The Victoria Blazers will be fighting for the VSLL Championship. If that sounds like a familiar headline to you, well you’re right. With the exception of one year where the Blazers were ousted in the semifinals and had to watch the Jokers and Buccaneers play for the title, Blazer Nation has been an institution in the VSLL championships for over a decade. In the early years, a young upstart Blazers squad was outmatched by WLA Shamrock soaked Tugmen squads, and later Firefighters squads. But the Blazers kept building, and kept getting better, en route to winning the VSLL Bill Munroe Trophy in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Next week, the Best Dressed Team in BC will be seeking their 6th ring.

In order to punch their ticket to the finals, the Blazers had to emerge from a rough contest against a rough and tumble Cowichan Rats squad. The Blazers set the tone early with a 4-1 lead, thanks to big periods from VSLL MVP Cody Boon, and returning veteran sniper Bud Vandermeer. The Rats showed signs of life in a second period that finished with an 8-4 score, paced by newcomer Michael Bedard, returning veteran Kyle Bronson, and star playmaker Julian Spence. For the final frame the Blazers spent most of their time killing penalties, led by star goaltender Rob Wood, and standout veteran defenders Tory Spiteri, Lorne and Vinny Sam, Gord McLean, Jake Rave, Kurt Bronson, Jeremy Bell, and Robbie Baldwin. When the dust settled, the Dudes With Good Attitudes were leaving Esquimalt with a 9-5 win.

“I was really impressed with the win,” said Blazers celebrity super-fan, Order of Canada recipient and 8-time Juno Award winner Jann Arden. Arden was one of a crowd that looked like it could have been hundreds if you had bad eyesight, or if you let your eyes go really out of focus. “What a tilt. Spirited. Chippy. At times, hostile. Both teams wanted to win. I liked the Blazers’ effort though. And their skill. They’re a unit. I think I saw them cooking burgers in the parking lot after the game, too. Classic.” When asked what she thought about the overall arena experience, Arden added, “Why aren’t they playing the hits in there? Play some Canadian rock in there. Get the place jumping. Where’s the Rush? Neil Young? The Hip? We need tunes, boys. And how come they don’t co-promote with the Eves of Destruction roller derby crew? That would be the bomb dot com. Haha, I love saying that. The bomb dot com!”

The Blazers now wait for Game 1 of the VSLL Championships, which begin on Thursday July 4, 7:30pm at Archie Browning Sports Centre. But who will they face? The Wsanec Arrows managed to beat the Victoria Super Jokers, and will now face off against the Cowichan Rats. Whoever wins that matchup will step up to take on the Blazers. Both teams are tough and talented, and will make for a serious  barn-burner of a championship series. You won’t want to miss it. Admission is free, so come check it out!

Also, 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!

Love and gratitude to 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

Big thanks to SVN Fuel Supplements for giving 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 

Photo courtesy of local photographer Kasey Eriksen. Thanks Kasey! You can find more of her work here: kaseysphotos.com. 

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