LAKELAND – The annual Lakeland Lacrosse Ice Melter tournament is set for May 9 –11, and tournament director Chelsey Tilbury with Lakeland Lacrosse encourages the community to come to enjoy the games, support the athletes, and learn about the sport.
The Ice Melter is the first tournament of the year, and admission is free. Games will be held at the Cold Lake Energy Centre and the Bonnyville Centennial Centre.
“Lacrosse is fast, physical, and thrilling to watch. The kids bring incredible energy and heart to the game. Watching these young athletes compete, grow, and cheer each other on is really something special. The Ice Melter is also our primary fundraiser of the year, and the support of our community makes it all possible,” said Tilbury.
Tilbury spoke highly of the lacrosse community, and the coaches “incredible volunteers” that not only coach the youth as athletes, but connect with them, mentors them, and encourages their growth as both athletes and as “amazing human beings.”
“The Lakeland Lacrosse community is phenomenal. Parents support each other - carpooling, organizing meals, cheering for our kids and for each other's. The kids become friends beyond the game, and the whole season is full of memorable experiences - from year-end barbecues to school visits and parades. This is more than just a sport - it’s a community.”
Tilbury said they are grateful for the support from the community, and the City of Cold Lake. The MD of Bonnyville, and the Town of Bonnyville all sponsored the event for $5,000 each.
“We've been very fortunate to be supported by our local business community through donations of goods and services such as Heart and Hustle prizes, athlete welcome packages, coach welcome packages, raffle donations . . . Our gratitude is immense.”
Evaluations for the league started in early April, and practices followed soon after.
“Our league is a parity league, so our evaluation process ensures that all our teams in each division are competing at a similar level. Most of our divisions have a few teams, with the exception of U17.”
The league has welcomed several brand-new players to Lakeland Lacrosse, including some players in the older age groups, which Tilbury said is brave and inspiring.
“New players are still getting to know their teams and each other, but you can already see the team chemistry forming. Our athletes are impressive, eager, hardworking, and excited to play.”
Tilbury said the fast-paced sport helps kids develop physically, mentally, and socially – keeping kids active, connected, and off their devices.
“This year marks the debut of our Senior C Lakeland Heat Team, and they’ll be hitting the floor Sunday afternoon. The Junior B Heat face off against the Red Deer Renegades on Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at the RJ Lalonde Arena. This is an opportunity to watch highly skilled players compete.”
The Lakeland Lacrosse League has been working hard to grow the game. They hosted a female lacrosse clinic where 38 girls attended, they have visited 16 schools in the Lakeland, hosted a goalie/shooter clinic featuring National Lacrosse League pro Aaron Bold, and provided referee training opportunities which Tilbury said is sometimes a lacrosse player's first steps into the world of employment.
“Lacrosse in Lakeland is growing, thriving, and welcoming. We can’t wait to share that excitement with the community during the Ice Melter weekend.”
Games will be played at arenas in both Cold Lake and Bonnyville. A schedule is available on www.lakelandlacrosse.ca
