BIG DAY IN SASKATOON!

It all started with a bunch of teams taking some floor time to practice, getting their legs moving from their travels to Nationals. Then a big announcement for Saskatchewan was made when the National Lacrosse League's team the Rush announced they are moving to town for the 2016 season; a press conference was held and some of the Rush players were on hand.

Following the press conference, the first official event of the nationals took place: the coaches and managers meeting.  Led by CLA Convenor Sean Graham and CLA RIC Bruce Payton, the meeting reviewed the week's events, rules and team registration forms were officially submitted. 

Time for the games to start!

Game 1: Team Ontario vs. Team Nova Scotia, 4:30 pm (watch the full game replay online at http://playfullscreen.com/)
This was a close game.  Nova Scotia goaltender played unreal keeping his team close with the score after 1 period being 1-0 for Team Ontario with lots of play in the Nova Scotia end.  After 2 periods the score still close, 3-0 for Team Ontario, when ance again Nova Scotia's goaltender played a huge factor in keeping it a close one.  In the third, Team Ontario opened it up a bit scoring 6 to finish the game 9-0.
FINAL SCORE: ON 9 vs. NS 0

Game 2: Team First Nations vs. Team Saskatchewan, 5:45 PM (watch the full game replay online at http://playfullscreen.com/)
This was the barn burner of the day! Team First Nations started out scoring 2 goals but Team Sask came back right away scoring 2 to tie the game.  Close to the end of the period Team First Nations scored two more ending the first period up 4-2. Period 2 starts up with Team Sask scoreing a quick one but Team First Nations responds with two goals.  Shortly after Team Sask fires up again grabbing a couple; the game goes back and forth for the rest of the period ending at 8-6 for Team First Nations. Period 3 saw lots of hard work by both teams but both only caming up with two goals to finish the game 10-8.
FINAL SCORE: FN 10 vs. SK 8

Next up: Opening Ceremonies, 7:00pm
All teams were marched out onto the floor, led by a bagpiper, to officially welcome them to the 2015 Canadian Bantam Box Lacrosse Nationals.  Players from the Rush showed up and brought with them the NLL's Champions Cup.  After some opening remarks from CLA Convenor and from Saskatoon Box Lacrosse Association President, every team had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Champions Cup.

Game 3: Team BC vs. Team Alberta, 8:00pm (watch the full game replay online at http://playfullscreen.com/)
Team BC had a quick start to the game scoring three goals before Team Alberta responded with one.  Team BC looked very strong in the first period dominating most of the play. The second period started with Team Alberta firing first with a quick goal then playing some great defence to hold BC off the board until late in the period.  Team BC did end up grabbing two goals by the end to be up 5-2. The third period was all Team BC even though Team Alberta was playing unreal defence it was not a match for Team BC dominance on the floor they grabbed four more goals to end the game 9-2 BC
FINAL SCORE: BC 9 vs. AB 2

The day finished with a bunch of great volunteers cleaning the rink and setting up for the next day. Thanks to everyone for helping it was a great day for Saskatoon and Saskatchewan; see you all tomorrow!