Bandlands Sun Devils Junior B lacrosse team has eye on future after successful return season

This earned them a one-game playoff against the Bandits on July 12 in Calgary.

With a shorter bench than their opponents and four affiliated players, the Sun Devils would fall short with a 13-3 loss.

Club president and assistant coach Kris Bower said simply getting the program re-established and seeing players wearing Sun Devils jerseys again marked an important milestone.

“Making the playoffs in Year 1 was a pretty good first step in rebuilding the program,” Bower said.

“We had a lot of close games throughout the season and showed we could compete right from the start.”

The team believes its early success can help attract more players to the program as it continues to grow lacrosse in southeastern Alberta.

Bower said the club also benefited from affiliate players who gained valuable Junior B experience during the season and are expected to become full-time contributors next year.

“We’ve been telling those younger kids they’re ready to play Junior B, and getting them on the floor gave them a chance to prove it,” Bower said.

The Sun Devils also expect to return virtually their entire roster next season, with none of the players aging out of Junior B Lacrosse.

That continuity, combined with an experienced coaching staff led by head coach Logan Sundholm and assistants Jory Barton, Keaton Sulz, Alex McDougall and Bower, gives the organization confidence heading into their second season back.

The offseason will include the team’s year-end banquet, coaching meetings and continued recruiting efforts aimed at adding more local talent.

Bower said one of the biggest highlights of the season was the support shown by the Medicine Hat community.

Several home games drew large crowds, with local fans and alumni helping create an energetic atmosphere that also caught the attention of visiting teams.

“Our fan base was incredible,” Bower said.

“Even visiting teams commented on how good the crowds were. It was great to see people excited to have Junior B lacrosse back.”

The return of the Sun Devils has also renewed a rivalry with the Southern Alberta Chaos out of Taber, the South Division’s top team this season.

Bower said the organization hopes to build on its first-year success and take another step forward when the 2027 season begins.

“Our goal next year is to go a little bit further,” Bower said.

by Jesse Gill

Bandlands Sun Devils Junior B lacrosse team has eye on future after successful return season

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