Lacrosse, a sport that is well-known amongst Canadians, where the sport originated from Canada itself. The sport of Lacrosse brings a different element to sports with its unique skills and accessories, not to mention different rules outside of the popular sports such as soccer, hockey or basketball. Speaking of Lacrosse, here in Vancouver, our very own Vancouver Warriors are about to start their National Lacrosse League (NLL)season at the Rogers Arena on November 29.
The Warriors are looking to continue their momentum coming in this season, where they have clinched their first postseason appearance in franchise history. With the record of 11-7 last season, the Warriors have emerged as a strong contender for the league and making the Rogers Arena one of the toughest venues to play in.
With expectations rising from the fans, the Warriors are looking to extend their momentum with their head coach and general manager, Curt Malawsky, thinks that the next step for the team is to try to bring Vancouver a championship. As the team now has playoff experience and understands what it takes to compete at that level, fans could expect big moments from the games.
With players such as Owen Grant and Ryan Dilks, who both were named to 1st all NLL team, we could expect to see the Warriors bring back one of the league’s best defensive units. Their presence alone transforms games, shutting down lanes, delivering hits, controlling the tempo, and giving Vancouver a backbone opponents fear. Adding on with emerging young stars and a core that has tasted playoff lacrosse for the first time, this team suddenly is one of the formidable competitors in the league.
As fans are getting ready to head into Rogers Arena with black and gold jerseys, this season begins a new chapter. The warriors are stepping onto the turf not as underdogs, but a force with the city behind them.
Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca