LAKELAND - The Lakeland Heat U17 lacrosse team wrapped up its season by taking home gold from this year’s provincial championship tournament.
The team plays out of Cold Lake and has players from other parts of the Lakeland region, including Bonnyville. The provincial event took place in Calgary from July 11-13, according to Bruce Bordeleau, head coach of the Lakeland Heat.
In addition to the Heat, the U17-B provincial tournament featured the Lethbridge Cudas, Lacoka Locos, Westlock Rock and Rockyview Rage.
“We played all four teams,” Bordeleau explained.
In the finals, the Heat faced off against the Lacoka Locos, defeating their rivals 4-3 in overtime to win gold.
Winning at provincials, Bordeleau said, feels outstanding.
“It was one a hell of a journey,” he said.
The Lakeland Heat’s season went well, with the team playing very hard.
“This group of kids are extremely special, and they fought like legit warriors,” he said. “[I’m] extremely proud of what they achieved.”
Throughout the season, the lacrosse club participated in other competitions, including the Ice Melter Tournament, which took place over the Mother’s Day weekend at both the Cold Lake Energy Centre and the Bonnyville Centennial Centre.
While the team didn’t play well and missed the gold medal game at the Ice Melter, Bordeleau said, they did much better at a tournament that followed in Lethbridge, where they took home bronze after beating Medicine Hat while being down three players.
It was at this tournament, he explained, that officials knew the team had the potential to not only make it to the provincials, but to win it.
“Lethbridge was where we had a massive switch turn on for our kids. They played as a team, and everyone contributed and fought for one another,” Bordeleau said.
In addition to having Bordeleau as head coach, Chris Fox, Jason Whaley, Chris Vanhappen, and Chad Fletcher also served as coaches for the Lakeland Heat throughout the season.
The team’s manager, Renee Smith, according to Bordeleau, is also absolutely terrific in helping out with the squad.
“She does so much behind the scenes and is one of the reasons why we did so well. She is the best manager I have ever had and hope to continue to have her help in the coming years,” he explained.
