Two Cowichan Valley athletes have cracked the final roster for Team Australia heading into the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Langley this fall.
Runner Tyson Black and goaltender Colin Jeffrey will wear the green and gold for Australia, as announced by co-head coaches Bob Carter and Adam Smith last week.
Black, who won a provincial junior B2 title with the Cowichan Valley Thunder last summer and will play this summer with the senior B Victoria Wolves, was excited to get the call.
“It feels pretty good to be named to team Australia,” he said. “It’s a lot of hard work and great coaching over the years that got me here, and I’m thankful for those coaches that pushed me to become a better player. I’m definitely excited to play. It’s a new experience, and new teammates who I can learn a thing or two from. And you know the competition is going to be fast-paced and physical.”
READ MORE: Cowichan Valley athletes aim for international glory with Australian lacrosse team
Black’s dad, Traves, is originally from Australia, while Jeffrey’s grandfather, Bill, was also born there. Bill met his wife during a vacation to Canada in the late 50s, and never looked back.
Jeffrey is currently playing field lacrosse for the University of Montevallo in Alabama, alongside fellow Valley product Thomas Vaesen. He played last summer for the junior A Nanaimo Timbermen and will return to that club this summer.
Tyson Black’s younger brother, Brody, will also play for Australia at the World Junior Lacrosse Championship in Ontario in August. Brody Black helped the junior B1 Victoria Shamrocks to their provincial championship last summer.
Australia won’t be the only team with Cowichan Valley content at the World Championships in Langley. D.J. Saari, who now plays with the senior A Maple Ridge Burrards, has been named to the roster for Team Finland. Tyson Roe, who plays for the senior A Nanaimo Timbermen, played for Team England at the 2017 tournament in New York, and plans to suit up again this year.
