Burlington Blaze’s graduating U17 players' minor field lacrosse careers ended memorably with a Provincial "B" Division championship win amongst Victoria Day fireworks and under the lights at Creditview/Sandalwood park in Brampton.
Advancing after a win and a tie in round-robin play on Sunday, and then a 12-4 semi-final win over Oakville on Monday, the U17 B final vs Barrie was scheduled for a 6:00pm start.
After an intense storm, and two field moves, the game began at 8pm but was paused at halftime because of darkness. Following a wait for a field to open up with lights, the final continued under a foggy moon and with fireworks in the distance.
An intense, well played, back and forth game was won at about 10:15 pm in the second sudden-death overtime when a Nolan Kennedy pass down low to Shane Zabransky ended up in the back of Barrie's net for a 12-11 win. Shane's "golden goal" was a dramatic ending to a long and exciting day of field lacrosse.
Led by coaches / staff members Jim Shea, Pat Shea, Josh Morton, Zach Leblanc and assisted by trainer Brett. Also a big help from guest coach Matt Anger, who subbed in for the championship weekend while members of the coaching staff were away for a wedding.
Congratulations to these players for their hard work, dedication and teamwork:
Jackson Hope
Alex Braniff
Ryan Atkins
Frankie Di Carlo
Mac Rawson
Nate Kay
Nathan Bower
Luke Cleland
Nolan Kennedy
Wyatt Turner
Tyce Irwin
Ayden Perfect
Christian Babony
Shane Zabransky
Thomas Campbell-Maddick
Reid Slatter
Grayson Snyder
Blake Kirchner
Milo Beckman
Ben Wilson
Proud BMLA president Adam Kennedy told the U17 players after the game, “A lot of the success we’ve seen this weekend in lacrosse in Burlington has to do with this group…you guys deserve a lot of credit for being passionate…when you are passionate, others are going to follow”.
Thanks and congratulations to all of our players, parents, coaches, trainers and volunteers!
Also a big thank you to the officials, OMFLL staff and OLA staff for running a great (extended weekend) and staying late until the last banner was handed over.
