(Submitted/ Mike Auchstaetter)

By Nigel Maxwell

Lacrosse

Golden weekend for U17 SWAT

Jun 4, 2024 | 8:53 AM

A co-ed Saskatchewan lacrosse team, that included two players from the Prince Albert area, went the distance this past weekend at a tournament that is widely considered one of the most prestigious in the country.

Travelling to Coquitlam, B.C., the U17 SWAT won gold at the Trevor Wingrove Memorial Tournament.

After finishing second in their pool with a record of 2-0-1, the SWAT faced the home tean in the first playoff game and won 8-7. Then standing between the SWAT and championship glory was Saanich and the SWAT prevailed 4-3.

Saskatchewan has also never competed in this tournament, let alone went undefeated and won. Included on the team’s roster were Crosby Ratt and Carter McShannock. Ratt, who played goal, told paNOW he was honoured to have the opportunity to participate.

“This year is the first time a team from Saskatchewan entered the Trevor Wingrove Memorial Tournament, for us to win the tournament is huge for the Saskatchewan lacrosse program. It puts us on the map and shows that we can compete with these high caliber teams,” he said. “I hope we are the fire starters for more Saskatchewan lacrosse success across the country.”

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Among the tournament highlights for Ratt, were the 49 saves he made in the gold medal game. And in the semifinal game against the host team Coquitlam Adanacs, when it was tied 7-7, and with 1:54 remaining in the game, Coquitlam was granted a penalty shot.

“I tried to stay calm and composed while the opposing player was running down, I was able to make a shoulder save to keep the game tied. We ended up winning that game in overtime 8-7,” he said.

Over the course of the tournament, McShannock contributed two goals and a couple assists.

“Winning for me meant a lot because this is Randy and Sheila Trobak’s last year with the team. If we made it to the finals Sheila was supposed to get a plane ride down to watch the final game in Coquitlam, but sadly she ran into some complications at home and couldn’t make it, But we still pulled off a win for her and the SWAT family,” he said.

Head Coach Randy Trobak expressed how proud he was of his entire SWAT family, including players, coaches, staff and volunteers.

“The tournament went really well, we have a incredible group of young adults that have bought into the program. They play as one and work hard to keep everyone up to speed. We have been able to work with them to a level that the top organization in the country play,” he said.

Reflecting on the local area players, Trobak noted Ratt’s performance at the tournament proved he will be one of the top goalies in the country. He added there were comments from coaches scouting the event that Ratt will be one of the top 10 in the country when he ages into junior next year.

“McShanock played really good. He has come a long way this season and was big help in the final game potting a goal when we really needed it and some great defence. The biggest thing is the leadership from the players and how they have made it a family,” Trobak said.

Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association’s Dogwood Tournament, a tradition since 1984, was renamed the Trevor Wingrove Memorial Tournament in 2011 to honour the admired lacrosse player Trevor Wingrove.

Trevor passed away in July of 2010, at the age of 42, after battling cancer.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell