Kudos to the 2019 Vancouver Island Champions – the Cowichan Rats. The team here at Blazer Nation didn’t plan on writing those words, but we’re not that surprised, either. The Rats were the better team for Game 3, and deserved their win. The VSLL welcomed the Rats back into the league for the first time in about a decade this season, and what a welcome addition they have proven to be. Every game is hard fought, and they have tons of talent. It has brought a high level of competition back into this league, something that the VSLL hopes to retain for many years to come. The Blazers are already looking forward to pursuing some redemption next year.

It took every bit of the league’s 2019 floor time bookings, and then some, to name a winner in the 2019 VSLL Championship, as the Rats won Game 1, the Blazers Game 2, forcing a third and final Game 3, which couldn’t be decided during regulation time and required a 10-minute overtime period to name a winner. The Blazers were their usual selves in the opening frame, coming out a little flat and looking out of sorts, trailing 2-0 to a very prepared Rats squad. The Blazers bounced back in the second though, wrapping up the period with a 3-2 lead. In the third period, the Blazers held a 5-4 lead late in the game, but penalty problems caught up to the good guys, with the Blazers giving up a late 5-minute power play to a skilled Rats attack. The Rats capitalized with a huge goal to tie the game with a minute left, forcing overtime. Their power play carried on into the overtime period, where they scored again, and didn’t look back. The Rats were presented with the VSLL championship in front of somewhere just below 500 fans in the Archie Browning Sports Centre in Esquimalt.

The Blazers did receive a balanced attack offensively, with points from Cody Boon, Julian Spence, Lucas Crowther, Adam West-Patrick, Trenton Douglas, Kyle Bronson, and Kurt Bronson. Unfortunately nobody could put together a big night for the good guys, and they clearly missed offensive support from Blazers attackers Bryan Reeve and Michael Bedard, as well as two-way standouts Tory Spiteri and Jeremy Bell.

The dudes’ defense was strong for stretches, but a few too many breakdowns added up. Unfortunately Blazer Nation was without veteran defender Vinny Sam, but the Blazers got an excellent performance from VSLL star goaltender Rob Wood, and defenders Lorne Sam, Lance Griffiths, Robbie Baldwin, Gord McLean, Jarred Robinson, Bud Vandermeer and Jake Rave did everything in their power to try to stop the Rats. The Rats were too skilled, too deep, and too prepared to be stopped. It was the Rats’ night, and they earned the win.

“What a game, and what a wild year of lacrosse,” said longtime Blazers super-fan and former ‘SCTV’ star Catherine O’Hara, who may be best known as Kevin McCallister’s mom in the ‘Home Alone’ films. O’Hara also stars in the Canadian TV series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. “Unreal. What a battle. What a thrill ride. If you weren’t at this game, you missed out. You’re a stupid idiot if you skipped it.”

While the VSLL season has come to an end, this may not be all she wrote for the Best Dressed Team in BC. The Victoria Blazers are looking to line up some exhibition games this fall and winter. Stay tuned!

We know you may not be headed back to the rink to watch us in action anytime soon, but we’d love it if you considered “going green” on your way to work, running errands, etc – via public transit, bicycle lanes, or carpool! It’s the right thing to do.

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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