Tanner Fetch playing goal for the London Knights, out of England, in 2022. (Submitted Photo/Tanner Fetch)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Wearing the Maple Leaf

P.A. lacrosse players part of Canadian team competing in international competition

Apr 18, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Three Prince Albert lacrosse players will be taking part in an international tournament in Prague, Czechia.

Tanner Fetch, Kyle Sawchuk, and Chase Netmaker will play for Canada Selects at the Aleš Hřebeský Memorial later this month.

This competition also features teams from the United States, Finland, Norway, Slovakia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Israel, and Honduras.

There are four Canadian teams competing, however, Canada Selects is the only one with players from different provinces across the country. They’ll also be the only ones to feature the iconic maple leaf on its jersey.

“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to don the maple leaf on your chest,” said Fetch.

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He and Sawchuk took part in last year’s tournament. They played for the London Knights, a team out of England.

While he enjoyed every second, Fetch believes this time around will be even better since he’s representing his home country and believes they have a good shot of going far.

“We have more people who play the sport from a young age who’ve grown together, whereas England (players), although very skilled…some are still new to the game,” he said.

Fetch thinks this experience is why he and Sawchuk were chosen. As for Netmaker, he believes his play with the Prince Albert Predators played a big part.

Meanwhile, Fetch is hoping a good performance from Canada Selects, or the other three Canadian teams, will drive up interest in the sport.

“It’s even better when you can come back with some hardware and inspire the youth to keep chasing this game.”

Canada Selects first game is on Apr. 26 against the Flying Dutchmen out of the Netherlands. Their second is on Apr. 27 versus the U.S.’s Moon Bears.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow