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.

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.

Regardless of the team you know that each has a bench boss who is more than qualified to call the shots with Glenn Clark behind the bench for the Firewolves who has over two decades to his resume.

Warriors bench boss Curt Malawaky is synonymous with all levels of lacrosse in the lower mainland bringing a winning tradition to the Warriors organization.

There is no question that the Warriors are playing exceptional lacrosse as they are looking to venture into the postseason in a short 11 seasons after becoming the Warriors from the rebrand from the Stealth.

Vancouver enters the game with a record of 8 wins, 7 losses, 163 goals for and 153 against while the Firewolves have a record of 6 wins, 9 losses, 166 goals for and 178 against.

Say what you will about lacrosse in the lower mainland each summer is a follow through from hockey and fills the void which is by far more reasonable for the cost.

Delta for example all thanks to the City has an outdoor lacrosse box which was recently covered allowing lacrosse to be played and practiced all year thus allowing the game to grow.

Besides minor for both male and female youth lacrosse this allows them to advance to play Junior B1, B2 and Junior A for the Islanders.

It’s not just lacrosse in Delta that is growing bur across the province which was one of the reasons that the Ladner Pioneers hosted and won the Presidents Cup last fall packing the Ladner Leisure Centre for the week.

The move from Langley Events Centre to Rogers Arena was a move that some were skeptical about for various reasons namely traffic, travel time, parking as well as other expenses all of which hit the working family.

Regardless it’s paying dividends for not only the Warriors but also the lacrosse community in BC continuing to put up a good run in the growth for affordable sports to play but overtaking hockey is an uphill battle.

With the  Warriors playing exceptional lacrosse one has to ask if they are setting their sights on playoffs but the simple answer is no as they have their sights set on one game at a time.

When asked he mentioned “We’ve got a veteran back end and a veteran goalie. We’ve got a good coaching staff that understands what it takes to be successful and the value of trying to get too ahead of yourself, and there’s none to it,” he said. “There’s no value in adding pressures from different situations. There’s nothing you’re going to gain from it.” 

He continued “We’re a grounded group of guys, a humble group. We’re not going to get full of ourselves. We’re a lunch bucket group of guys that plays that meat-and-potatoes style of lacrosse and that’s how we’re going to do it. We’re not going to change that based on the situation or standings or records.”

They are getting set to host Fan Appreciation Night during their final regular season home game so mark the date on your calendar and don’t miss out on exciting Warriors Lacrosse!!!!

GET TICKETS | bit.ly/4i6e1Ht

The post Warriors Pull Out Impressive Win first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

The Coquitlam Adanacs secured their fourth Minto Cup championship on Friday night, defeating the Orangeville Northmen 9-6 in front of an energized home crowd at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. 

This victory secures Adanac history in Canadian Junior A lacrosse, managing to add to their previous titles won in 2010, 2016, and 2018. 

Cody Malawsky was the hero for the Adanacs, delivering a standout performance when his team needed it most. Malawsky scored four goals and added an assist, leading the offensive charge for Coquitlam and finishing the night with five points. 

His ability to find the back of the net at crucial moments made a significant difference in the outcome of the game. 

Malawsky’s efforts were bolstered by Noah Manning, who also had a five-point night with two goals and three assists. 

Manning’s playmaking and scoring touch were instrumental in the Adanacs’ victory, providing a consistent threat throughout the game. Nathan Chalmers also contributed with two goals, adding to the Adanacs’ offensive firepower.

In goal, Jack Kask was a wall for the Adanacs, stopping 50 of 56 shots he faced. His outstanding performance between the pipes earned him the finals MVP honours, a recognition well-deserved given his crucial role in Coquitlam’s success. Kask’s calm presence and ability to make key saves under pressure were vital in securing the win for his team.

Reflecting on the victory, Adanacs defenseman Ty Banks expressed his elation at winning the championship on home soil. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Banks said. “Having the opportunity to do it on my home floor—I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s truly a blessing.” Banks also spoke about the nerves that came with competing in the Minto Cup, particularly during the round-robin stage.”

He continued “Honestly, coming into the Minto Cup, there were a lot of nerves, especially during the round robin. I feel like I let it get the best of me, but with the help of my coaches and teammates, I was able to push that aside and focus on the process. For the last two games, I felt pretty good—levelheaded and ready to get it done. And luckily, we did.” 

His words highlight the mental challenges of competing at such a high level and the importance of support from teammates and coaches. 

On the other side, Liam Matthews was the standout player for the Northmen throughout the tournament, and he continued his strong play in the final, netting a hat trick. 

Matthews was consistently dangerous, finding ways to break through the Adanacs’ defence and score crucial goals. 

His leadership on the floor was evident, as he tried to inspire a comeback for his team. 

Dylan Sanderson also had a solid performance, contributing a goal and two assists, while goaltender Connor O’Toole made 40 saves on 49 shots, doing his best to keep Orangeville in the game.

The match was tightly contested in the early stages, with both teams battling hard for every inch of the floor. 

Matthews opened the scoring for Orangeville, finding the net 7:16 into the game, however, Chalmers quickly responded for the Adanacs, tying the game just 22 seconds later. 

The first period remained close, with Manning giving Coquitlam the lead with 2:59 left on the clock, but Matthews struck back with 1:45 remaining to tie it 2-2 heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Coquitlam began to assert control. Malawsky put the Adanacs ahead again at 8:51, but Matthews quickly equalized with a goal two minutes later, making it a 3-3 game. 

The teams continued to trade goals, with Malawsky scoring his second of the night at 12:43 to restore Coquitlam’s lead. Sanderson replied for the Northmen just 37 seconds later, tying the game once more at 4-4. 

The Adanacs finished the period strongly, with Chalmers scoring at 16:33 and David Charney adding another goal with 50 seconds left in the period, giving Coquitlam a 6-4 lead heading into the third.

The Adanacs carried their momentum into the final period, opening with a pair of quick goals. Malawsky completed his hat trick 8:05 into the third period, and Manning added another just 18 seconds later, extending Coquitlam’s lead to 8-4. 

The Northmen tried to mount a comeback, with Trey Deere scoring at 11:34 to bring Orangeville within three goals.

Malawsky made short work of that and quickly responded grabbing his fourth goal of the night at 12:37 sealing the Championship for Coquitlam. 

Despite a late goal from Bowie Horsman with 2:36 left on the clock, the Adanacs held firm to secure a 9-6 win.

For the Adanacs, Malawsky’s four goals and an assist led the way, with Manning adding two goals and three assists. 

Charney chipped in with a goal and two assists, while Chalmers contributed two goals. 

On the Orangeville side, Matthews’ hat trick was complemented by Sanderson’s goal and two assists, while Horsman and Deere also found the back of the net. 

The victory marks a triumphant end to the Adanacs’ season, as they celebrate another Minto Cup title with their passionate fans. 

The team’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments was key to their success, and they will undoubtedly look to build on this momentum in future seasons. 

With their fourth Minto Cup in the books, the Coquitlam Adanacs have once again proven themselves as one of the premier teams in Canadian Junior A lacrosse.

Top Scorers

Coquitlam Adanacs

Cody Malawsky, 4g 1a; Noah Manning, 2g 3a;  David Charney, 1g 2a

Orangeville Northmen

Liam Matthews, 3g, Dylan Sanderson, 1g 2a’ Bowie Horsman, 1g 1a

Joey Spallina, 2a’ Owen Rahn, 2a

The post Adanacs Clinch Fourth Minto Cup first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

Locally the 2024 Minto Cup Championship is underway and being played in Coquitlam at the  Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex that has four teams competing for the championship.

The Coquitlam Adanacs finished first overall in the BCJALL giving them the chance to host the event with Port Coquitlam Saints as BC’s second seed.

Opening night proved successful for both teams as the Saints pulled off a 12-7 win over the Orangeville Northmen in the opening game considering that the Northmen were one of the ones to watch.

One might say that the Northmen might have a bit of “jet lag” as they never really seemed to get rolling until the ten minute mark allowing the Saints to jump out to an early 2-0 lead.

The Northmen got their first goal from sniper Tre Deere which looked as tho they were settling in albeit slow. 

Deere finished the first with two goals while Joey Spallina, an American field lacrosse player who switched to Box Lacrosse finished the first period saw the Adanac’s with a 3-2 lead. 

Over the course of the season as the Saints’ played against the Delta Islanders we watched Saints “tender” Ashton Brown stop 16 of the 19 shots he faced. 

Brayden Laity led the Saints in the contest that at times was physical and aggressive by both teams.
One could assume that the coaching staff gave them a “what for” between periods as the second saw them come out with more of a jump.

Saints newcomer Silas Richmond with his first Minto Cup appearance managed to get his first goal of the tournament evening, the score at 3-3. 

He appeared to be what the Saints were looking for considering that he finished with four points which worked out for two goals and a pair of assists.

Finn Halladay of the Saints netted two of the three goals to make it 6-4 reclaiming the two-goal lead while Halladay finished with three goals while both Halladay and Joey Spallina both finished with three goals each.

Saints Brown stopped 43 of 50 total shots which included 12 of the Northmen’s 13 third-period shots on goal allowing him to finish as game MVP. 

Two late second-period goals pushed the game back to level, now at 6-6, but this was clearly any team’s ball game heading into the final frame.

The Northmen’s second game of the tournament would see them face the Raiders Lacrosse Club while the Saints face the Coquitlam Adanacs with a 7 pm face-off.

Game two saw the Adanacs square off against the Raiders onto their home floor playing in front of a full house in search of keeping the winning streak going. 

In fairness to the Raiders Lacrosse Club who are the rep from Alberta they are the youngest team at this year’s Minto Cup.

Watching them attack in the first period you would never know they are extremely young and will be a force to be reckoned with in a couple of years.

In a pre-event media event in conversation with the coach he mentioned that they came out on the bus with a stop in Sicamous overnight also mentioning they play disciplined which is instilled by the coaching staff.

Wyatt Viste potted their first goal of the tournament which seemed to push the score to 2-1 Adanacs but we all know the game they played.  

To no surprise Jack Kask played exceptional between the pipes in the first allowing one goal which was his normal game but the Raiders had few answers for Kask and his “D” in the second scoring three goals in the opening five minutes of the second period.

The floodgates opened for both teams offensively in the second frame.

Both the Raiders and the Adanacs scored five that saw steller goaltending at both ends matched them and scored five goals of their own.  

The Raiders found themselves trailing after both the first and second but kept it close through the first 40 minutes with a 9-7 score heading into period three with the third somewhat a lack-luster period with only two goals in the last 20. Both Ryan Colsey and Cody Malawsky of Ridge Meadows each netted a pair as well as three assists. 

In the end it was Raiders Wyatt Viste who scored a pair of goals in a contest that saw the Adanacs pull out a 10-8 win.

The post Minto Cup Media Day first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.

With hockey coming to a close many are setting their sights on various other activities or sports such as baseball, lacrosse, swimming or even lawn bowling or pickle ball if that strikes your fancy.

Locally the Vancouver Warriors have their sights set on making moves up in the standings in hopes of securing a playoff berth.

There is no question that the pressure is clearly on GM and Head Coach Curt Malawsky who are currently the hottest team in the NLL.

Curt came in after time well spent in Calgary with the Roughnecks who joined the Roughnecks ahead of the 2008 season but played in his final two seasons prior to announcing his retirement in 2009.

He won 90 games and ironically is only the eighth Head Coach to reach 90 wins in regular season which says a lot about about what he brings to the game

Jumping over to the Warriors there was no doubt that they were obviously committed and dedicated to making Vancouver a “hotbed” for lacrosse in the area considering the following the sport has in the lower mainland.

Given that Curt was put in place it will be interesting to see how many local players they can manage to bring home to play for the Warriors?

The Warriors currently have five wins and are sitting eleventh with a record of 7 wins, 9 losses managing 177 GF and 185 against facing the RipTide who are eight and eight scoring 186 goals giving up 202.

It is interesting to note that the Head Coach of the Riptide is Dan Ladouceur who also played for the Toronto Rock and was their D-Coordinator for five years and ironically when he’s not behind the bench he’s a Sergeant for the Toronto Police Service.

Keeping up with the tradition they have welcomed the New West Minor Lacrosse Association for the pre game ceremonies as they have done all season which shows pure class.

Let’s not forget that they were 2-8 with their overall record but given the direction that they were aiming for they have managed to win five of their next six  and now 7-9 winning four consecutive games.

Heading into what could be their last home game of the season now controlling their own destiny coming off back to back wins over New York and San Diego.

When it comes down to metrics in LaxMetricks.com it’s noted that they have allowed 11.4 goals in their first 10 games and have allowed them to increase to 11.8 in the six game streak.

If you ask many they might tell you that their recent success comes off the stick of Keegan Bal given his productive season he has had and it’s led by example which he is doing.

While many were focused on the game the night was a tribute for fan appreciation due to the support they have given the team through some of their troubled times at the start of the season.

In conversation with some at the half they mentioned “you can’t count them out just yet cause they seemed focused to simply wish themselves into the playoffs.”

The RipTide opened the scoring early in the contest at 3:21 only to have the Warriors grab a pair from Crowley and McCulley holding the lead with 9:14 left in the first.

Say what you will both clubs traded goals and after one quarter they were tied at three in a period that saw the Warriors steal a pair of minors to the one for New York.

The battle continued in the second that saw the Warriors give up the first pair only to grab five unanswered allowing the visitors to get a last second goal that saw the Warriors up 8-6 at the half.

THis is the time when the fans get involved on the turf where they have various contests but on this night someone turned down the lights making it hard for the contestants to grab the ball let alone score. Oh well what can you say?

The third saw the Warriors start where they left off getting their first a short 35 seconds in holding a 9-6 lead with their second going to video due to the discrepancy between the officials.

After a lengthy review it was determined that there was a crease violation ruling no goal but after a couple of penalties Keegan Bal grabbed his third of he game making it double digits.

Following an impressive wrap-around desperation dive they got their 11rh of the game in addition to finishing the third outshooting NY by a 36-22 margin starting the forth on a PP.

One might think that they were marching to the theme of “May The Fourth Be With You” as this was the quarter that they not only pressed but did the most damage in a play that could be labeled as the “Wrap Around.”

Late in the game the Warriors challenged a goal from the RipTide noting that an attacking player was in the crease prior to the ball going in which was upheld only to have them get another which was reviewed as per the rule with under two minutes remaining.

The call was confirmed  and saw them pull the goalie in hopes of doing some damage only to be  denied, setting up the Warriors 16th of the game.

Regardless of being the last regular season home game they played like a team possessed and not only controlled all areas of the floor but gave the fans what they came for – A WIN!!

The Warriors announced the team awards throughout the game and to no real surprise they are as follows: 

• Ryan Dilks – Defenceman of the Year and Teammate of the Year 
• Owen Grant – Rookie of the Year 
• Riley Loewen – Unsung Hero
• Keegan Bal and Ryan Dilks shared Team MVP 

The post Warriors Dominate Riptide 16-10 first appeared on SportsWave Broadcasting.