OLDS — Olds Minor Lacrosse has concluded its 2023 season with impressive results and high hopes for the future.
One team, the U13 Stingers, is heading to Alberta provincial championships in Edmonton, which will take place from July 14-16.
The association, which was established in 2002, saw a record number of 109 kids sign up this year, many of whom were new to the sport.
The association was able to form a U7 team, two teams each for the U9 and U11 age groups, as well as a U13, and a U15 team.
The season started in mid-April and ended in mid-June with playoffs for the U11 and U13 teams. The U7 and U9 teams finished the season with a fun windup in Stettler on June 10.
The club’s achievements included the U9 Stingers teams finishing first and second in the Central Alberta Lacrosse League along with obtaining medals in every tournament they attended throughout the season.
Both U11 Stingers teams also had a strong showing with a first-place and an eighth-place finish for the regular season, along with a bronze medal in Carstairs for playoffs.
The U13 Stingers also represented Olds well with a first-place finish in the regular season, followed by a gold medal in the league championship, hosted in Innisfail June 23-25.
With the league banner in hand, the U13 team is now getting ready for the provincial championships.
The U15 Stingers had a challenging year, but took it in stride with a never-quit attitude and with many new players being introduced to the sport.
The club held its annual windup and awards ceremony on June 21 with games, a barbecue, and recognition for the players, coaches, and parents who contributed to the season. The club also held its annual general meeting that night, with new members joining the board.
President Joe Berreth said the club is looking forward to maintaining its numbers and forming a U17 team next year, as it has not had one for the past two years, due in large part to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges facing the club moving forward is finding enough floor space to play, as lacrosse is a quickly growing sport in the area.
Olds Minor Lacrosse is grateful for all the sponsors, volunteers, parents, coaches, and officials who supported the association throughout the season.
This story, submitted by the Olds Minor Lacrosse Association, was edited by the Albertan.
