Organizers said that the LAX to the MAX tournament was a huge success for the sport. (Adrian St.Onge/CHAT News)

By Adrian St.Onge

SPORTS

Medicine Hat lacrosse players host Western Canadian tournament

Jun 10, 2024 | 7:00 PM

Lacrosse players hit the melted ice rinks at the Kinplex and Big Marble Go Center this weekend as the Medicine Hat SunDevils hosted the LAX to the MAX tournament.

The tournament attracted 38 teams from across Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia with two common goals: compete and grow the sport in smaller communities.

According to Medicine Hat Lacrosse Club president Sarah MacKenzie, the tournament was a success.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

14h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It’s not just a smaller club here in Medicine Hat, it’s a smaller organization nationwide,” MacKenzie said.

“Everybody works well together and we share a lot of the same information and coaching plans. We’re stronger together and as we have good player development, it just elevates everyone’s skill level.”

Head coach of one of the SunDevils U11 teams Brandon Adams said that the most important part of the tournament for him was to see how his team gels, something that is particularly important as they approach the playoffs.

“This is big for the community Not only the impact, but the to bring the youth to Medicine Hat from across the board. Players are here from Cranbrook, B.C. and Weyburn in Saskatchewan,” Adams said.

“It gives our kids more diversity across the board so we’re not always playing the same local players. It allows us to see what the competition is like across Western Canada.”

While his U11 team lost the gold medal game in overtime, he said that the skill level was eye-opening and something that needs to be noted in Canada, as star players have been recruited to play in the NCAA and have played professionally.

Adams said that lacrosse offers a physicality that no other sport offer, but also with a touch of elegance.

“What I love the most about lacrosse is the ability to put on a bit of a show. It’s a very fancy sport. It’s a very impressive sport and the goals that these kids score as well as the championships they chase are second to none,” Adams said.

The Medicine Hat SunDevils had a great showing with every team finishing on the podium.

MacKenzie said that the performance was impressive, but was not without fierce competition.

“I’m super impressed with the fact that this has been a great weekend for parity in lacrosse. We are not seeing any major runaways and that’s excellent for player development,” MacKenzie said.

“There is some great competition, the games can go either way so the excitement is there. We just saw a game of U9’s that went to overtime and had to play in a shootout. That says a lot.”

The SunDevils will gear up for the playoffs, slated to begin June 22nd.