Attack's Matthew Cudmore and Hayden Ulriksen celebrate a goal during last year's provincial field lacrosse tournament. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Attack lacrosse

Attack looking to turn bronze and silvers to gold in this weekend’s field lacrosse provincials

Jun 16, 2022 | 8:00 AM

After a long pandemic-related hiatus, the Prince Albert Attack did well in the return to field lacrosse provincials, winning the 19U bronze medal and a silver medal at the 15U event last year at Prime Ministers’ Park.

But this weekend’s provincials coming back to Prince Albert, Prince Albert Lacrosse president and 19U Attack head coach Javan Bexson said now could be the time when those podium finishes start turning to gold.

“Ultimately this year, the goal is to a win a championship banner, at least in one of the categories,” Bexson said. “We’ve been snakebit a couple of times now and haven’t quite got there, but we think this year is the year where we can take one or more of the championship banners.”

19U Attack

Bexson has a ton of confidence in the team he coaches. Last year, stars Davin Ikert, Caidyn Prediger and Kade Beaton were unavailable for the provincials due to school commitments and said the team really missed them last year. With them being available this year, along with the speedy and skilled Braden Shewchuk, there is talent all over the field that teams will have to deal with.

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Game times are as follows:

• Friday, 8:30 p.m., Prince Albert Attack vs. Sturgis Trojans;
• Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Prince Albert Attack vs. Regina Reign;
• Playoffs are on Sunday, with games scheduled for 11 a.m., 2:15 and 5:30 p.m. (if necessary)

16U Attack’s draw

Bexson highlighted standout Talon Sandry, who can carry the ball end-to-end and make the opposition look completely silly. The 16U Attack will have a busy weekend as they’ll play four guaranteed games before the playoffs start midway Sunday.

Game times are as follows:

• Friday, 5:30 p.m., Attack vs Saskatoon Havoc
• Saturday, 12:30 p.m., Attack vs Weyburn Rattlers
• Saturday, 7 p.m., Attack vs Regina Reign
• Sunday, 8 a.m., Attack vs. Sturgis Trojans
• Sunday, 12:30 p.m., bronze medal game
• Sunday, 4 p.m., gold medal game

14U Attack’s draw

The 14U Attack have a really good chance in Bexson’s eyes, especially after going 3-0 at a recent tournament in Saskatoon and outscoring their opposition by leaps and bounds. Cameron Jacobson is the one of watch.

Game times for them are as follows:

• Friday, 7 p.m., Attack vs Saskatoon Havoc
• Saturday, 8 a.m., Attack vs Yorkton Fighting Pikes
• Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Attack vs Regina Reign
• Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Attack vs Moose Jaw Mustangs
• Sunday, 12:30 p.m., bronze medal game
• Sunday, 2:15 p.m., gold medal game

The parks were full of spectators, games and teams, and Bexson believes this year will be the same, even if a few lacrosse families will be on the road as box lacrosse is still running for some of the younger age categories.

“We had a fantastic turnout last year. Looking back at the pictures and everything, those Friday and Saturday night games were very well attended. Attendance was good all over,” Bexson said. “I think this weekend will be similar. It’s a great weekend, not many people are up at the cabins yet.”

Field lacrosse has grown throughout the years, especially during the pandemic as it gave those an outdoor option in times when a lot of restrictions were still being imposed on indoor sports like box lacrosse.

“It really got us through the indoor challenges through COVID. People saw the opportunities with school,” Bexson said. “People have seen that side of it and the opportunities it can provide these athletes post-secondary-wise. That’s really helped and it just gets the kids playing more. Some kids like the style of play that field lacrosse brings. And it’s exciting, just like box lacrosse.”

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW