The Blazers are a great group of dudes – we all know that. 25 dudes, to be exact. But when we polled the boys to see who could carve out an extra long weekend from their families and otherwise busy schedules and make their way across the Salish Sea to Port Coquitlam for some August lacrosse action, we weren't exactly able to pull our full squad together. Instead of 25 guys, we had... 11. Not enough for a team, but enough that we felt confident we could pull together some extra pieces and make things work. So we took the plunge and committed – we were going to be there. I mean, what's a tournament without the Best Dressed Team in BC™?

Then, as is often the case when you try to plan something like this, especially in the summer and this far removed from our regular season, things went absolutely sideways. Our goalie ended up unable to come. Some guys ended up with work commitments. A family emergency. And some tournament eligibility rules ruled out another guy (which I still think was insane, but we don't make the rules). Before we knew it, we were down to Kurt Bronson, Lorne Sam, Vinny Sam, Andrew McMillan, Nick Bell, and Kyle Johnston. 6 guys. Yes, six. SIX. Holy hell. And only one offensive guy. Yikes!

“What the hell are we going to do?” I asked my wife. I'm on vacation while this is all going down – headed to Green Lake BC for a week with my family to float in water, watch sunsets, eat snacks, and get bitten by mosquitoes. Time to get on the phone. Time to work social media. Reach out to old contacts, and have them refer us to new contacts. I must have contacted 100 junior and mens teams, across several provinces, some of which I'd never even heard of before. I was on the phone with a guy who runs a team in Queensborough while I was pulled over in Chilliwack on the way inland. I still don't know where Queensborough is. I think it's New West? We may never know for sure. I recognized some names up in Prince George that are still playing. Same with Kamloops, and Langley. I tried everything I could think of.

Then, things started coming together. We banked on our reputation and likeability, and charmed some gents from our rivals to join us for a fun weekend of lacrosse. We managed to bring Michael Maresca from the W̱SÁNEĆ Arrows on board. Bryce Taylor from the Victoria Jokers. Then, a goalie – Logan Senft from the Westshore Aces. Now we're at 10 guys. A good start, but absolutely not enough. I reach out to my alma mater the Vernon Tigers, and manage to recruit skilled scorer Skwrxan Richard. The Armstrong Junior Shamrocks agree to lend us Jorge Johnny-Hall. Then, scoring sensation Douglas Porter from the Prince George Nissan Assault commits to making the trip down. Now we have 13. Getting there, but we still don't have enough bodies.

That's when I get a lucky break, and Langley Junior star Liam Taillefer starts linking me up with a bunch of dudes that are interested in wearing the famed Blazers jersey for a weekend. Jack Margetson, Braiden Struss, Logan Heales, Kevin Gate, and Noah Koezevnikov. Five more guys. Perfect. Liam also connects us with a former Langley teammate of his turned Victoria Joker, Derek Miller. That makes six.19 guys rocks! This is the ticket. Kudos Liam – you recruited more guys than I did!
 

Just when things felt back on track, a hiccup. Great. Sounds like the Langley Junior guys may not get released to play for your favourite lacrosse team due to their affiliations with other squads. Thankfully, I was able to smooth things over with the guy that runs their program – a guy I happened to briefly play with about 25 years ago, and we're back in business. Welcome aboard Langley!

There were a few other guys that tried to make it work but unfortunately couldn't make it happen. Offensive sniper Pat McMillan from our own squad. Veteran star AJ Lockwood from the Kamloops Rattlers. Scoring powerhouse Cole Paciejewski from Prince George. Thanks for the effort, fellas. We appreciate ya.

Jeez, you've read this much and I haven't even talked about the games yet. Well, as you might expect it was a bit of a mess chemistry wise. Guys were all a bunch of strangers at first, and it wasn't smooth sailing. Despite that, we put a heck of an effort together. Our first matchup saw us pitted against the BC perennial powerhouse Port Moody Express (is it just me or like a third of all lacrosse teams called the Express? It's like the Roughriders of lacrosse). The boys held their own in this one, despite some wild officiating that saw us almost triple the Express in penalty minutes in a game that proved to be especially weird after the chippy affairs we found ourselves in later in the weekend, but hey, them's the breaks. Overall a very respectable effort for our motley crew, as we lost 12-11. Next time, Port Moody.
 

Next, we faced the Tri City Eclipse. Is it Tri City or Tri Cities? I don't know. Which 3 cities are the Tri Cities? I don't know that either. I think Coquitlam is in there maybe. It was nice to get a chance to face off against former Victoria alumni Drew Miles. We hoped to see ex Blazers sniper Aaron Roberts too, but unfortunately he was held out of the lineup with an injury. Anyway, they dusted us. 14-2.
 

Up next? The Mission Cedar Kings. Mission has a great squad run by friend of the Blazers Gavan Sand, who brought his squad out to Victoria to torch us pre-COVID, back in 2019 (I think?). It was our chance to settle the score. We tried to, but we tied. I can't remember the final score, maybe 9-9 or something. Hopefully we will meet again later this year... TBD.

Then, our seeding determined we face our long time VILL rivals the Cowichan Rats in our final game. Tournament organizers suggested we could change things up and play against North Shore instead if we wanted, but nah, we wanted a shot at settling some beef from our VILL playoffs and getting a win back against the Rats. Probably the right decision in hindsight, as North Shore apparently didn't even show up for their final game. Instead, we got a whopper of a battle against the Rats, who had some pickups of their own – getting the top scorer and goaltender from the Saanich Express (see what I mean? Everyone is the Express). Did we win? Nope. Another loss to the accursed Rats. We fell 8-7. It was a heck of a game though. Great weekend too. We're so lucky to have the chance to play this sport, and I had a great time getting to share the floor with all these guys.

Thank you to all the tournament organizers. To all the folks running and playing for all the teams in the tournament that made the trip. A big massive hug and kiss and THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, as well. Read about them below. You all help add to the experience for our squad, reduce barriers that may prevent our players from being able to play, and keep us the Best Dressed Team in BC™ . Thank you again.

PS – this isn't the end for the Blazers this year! Stay tuned for some exciting announcements!

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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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Helijet is the official helicopter of the Victoria Blazers. Have you ever seen a helicopter? Holy, they are so cool. Check out Helijet if you need to make a quick trip to Vancouver or Seattle! helijet.com

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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!