Did you catch the Raptors game on Saturday! Eastern Conference Champions! What a story. We’re thrilled to see “The Six” (or “The 6ix”, or however Drake spells it) in the NBA Finals, but as far as we’re concerned, the Raptors are already champions. We’re super proud of our fellow Dudes With Good Attitudes™ out East.

Out West, a few of the Blazers managed to watch part of the first half of the Raptors game on their phones using Wi-Fi before switching gears and getting ready for an epic battle of their own, only the Blazers’ battle was on the lacrosse floor instead of the hardwood. For the first time in over a decade, the Blazers (VSLL history note - back then they were called the Bobcats) made the trip out to Duncan to go toe-to-toe with the Cowichan Rats on their home turf. As a nod to the past, the Blazers elected to wear their retro green sweaters in Duncan, playing before a raucous crowd of somewhere just below 400 people.

Before you could say “World’s Largest Hockey Stick and Puck”, the Rats had charged past a flat-footed Blazers squad to an early 2-0 lead. It was gut check time for your friendly neighbourhood Victoria Blazers, who showed a lot of composure and managed to claw their way back into the game with a couple timely power-play goals from Blazers newcomer Michael Bedard. The good guys traded goals with the Rats from that point on and endured what was easily the most physical game the Blazers have played in 2019. When the final dust settled, the Blazers left Duncan with a 4-4 tie. Former VSLL MVP Cody Boon (1 goal 2 assists), two-way star Jeremy Bell (1 goal) and assistant captain Julian Spence (2 assists) rounded out the scoring for the good guys.

The game could’ve easily been a loss for Blazer Nation, if not for exceptional defensive efforts of veteran defender Gord McLean, who made his 2019 season debut on Saturday. Former VSLL Goaltender of the Year Rob Wood was also stellar for the Blazers, making 23 huge saves, and bailing out his squad on a handful of missed defensive assignments.

“What a battle. That was a fun one,” said famed Vancouver Canucks national anthem & opera singer Mark Donnelly, who was up in the bleachers rooting for the good guys along with a handful of other massive celebrities. “Now, THAT was lacrosse. Old school lacrosse. Games like that get the blood pumping. I can’t wait for the next one. It reminded me of when I’m singing, and I have to hold a high note with as much power as I can muster. Sure, it’s tough. It’s painful. It’s a struggle. But the payoff at the end makes it all worth it. I feel like the Blazers felt the same way, despite coming up just short of a win. They should be proud of the game they played, even though they didn't get the win. They sang their hearts out. I heard their voices loud and clear. They’re beautiful. Anyway, you’ll have to excuse me. I need to zip to the Nanaimo ferry terminal. I'll sing you a low note before I go. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! There you go. Singing rules. Anyway, good night little peanut.”

Earlier last week the Blazers faced a banged up Jokers squad and cruised to a 12-3 win thanks to offense from veteran two-way player Tory Spiteri, and goals from Boon and Bedard.

The Blazers look ahead to another tough test tomorrow night at 7:30, when they take on the Wsanec Arrows at Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt. Admission is free, so come check it out! And we’d love it if you considered “going green” on your way to the rink – which is easily accessible via a major bus route, bicycle lanes, or bring some friends and carpool!

Have a great evening, gang!

We’re grateful for the support of Bin 4 Burger Lounge! Bin 4 is the official burger joint of Blazer Nation, offering the classic gastronomic icon, the hamburger, with a gourmet touch. You can find Bin 4 locations in the Greater Victoria Area. Also, try their spots in Vancouver and Kelowna! Yum. bin4burgerlounge.com

Thanks to SVN Fuel Supplements for giving you’re the good guys the strength and energy to succeed on the lacrosse floor. With shops in Victoria, Nanaimo, the Lower Mainland, and across BC, it’s easy to get the supplements you need with Fuel. You can find their products (and coupons!) here: svnfuel.com

Shout out to TJS Drywall, the official drywaller of the Dudes With Good Attitudes™. Got a drywall job? Reach out to TJS Drywall! Call them at (250) 507-1580.

Respect to Rave & Son Plumbing, the official plumber of the Friendly Neighbourhood Victoria Blazers™. Need a plumber? Contact Rave & Son Plumbing! Call them at (250) 588-3169.

Lastly, thanks to Bro Brick, who creates a range of exclusive, manly scented soaps, and a new line of Chick Bricks! Each Bro Brick is handmade using canola, palm, coconut and sunflower oil. These classy Edmonton-based guys also donate soap to homeless shelters. Check them out! thebrobrick.com

Wanna sponsor us? Your brand/products/services could be featured here! Contact us for details! victoriablazers@gmail.com

For more information about the Blazers, check us out at the links below:

Instagram: @victoriablazers

Facebook: @victoriablazers

Twitter: @victoriablazers

Blazers website: victoriaseniorlacrosseleague.com/view/vsll/teams/victoria-blazers-1 

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