High hopes
Warriors look to reverse fortunes in East Coast junior league
The Mi’kmaq Warriors junior box lacrosse team is looking to reverse its fortunes in the East Coast League.
There’s a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Mi’kmaq Warriors junior box lacrosse team.
Coming off a winless 2017 campaign, the Warriors have visions of a turn-around season as the East Coast Junior Lacrosse League opens on Friday at the Colchester Legion Stadium.
“This year feels like everyone has a little bit more drive,” said fourth- year forward Bryson Knockwood, of Sipekne’katik First Nation, near Shubenacadie. “It feels as if everyone has put in a little more off-season work than what we did the year before and everyone expects more. Plus, the few rookies we picked up are also very high-calibre lacrosse players.”
The Warriors host the Sackville Wolves on Friday for an 8 p.m. start at the stadium. The clubs are part of a five- team league that also includes the Dartmouth Bandits, Halifax Hurricanes and New Brunswick Mavericks. The Halifax Lions took a leave of absence from the league this season.
While last season was tough – and at times, discouraging – the Warriors focused on the positive steps and the process of becoming a successful team in a highly talented league.
“There were a lot of games we were losing, but never gave up, so people always had light at the end of the tunnel, so hopefully that can carry on this year and the team will win,” said fourth- year defenceman Tanner Morgan.
Following a 14-game regular season, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs. Morgan, of Bedford, is confident the War- riors will contend for a post-season berth.
“I think there’s a good chance that the team can win this year and make it to the playoffs.”
The Warriors lost a pair of games during last weekend’s Spring Jam at the stadium. The pre- season event gave league teams an opportunity to shake off the winter rust and assess young talent in game situations.
Knockwood said the Warriors are looking forward to getting the regular season underway.
“Our whole team’s fired up,” he said. “We had practice (Tuesday) night and everyone’s very excited about playing Sackville. They know that we can compete with them very well and it should be a good ride.”
Brendon Smithson returns as head coach of the Warriors. He’s joined behind the bench by former players Zach Julian and Austin Hepworth.
Friday’s home opener will include traditional Mi’kmaq dancing and drumming, and a moment of silence will be held to honour the victims of the Humboldt tragedy.
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, while 12 and under get in free.