Turns out it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Blazer Nation. A fine-tuned and polished Cowichan Rats squad rolled into Esquimalt and absolutely stole the show on Thursday, before a crowd of somewhere just below 600 fans that came out to enjoy an evening of fast paced, skilled lacrosse – only this time, it wasn’t the Blazers putting on the show.

“The expansion Cowichan Rats club has just kept getting better all season, and this isn’t the first time the Rats really tested the Blazers. Don’t forget these teams fought to a tie about a month back. The Rats are super legit,” said longtime Blazers super fan, former host of the CBC teen talk show ‘Jonovision’, and actor who played ‘J-Roc’ in the popular Canadian mockumentary series ‘Trailer Park Boys’, Jonathan Torrens. “They’re a tough and super talented team. And they seem like they’re no fun to play against. Skilled, big, and physical. The Blazers are on the ropes here, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve seen them overcome adversity before, though. I wouldn’t give up on these boys just yet. Let’s just say I can’t wait for Tuesday,” Torrens added, referring to the upcoming Game 2 of the best-of-three series.

The Blazers looked to be in ok shape after the end of the first period, where they led 3-2, despite having to kill an extra 4 minutes in penalties. During the second frame the tide began to turn, as the Blazers were shut out offensively and the period closed with them down 4-3. In the final frame, the wheels fell off for the good guys, as the Rats completely took charge and ended up running away with an 11-7 win. A shell-shocked Blazers squad goes back to the drawing board, with hopes of finding a better effort next week.

The 2019 VSLL Championship continues on Tuesday, July 9, facing off at 7:30 at Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt. Should the friendly neighbourhood Blazers manage to climb the mountain ahead of them and win on Tuesday, Game 3 will go on Thursday July 11, also 7:30 in Esquimalt. 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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