The Blazers opened their 2022 Vancouver Island Lacrosse League playoff push with a tidal wave of offense, overwhelming a W̱SÁNEĆ Arrows squad that was missing a few of their key guys. Things got started with a 5-0 first period for the Best Dressed Team In BC™, led by 3 goals by star Kelowna import Andrew McMillan (who finished the night with 4+1), and another 2 from veteran sniper Adam West-Patrick (who had 3+1 on the night). After 2 periods, the wheels started to fall off for the Arrows, as Blazers veteran defenders Tory Spiteri and Robert Baldwin started to be big parts of the scoring effort for the dudes, as well as two-way star and face-off mastermind Chris McAulay (1+3). Star goaltender Rob Wood was fooled once on an outside shot, but was otherwise perfect in net, holding your friendly neighbourhood Victoria Blazers very comfortably at 12-1 after 2 periods.
 

That's when things got weird. The game just... ended. Perhaps it was a matter of injuries, and not having the pieces to finish the game. Perhaps the game was decided, and teams decided it was getting late. We may never know. But the final play of the second period proved to be the final play of the game, as the Blazers and the remaining Arrows runners gathered together at the center at the floor and shared a team cheer. With the unusual win the Arrows season comes to an end, and the Blazers have earned their spot in the Vancouver Island Lacrosse League Semifinals.

The arena was bumping for the first Blazers playoff game of 2022, with somewhere just below 500 fans out rooting for the dudes. Among the possible hundreds of fans in attendance were retired lacrosse legends Don Brown, Tony Nelson, Tim Bronson, among others.
 

The celebrity section was hopping too, as usual. Spotted in attendance was 1955 Miss America and former Catwoman actress in the 1966 Batman film – Lee Meriwether. When asked to comment on the game, Meriwether replied, “You know, I always thought Eartha Kitt was the best Catwoman. But it's not always the best Catwoman that gets to be Catwoman. Many of us have had the honour of playing the character. The world is a chaotic place. Sometimes you get lucky, and get the role of a lifetime. It's all about skill and preparation meeting opportunity, and being in the right place at the right time with the right attitude. I think my new favourite lacrosse team the Victoria Blazers can take lessons from that. They may not be the 'favourite' to win the Vancouver Island Championship this year. They've had some highs and lows. But they also have a lot of experience winning. That's worth its weight in gold. I once starred in a science fiction series 'The Time Tunnel'. From that experience, I can tell you this. There's still plenty of time left for the dudes to overcome the odds they face and find a winning path. I believe in them. Also, one other thing. That young man on the team, Adam West-Patrick – is he in any way related to the late great Adam West? He sure looks like Batman out there. Fantastic.”
 

Victoria Blazers Kool And The Gang 3 Stars:

1. Tory Spiteri

2. Adam West-Patrick

3. Rob Wood

Due to some still unresolved shenanigans with VILL head office, the Blazers return to action has moved from a weekday game in Esquimalt to an 11th hour surprise rescheduled summer weekend game up in Duncan tomorrow night. Due to the communication breakdown and unexpected changes (par for the course for the Blazers it seems), your friendly neighbourhood Blazers will be facing their toughest challenge yet – facing the roaring defending VILL Champion Cowichan Rats with a staggering TWELVE players out of the lineup. Due to the class of the Rats organization in light of this unprecedented league penalty, the Blazers have been afforded the opportunity to supplement their half empty lineup with some helpers from around the league. Kudos to Kevin from the Rats for helping make lemons into lemonade for the dudes, and kudos to whoever ends up joining the mix up in Duncan tomorrow. This is a Blazers squad more motivated than ever, driven to win a game they've almost been set up to lose, so if you're up in Duncan tomorrow at 7:30 pm you won't want to miss this one.

The arena is rocking these days – thanks to Brittani Chiasson and Jenna Krajinovic! And thanks for the photos Kasey Eriksen!

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Special thanks to Bin 4 Burger Lounge, the official burger joint of Blazer Nation! Serving up gourmet burgers, Bin 4 plates feature international flavours and local ingredients. From their Greek isles-inspired burger to the red-hot spiciness of The Angry Bull, there’s a burger for your palate, and your wallet. Top it off with housemade aioli, side it with artisan salad or house-spiced potato chips, and wash it down with a local libation, from craft beer to cab merlot. Bin 4 burgers are about what goes in, on, beside, and down with them. You can find multiple Bin 4 locations in the Greater Victoria Area, and also check out their spots in Vancouver and Kelowna! Yum. bin4burgerlounge.com

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Huge thanks to HUB International, official insurance provider of the Victoria Blazers! The Blazers love to score goals. HUB advises businesses and individuals on how to reach their goals. When you partner with HUB, you’re at the center of a vast network of risk, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management specialists that bring clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy. So you’re ready for tomorrow. Visit HUB's local insurance offices in Victoria, or one of their 8 offices throughout Vancouver Island. You can also find HUB online at hubinternational.com

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Much love to Master Care Janitorial & Facility Services, the official Janitorial & Facility Services provider of the Blazers! Master Care partners offer a combined 60 years of proven experience in the janitorial, office cleaning and building maintenance industries. To request a free quote with no obligations, call Master Care at 250-590-5970, email info@adaxmanagement.com, or check out their website at janitorialservicesvictoria.com.

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Primo Lacrosse is the official lacrosse equipment provider of the Victoria Blazers! Primo utilizes high quality materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and a direct to consumer business model to bring you the highest quality at the lowest possible price. Today, Primo continues to innovate and raise the bar to bring the best highest tech & quality lacrosse shafts to the market, and they offer the best warranty in the biz! Find them on Instagram at @primolaxcanada for Canadian team sales! Their 'Obsidian' shafts rock. primolacrosse.com

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Family owned and operated, Northern Star Plumbing / Gas / Service is your plumbing and gas specialist serving the Greater Victoria Area! Since 2001, home and business owners across southern Vancouver Island and area have counted on Northern Star for tried-and-true plumbing and gas work at fair prices. Contact Northern Star Plumbing / Gas / Service today! Victoria: 250-883-4347 / Sooke: 250-642-4499 / Email: northernstarplumbing@outlook.com / Web: northernstarplumbing.ca

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Locally owned and operated, Tudor House Liquor Store is the perfect stop for beer, wine, spirits, coolers + ciders in Esquimalt and the official liquor store of the Victoria Blazers. Price match guaranteed, and local delivery available! Find Tudor House Liquor Store right down the street from our home at Archie Browning Arena, at 533 Admirals Road. Drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

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Esquimalt Roasting Company is the official coffee provider of the Victoria Blazers! Nestled in the heart of Esquimalt, Esquimalt Roasting Company provides customers with locally roasted coffee excellence. ERC is a small batch, "specialty coffee" roastery that endeavours to provide the freshest coffee available to its valued customers. Find the ERC team on site and hard at work in their new neighbourhood micro roastery. Visit in person for your supply of beans and a taste of what’s in store when their cafe begins operations in Esquimalt’s new Town Square. Free local delivery! esquimaltroasting.com

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Big thanks to The Graphite Group Chartered Professional Accountants for your support! The Graphite Group offers taxation, accounting and business advisory services to meet your needs. The Graphite Group | CPAs graphitegroupcpa.com (250) 472-3211

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Compass Electric specializes in commercial, industrial, multi-unit, and single-family residential electrical systems, and is a one-stop electrical contractor with access to the best suppliers and manufacturers in the industry, and electricians who are up-to-date and in the know of all the latest innovations. compasselectric.net (250) 800-2169

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As an Edward Jones financial advisor, there isn’t a better time than now to guide you with a structured, clear portfolio with a time-focused, attainable, achievable goal. Colt Borthwick invests his time to understand your goals before you invest your money, leveraging the strength of Edward Jones tools to reach your long-term goals. Colt Borthwick, Financial Advisor | Edward Jones (250) 391-1308

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Thank you Kelly Green Lawn & Garden Ltd! Reach out to Kelly Green today for all your lawn and garden needs, whether you're dealing with your residential space, or you need help with commercial or strata properties. They've got you covered! Kelly Green Lawn & Garden Ltd (250) 893-6605

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Moon Under Water Brewery & Pub is inspired by centuries of European brewing tradition and propelled by Canadian passion and creativity. Moon Brewery's beautiful German brewhaus allows them to implement challenging brew methods into their processes from step-mashes to decoctions. Visit the Moon Under Water pub & patio on Wing Wednesday, or for brunch! moonunderwater.ca

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TJS Drywall is the official drywaller of the Victoria Blazers! Reach out to TJS Drywall today for your drywall needs, whether it's a small residential project or large commercial one. TJS serves markets all over South Vancouver Island. TJS Drywall (250) 507-1580

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Horizon Signs is the official sign & decal provider of the Victoria Blazers! A family run business, Horizon Signs provides everything form illuminated storefront signs to vehicle graphics, interior signage and decals. Horizon prides itself on fast, friendly and fair service. Horizon Signs has been locally owned and operated since 2007. Call 250-544-4955 or visit horizonsignsltd.ca

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Thanks a ton for all the support from Brittani Chiasson, Jenna Krajinovic, and Kasey Eriksen for providing arena music and photography services. We appreciate ya big time!