Oceanside’s upstart squad of U12 Buccaneers may have gone 0-for-3 in their provincial debut, but “it was a huge eye opener for our first year players,” surmised one proud coach John Shafi after it was over.
In action in frigid conditions at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex for the BCLA U12 Tier 2 Provincial Field Lacrosse Championships, the locals were blanked 12-0 by the powerhouse Adanacs from Coquitlam and Jamie McKay was the Bucs’ Game MVP.
“We came close to scoring more than a few times but luck was against us. Shots either bounced over the net — that artificial turf has some spring to it — or missed completely. The Adanacs did everything right and we were not on our game.”
In game two against Fraser Valley the Buccaneers lost 9-3. They lost 8-6 to Mission in game three. Steve Martin was awarded the Bucs’ Game MVP in that one for his efforts.
Other notable mentions went to Parker Beaudry for bagging a hat trick and U10 callups Kieran, Lauranna Karlsen, Eli Adamowski and Jasmin Shafi who all improved steadily and contributed to the team.
Goalie Jamie McKay won the Warrior Fair Play award.
“It was amazing for our teams to have made it in our inaugural year as players and coaches,” said Shafi.
“We all came away with better skills and understanding of what it will take next season to succeed at that level.”
