, crossing the 100 games played threshold, and recording his 200th career goal, 300th career assist, and 500th career point this season.

His play and leadership on and off the floor have been critical to helping the Warriors clinch their first playoff appearance in team history.

Defenceman of the Year: Ryan Dilks

Ryan Dilks was voted the team’s D-man of the Year for the second time in as many years noting that last season when he was the NLL’s Defensive Player of the Year. 

He has helped with five assists this season and is tied for third in the NLL with 31 turnovers also securing 104 loose ball recoveries, and 12 blocked shots. 

Rookie of the Year: Alec Stathakis

Making his NLL debut this year after concluding his collegiate career at the University of Denver, Alec Stathakis has been voted as the team’s Rookie of the Year. 

He calls  Northville, MI, home in the off-season and was drafted 40th overall by the Warriors in the 2023 NLL Entry Draft and contributed five points (1-4-5) in his debut season, along with 137 loose ball recoveries, three caused turnovers, two blocked shots, and 261 faceoff wins. 

The 261 faceoff wins rank fifth in the NLL along with a 59.3% faceoff win percentage is also fifth in the league amongst those who have taken at least 300 draws this season.

Unsung Hero: Jackson Suboch

He calls Toronto home and was named the Unsung Hero Award this season in his second season who has three career-highs in assists plus nine blocked shots along with 41 loose ball recoveries and four caused turnovers. 

Teammate of the Year: Brett Mydske

Warriors captain Brett Mydske has been voted by his teammates as the Warriors Teammate of the Year for the 2024.25 season. 

His leadership both on and off the floor has led the Warriors to have their best regular season in team history, and his help mentoring the team’s younger players has helped them grow over the course of the season.

The post Warriors Secure First Postseason Appearance first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.