As they say around the waterfront in Esquimalt – holy ship. What a lacrosse game! The Best Dressed Team in BC were outmatched in Game 1 of the best-of-three VSLL Championships against the Cowichan Rats, but they clearly pulled themselves together and found an extra gear for Game 2. In front of somewhere just below 700 fans who came out to enjoy an evening of FREE, fast paced, skilled lacrosse – the good guys delivered a win.

The first 20 minutes involved some tense and tight lacrosse, wrapping up with the Blazers holding on to an early 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Luke Crowther and Tory Spiteri. It turned out those were the only goals the Blazers needed, as former VSLL Goaltender of the Year Rob Wood was perfect from that point on. Bud Vandermeer chipped in another goal for Blazer Nation in the second to widen the lead, while VSLL MVP Cody Boon and star two-way player Jeremy Bell chipped in a couple insurance policy goals in the third. Star playmaker Julian Spence chipped in with an assist, as well as defenders Vinny Sam and Kurt Bronson.

While Wood was perfect in goal, the Blazers defense deserves a share of the credit. Robbie Baldwin, Gord McLean, Lorne Sam, Adam West-Patrick and Lance Griffiths were instrumental in the Blazers win. At the offensive end, Kyle Bronson, Trenton Douglas, Michael Bedard, and Jarred Robinson created lots of hard-earned openings against a very physical Rats squad.

As is often the case with Blazers games, there were some big celebrities in the barn cheering for the boys. Unconfirmed reports suggest Nelly Furtado was in the building with her family, and other reports indicate the entire cast of voice actors from the 90s animated TV series ‘Reboot’ were there. It’s the hottest ticket in town! Someone else thinks they might have seen the escaped convicts from William Head Prison there watching the game, but we don’t believe those reports. Thankfully they have been apprehended.

The 2019 VSLL Championship comes to a dramatic conclusion tomorrow, Thursday, July 11, when the Blazers and Rats face off one last time at 7:30 at Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt. Admission is free, so come check it out! You won’t regret it.

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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