After a successful 2016 season, the Cowichan Valley Lacrosse Association’s mini tyke program for players age four to six is hoping to get even bigger next year.
“The season was a success with a strong and determined bunch who had a great time while learning a new team sport,” Cowichan coach Nigel Hussey said. “We played in two tournaments in Victoria and Juan de Fuca and were the dominant team in both tournaments.
“Overall, Cowichan’s mini tykes had fun while embracing the fundamentals of lacrosse and showed this in every game we played. We look forward to next year since we have a strong base of players to build upon. We hope to attract a record number of players next season and will be in schools promoting the sport early next year.”
The mini tyke program focuses on teaching the basics of lacrosse, such as scooping, passing, catching and shooting, as well as positional play.
“At the MT level they play three-a-side and play on half of the arena floor,” Hussey said. “No hitting, penalties or keeping score. The main focus is for the kids to have fun while learning the basics of a new exciting sport.”
This year’s Cowichan mini tyke team included Carson Peet, Cole Hardy, Liam Hussey, Kieran Fields, Jackson Beggs, Aedan Groicher, Ewen Roll, Brenden Herkel, Brolin Hastings, Carter Pace, Greyson Robertson, Brady Zuback and Lucas Conrad, and was coached by Nigel Hussey, Corey Pace, Chad Hastings, Richard Groicher and Dennis Fields.