The Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association is nearing the completion of another successful season and there is cause to celebrate early.
Two teams – the midgets and bantams – won gold in this year's 9th annual Spirit of the Sticks tournament from June 3 to 5.
“We had teams in all (four) divisions. There were eight teams per division from Lakeland County, Medicine Hat, Calgary, Edmonton and teams from Central Alberta too,” said Wally Genz, president of the association.
The four divisions – novice, peewee, bantam and midget -- saw a total of 32 teams and 160 players per division participate in the annual event. Games began June 3 and continued through to June 5, with gold medal games that Sunday.
“There were hundreds of kids and hundreds of people. It was a very hot weekend,” said Genz. “Our tournament is always well received.
“We have a really strong tournament committee and that's what makes us one of the most sought-after tournaments in Alberta,” he added, noting that games took place at both the Innisfail Twin Arena and the Igloo Arena in Bowden.
“If it wasn't for our volunteers and the support we get from the town, as well as the community itself as far as sponsorship -- people stopping in and helping out, we wouldn't be able to make it exactly what it is,” explained Genz.
The local Phantoms teams are currently winding down their regular season and playoffs are underway.
“The tournament is also seen as a great opportunity for teams to start getting ready for playoffs,” said Genz. “We are in the middle of playoffs right now – they started last weekend (June 11) and finish the end of June. It's a double knockout playoff run.”
The provincial championships run from July 8 to 10. Genz said midgets and bantams have a good chance of making it to provincials this season.
“Our bantams are sitting first right now overall in CALL (Central Alberta Lacrosse League) and they are a heavy favourite to win provincial championships,” he added. “Our other teams (peewee and novice) had a pretty even keel season.”
“We also hosted the Terror of the Tykes fun fair and it was well received by all the volunteers and parents. It was the best that's been in CALL for that level in years,” said Genz. “It was so well done.”
For more information visit www.innisfaillacrosse.com
Wally Genz, association president
"The tournament is also seen as a great opportunity for teams to start getting ready for playoffs."
