Lakeland Heat Set to Blaze Trail in Quest for Provincial Glory

Photo: Lakeland Jr. B Heat Graduating Players

Left to right: Trainer Kim Sydora Asst. Coach Mike Groves, Riley Kelland, Jared Currie, Tristan Hodinsky, Coach Daryl Hodinsky, Jaxx Gale, Asst. Coach Danik Becotte, Mikey Ryan, Michael Legge and Jayden Williams

The Jr. B Heat win their way to Provincials

The Lakeland Junior B Heat have set the lacrosse world ablaze with their stunning season, culminating in a triumphant series sweep win at the Cold Lake Energy Center this past weekend against the St. Albert Crude. The Heat only needed two games to win the best of 3 series that capped off Sunday with a commanding 16 to 5 victory. The Heat have secured their place at Provincials, which will be held this upcoming weekend in St. Albert.

The Heat are on fire this season, says Head Coach, Daryl Hodinsky. “These guys have put their number one game on the floor every night,” said an emotional Hodinsky. “It’s all thanks to their hard work day in and day out.”

Passion and love for the game run deep in this team, with Hodinsky leading the charge. He’s more than just a coach; he’s the heart of the Heat. Lakeland Connect’s Crystal Frey provided live video coverage throughout the weekend.  “You can’t buy that kind of passion,” Frey noted. “Daryl, you’re a valued team member, and the boys would say the same.”

The Heat have been scoring machines this season, with top players like Brett MacLoed leading the league with 78 points. “Brett works hard, and his teammates trust him with the ball,” Hodinsky said. “We also had number three in the league and another guy in the top 10. These guys play as a team.” MacLeod led the weekend with 6 goals on Friday and another 6 goals on Saturday.

With 12 years of experience, Hodinsky knows the game inside and out. Lacrosse, for him, is all about finesse. “Sure, there are big hits, but it’s the teamwork, the passing, the strategy that makes it beautiful,” he explained. “When the ball moves like that, the goalies don’t stand a chance.”

 

Frey also caught up with Danik Becotte, a former junior lacrosse player and now assistant coach for the Jr. B Heat. This guy’s got lacrosse in his veins and is giving back to the Cold Lake High School community.

Danik’s been loving every minute of this season. “It was a tough choice between coaching and reffing, but I’m beyond happy I chose to coach,” he said. “This team is something special.”

Danik shared how the defense has been a powerhouse, crediting Jack Nichol’s return from tier one and Ava’s incredible vision on the floor. “Teams are only getting four or five goals a game against us. That’s unprecedented,” Danik boasted. And with Ava (Pinch) in the net, the whole team is firing on all cylinders.

Danik credited Coach Hodinsky’s pep talk with getting the team in the right mindset. “This team listens, they care, and they play with heart,” Danik added, fighting back tears of pride.

Danik’s journey with the Heat is heartfelt; he played with many of these guys for years. Now, as a coach, he feels the emotion and camaraderie deeply. “We honestly just love each other. It’s such a good atmosphere,” he said, clearly moved.

We’re pumped to see the Lakeland Heat heading to provincials after a stunning 16-5 win. Once at Provincials, their first item of business will be to secure the North Champion title by taking on rivals Lloydminster in game 1 of the tournament. Should they be successful, it’ll be the first time in franchise history the Heat have taken the North title.

No matter the outcome at Provincials next weekend, The Heat have secured their place at Western Canadians. That tournament will take place August 13-17 in Brooks.

Lakeland Heat Video Interviews & Weekend Recap with Crystal Frey