The Innisfail Midget B Phantoms are the best of their class of 2014.
On the weekend of July 4th, the Innisfail Phantoms went through provincial lacrosse playoffs undefeated to claim the provincial title with a 7 – 6 win over the Vermilion Roar.
“We scored the winning goal with 23 seconds left in the game to win 7-6,” said J.T. Thompson, one of three coaches with the team. “It was an exciting final after going through the tournament with convincing wins.”
The Phantoms' road to provincial competition began with their Central Alberta Lacrosse League championship 7-6 win last month. During round-robin play in Leduc, the Phantoms defeated the Leduc Crush 12-6, the Vermilion Roar 10-6, Grand Prairie 12-6, and the Fort Saskatchewan Rebels 14-6 to claim their trip to the final game.
“Last year, the team took silver while the Vermilion Roar claimed the gold medal. So this year's rematch was very much anticipated,” said Thompson. “Our coaching staff of Trey Christensen, Mitch Velner, and myself were sure the team could win but it was the boys who would not settle for silver again. They dug deep and transformed in front of us into determined athletes who would not accept second place.”
Thompson added the team spoke only once during the season of making it to provincials and it was mentioned no more.
“The boys internalized the message and pushed all season long to make it here, which was amazing to see. In a coach's life, you live to be part of a team that will leave everything on the field. This was a magical moment for all of us,” said Thompson of the victory.
“The final against Vermilion was a tough one, and the closest of the tournament,” he added. “The Phantoms dominated the game, but a five minute penalty allowed the Roar to turn up their play a notch and get within one goal with the score 6-5. “
Thompson noted that with one minute left the team was told to give “everything you have” and they responded with a goal to tie the game at 6-6 that put them into championship mode.
“As soon as we tied the game, I knew we were going to win the gold medal,” said Thompson. “The boys attacked the Roar in their end mercilessly with wave after wave. We would shoot, get the ball, and shoot again until with 23 seconds left, we scored to make the game 7-6. The bench erupted.”
The game finished with the Roar grasping for a last second goal but the Phantoms defense pushed them away.
“It was transcending moment for the team,” said Thompson. “We were provincial champions.”
Phantoms' player Austin Thompson spoke of the experience of winning provincials.
“It was great moment for the team, and a stepping stone for all our team,” said the younger Thompson. “As a team, we weren't sure we would go to provincials but we knew we had a strong team.”
Marlane Quinton, vice president of the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association, waxed glowingly of the Midget B team's victory.
“We are very proud of the Innisfail Phantom Midget B gold medal,” said Quinton. “It is one of the goals of our association to have our players grow in skill and maturity just as the midgets did.”
Quinton added five players from Innisfail were named to the Zone Four Lacrosse team, which will compete at the Alberta Summer Games in Airdrie from July 24 to 27.
“Danyon Lorencz, John Lague, Griffen Hall, Devin Petersen, and Scott Stauffer will represent Innisfail in Airdrie this year,” said Quinton. “We were pleased that so many of our players were picked for the squad.”
Information on the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association can be found at www.innisfaillacrosse.com.
