With a pair of exhibition games at the Cowichan Sportsplex, the Mid Island Lightning got the field lacrosse season underway last Saturday.
The U16 Lightning downed their North Island opponents 13-6, while a combined U14/U12 team was edged 10-8. "It was a chance for the boys to shake off the field lacrosse cobwebs and a chance to transition from the box lacrosse game," U16 head coach Dan Cleemoff said. "We have a large roster of 23 players this year. Most of the players have played before and all have played box last season."
The U16s are slated to play in Tier 2 this year, and Cleemoff likes their chances.
"We have a great group of eager, enthusiastic and determined players," he said. Parker Teufel played an excellent game in goal, and the Lightning got three goals from Brian Robb, two each from Kyle Page, Lucas Nagel and Thomas Vaesen, and singles from Brayden Zunti, Ryan Dueck, Colton Lidstone and Marc Gagnon.
"It was a team win regardless of what the game sheet says," Cleemoff stated. "Many players stepped up and played different positions than they were used to playing, which will benefit us down the line with flexibility of options."