The Penticton Heat bantam A2 lacrosse team closed a challenging B.C. Box Lacrosse provincials with a win.
The Heat rallied to top Vancouver 7-6 at Howie Meeker Arena at Oceanside Place in Nanaimo on July 15.
“It was good to finish the season on a positive note,” said Heat coach Del Halladay.
The Heat were handed a tough loss by Cowichan Valley, 4-2, on opening day, July 13.
“We out shot them by a good margin, but there goaltender was equal to the task,” he said.
Compounding the loss was Finn Halladay receiving a four-game suspension. That left the Heat shorthanded for the rest of provincials. Halladay was one of the Heat’s strongest players. They lost their second game to eventual champs Ridge Meadows, 7-3.
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”The boys played well and battled some very stiff competition,” said Halladay.
A couple of highlights coming out of provincials individually for the Heat was Devin Cole receiving the Warrior Fair Play Award, while captain Gage LeClair was named to the all-star team. Cole’s award was based on his play during the regular season. Halladay said Cole didn’t take penalties and was always at practice. Cole was part of the Heat’s leadership group as an assistant captain and a player they counted on. LeClair had a strong provincial tournament and was relied on heavily for offence and leadership in Halladay’s absence.
Both Halladays are headed to Saskatoon for the Canadian Lacrosse Association National Championships representing B.C. Finn Halladay is one of 20 players selected (18 runners and two goalies).