Lacrosse Provincials to take over Cold Lake

Cold Lake will be home to non-stop lacrosse action this weekend.

Starting today, the Lakeland Lacrosse Association has the undertaking of hosting U10, U12, U14, and U16 Provincial tournaments across various floors in the city.

Opening ceremonies is Friday night at Imperial Oil Place in the Energy Centre for all age groups.

The association has been working hard to welcome these teams, coming from as far away as Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Flagstaff, and Taber.

Four lacrosse athletes, Mason Coles, Callen Fox, Jaryn Stratychuk, and Jack Frey were in the Lakeland Connect studio on Wednesday talking about the game they love and why. 

“I love it a lot. I’ve being playing it since I was 5 or 7. It’s a fun sport to play…the ability to work with a team and just going out and enjoying yourself, said Coles. 

Fox said, “I like that you can go out and run and enjoy playing and have fun.” 

Jaryn Stratychuk, who plays for the U16 team, explained how she first got started in lacrosse. 

“I think just my brother, I always was saying he’s playing it, so I want to play,” she said. 

“Personally, I like hitting. But also I like being able to set up play and think about everything is working in order to get off a shot or get a goal.” 

Jack Frey also comes from a family of lacrosse players.

“When I was 3 years old and we were all sitting in the truck, and he [Jack’s dad] asked if we wanted to play. We said yes, and it all started there.”

Teams represented

Two Lakeland Heat and one Bonnyville team are playing on the U10 side, with the Vermilion Roar represented as well.

Two more Heat teams will compete in the U12 competition.

Bonnyville and Lakeland Heat will represent on the U16 side along while just one local team will play in the U14 draw.

Games kick off at 9:00am.

Imperial Oil Place, Energy Centre 2nd arena, Reid Field House, JJ Parr, and North Arena will be used throughout the tournament.