The Mountain View Mavericks Elite lacrosse team is once again in action this summer having just competed in the 2014 Canada Day Tournament in Calgary.The tournament was held from June 28 to 30 and drew midget A lacrosse teams from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, said Dave Welton, the Mavericks' assistant coach.Players were exposed to professional and collegiate scouts during the tournament, Welton added.Now in its second year, the Mavericks team started when Central Alberta clubs wanted to give midget B players a chance to play A-level lacrosse without losing them to larger centres.The team competes in exhibition games and tournaments against midget A teams.“Rural kids staying at home, building their clubs and also getting an opportunity to play at a high level,” Welton said about the team's mandate.“That's my passion. Because what happens in small towns, if your good players leave, the sport doesn't grow. But if you have competitive teams, the sport grows.”Last year, the team captured gold at the United States Box Lacrosse Association Nationals tournament in Irvine, Calif.This year, the team held open tryouts for all Central Alberta midget B players.Seven members of the roster will be from Olds, including: Matthew Gaudette, Jordan Waddell, Caden Switzer, Tanner Flipchuk, Aidan Flipchuk, Graysen Cameron and Damian Vickers.Players also come from Innisfail, Three Hills, Ponoka, Lacombe, Blackfalds and some midget B players from Red [email protected]
