Penticton’s peewee C Heat lacrosse team went winless during the provincial championship in Richmond, but their play didn’t go unnoticed.
The Heat was named the most sportsmanlike team during the three-day championship July 18-20.
“That was a big thing for us,” said Heat coach Allen Pawliuk. “Our main philosophy this year was to be a classy team and carry ourselves respectfully. Winning is fun, but it’s not everything.”
Pawliuk added that the players were so happy about their award, that came with gift cards.
The Heat opened the tournament with a 7-3 loss to Port Coquitlam, then lost 8-4 to West Kootenay and a 6-4 loss to Abbotsford.
Pawliuk said the Heat played quite well. In their opening game, penalties allowed Port Coquitlam to blow the game open with four straight goals.
“We were in every game,” said Pawliuk. “We felt good about our play.”
Selections for game most valuable players, all-star and most sportsmanlike team were made by other teams. Game 1 MVP honors went to Laisen Henson, Clinton Marsden-Blackface and Rhys MacDonald. MacDonald was also named a tournament all-star. Noah Ouellette was given the Warrior Fair Play award, selected by the coach, for the player who exemplified fair play, while putting forward a great effort for the team and plays the game with integrity throughout the lacrosse season.
“He’s a special kid,” said Pawliuk of Ouellette, who does what the coaches ask of him.
