I should be honest. Before Friday, I’d never watched a lacrosse game in my life. But I can confirm it wasn’t the last. I attended the Vancouver Warriors vs Halifax Thunderbirds game at Rogers Arena, and it was so much fun. I didn’t know what to expect going into the game, but it blew me away. I’ve been to many sporting events throughout my life, but never anything even remotely like this. It’s a straight-up party.
As soon as I arrived, I met the team mascot Timbr the Sasquatch in the elevator. He was quite friendly. He told me he came from the forests of the North Shore mountains. One night, he heard a roar that rivaled his own coming from Rogers Arena and came to Vancouver to investigate. What he found wasn’t another sasquatch, but the Warriors and their rambunctious fans! He now roams the halls of Rogers Arena and comes out to add to the fun of Warriors game night.
Image from NLL.com
Right out of the gate, there was a different kind of energy in the building than a typical Canucks game. It felt a bit more relaxed and carefree. As we got closer to the game, there was an impressive pre-game light show that was on par with what I saw from the Canucks earlier this season. The music was loud and got me all fired up.
Once the game began, that’s when the real party started. Unlike pretty much any other sporting event you’ll see, the Warriors keep the music blasting throughout the entire game. It adds so much energy to the whole in-game experience. I found myself moving and grooving so many times throughout the game. There was even a live band performing!
The first quarter was a little rough for the Warriors. They went down early, allowing four unanswered goals, but they weren’t willing to back down. Head coach Curt Malawsky seemed to fire up his team at the bench during the break because they came out in the second looking much better.
The second quarter went back and forth. I realize why it’s called the fastest game on two feet. The action never stops. It’s constantly moving. Ryan Martel was key early on. He had already scored a hat trick by halftime and added a fourth goal in the second half. The Warriors were slowly getting back into it but still had to make up lost ground. At halftime, they were down 8-5.
The halftime festivities added a lot to the whole experience. It started with a mini game featuring youth lacrosse players, which the crowd loved. Then came the Hobby Horse Hoedown. It was an obstacle course that three people had to clear while riding a wooden horse. I know it sounds ridiculous. It was, but also hilarious. Then Timbr came out in the back of a Ford pickup truck with the cheerleaders as they danced and shot t-shirts into the crowd! You could tell everyone was having a good time. The people in the party zone by the stage were getting crazy. There were even beer pong and flip-cup tables set up. I told you it was a party!
The Warriors came out in the third quarter looking ready to go! Keegan Bal came out on fire, scoring a hat trick in a single quarter! The Warriors were coming back. Despite a tough start to the game, goalie Aden Walsh settled in and made some key stops to keep the Warriors in the game. A couple of goals from Halifax this quarter, but five from the Warriors gave us a 10-10 tie with one quarter to go.
Halifax scored to go up in the fourth, but the Warriors were prepared for battle and kept on fighting. Down by one late, Adam Charalambides scored a key goal to lock it up, then Keegan Bal got his fourth of the game. That would end up being the game-winner. Bal added another goal to finish the night with five goals!
"Just a lot of belief in the room right now." 💪
Keegan Bal addresses the Vancouver Warriors' comeback effort and their fourth win in a row. pic.twitter.com/1u6QNtugmx
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) April 6, 2024
The Warriors pulled off a huge 15-13 win and have now rattled off four straight wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. It was an incredible game that gave me a newfound love for the sport of lacrosse. The Warriors executed a huge comeback, fought until the bitter end, and let it all hang out. The result of their effort lies in the score.
The Warriors trailed, tied and secured a comeback victory over the Thunderbirds on Country Night 2.0.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS | 4.5.24 pic.twitter.com/EojvsyaCo1
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) April 6, 2024
The crowd was so energetic. It helped their team stay in the game. Adam Charalambides called the crowd’s energy electric and said he wants to hear those “Go Warriors Go” chants at the next game. Ryan Martel attributed their ability to get back into the game to the fans who came out in support. “It’s amazing. Our crowds have been incredible. We love our fans, and we want more in the seats,” said the 26-year-old from Aldergrove, B.C.
Warriors head coach and general manager Curt Malawsky emphasized the impact of the crowd. “The fan support is just outstanding. My heart’s jumping out of my chest when I see the kids and I see all the fans. Vancouver deserves to have a lacrosse team they can get behind.” Believe me, this is a team you should get behind.
They only have one more home game left in the regular season, and it’s a must-win. On Saturday, April 13, they host the New York Riptide for Fan Appreciation Night. It should be another great time. With the momentum they’ve built on this four-game win streak, the energy will continue. If you attend a Warriors game, it won’t be your last. It feels like they’re building something special and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
For Malawsky, it all comes down to setting a culture. “We believe in sacrifice, commitment, trust, and resiliency. It’s important. You can’t build something unless you have a strong foundation. It will take some time. It’s great we’re on a four-game run but we got to look big picture. But I like where we are now.”
SAVE A HORSE, RIDE THIS DUB! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/spVncGiVnR
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) April 6, 2024
If you’re not convinced that you should go to a game, this might change your mind. You can get into the game for just $15! I don’t think there’s anywhere else you can have this much fun for that cheap. You can pretty much get five Warriors tickets for the price of one cheap-seat Canucks ticket!
You owe it to yourself to blow off some steam and have fun at an affordable price. If you miss the boat, you might not get another chance until next season. Give it a shot. The Vancouver Warriors are the sports team you never knew you needed in your life!