Warriors Secure First Postseason Appearance

The Warriors (10-7) played an afternoon contest against the Philadelphia Wings (7-10) have managed to lock-up a playoff berth but looking to secure home floor playoff date.

Given their play of date since acquiring Del Bianco March 10th and currently riding a five game winning streak thanks to wins over Buffalo, Toronto plus having a home floor win over the Georgia Swarm, Toronto and the Albany Firesolves.

Burnaby firefighter Keegam Bal has has managed to notch 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in his last five games while Christian Del Bianco has five wins since being acquired in the trade.

Entering the afternoon’s game has the the Wings are in need of a win to lock up a playoff run and hoping that they can get pas Vegas, manage a win over Vancouver while getting wins from Buffalo and San Diego .

The Wings wrap-up their regular season against Vancouver ia 5-10 . n what is only their second visit to Vancouver in six years and notably the last one dates back to April , 2019.

The Wings managed to pull off a 14-13 win over Vancouver in Philly that to their dismay turned the win into a eight game losing streak going from a 5-2 record.

The afternoon’s contest saw the Warriors attract more fans than in the past given not just the success they are having but also the popularity of the game in the lower mainland.

If you ask the kids they’ll tell you it’s fun but if you ask the parents they’ll say first it’s a healthy sport for the kids and secondly it’s affordable for the families.

While this game never went the way the Wings were wanting it’s interesting to note that they have scored 15 or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history over the first three games this season.

Not only did the Warriors win it was a win for all the volunteers who worked with the Ladner Pioneers who won last year’s Presidents Cup played at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

In addition it was nice to see Delta Minor Lacrosse hit the floor for a half-time scrimmage that promotes not only Delta Minor Lacrosse but also Minor Lacrosse in the area.

The Warriors managed to lock-up a six-game win streak with an impressive league-leading 7-2 home record, as they secured their first-ever postseason appearance and home playoff game. 

They also announced the winners of the top five Team Awards and the 2024.25 season from the addition of star goaltender Christian Del Bianco, who remains undefeated  with a 6-0 record as well as Keegan Bal setting the franchise’s all-time scoring list.

Thanks to the Vancouver Warriors 2024.25 Team Awards:

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Keegan Bal

For the third consecutive season, Keegan Bal has been voted the winner of the Warriors’ MVP Award.

The Coquitlam, BC native has put together another outstanding campaign, setting new career-highs in assists (68) and points (111). 

His 111 points also tie the franchise record for most points in a single season, previously achieved by three different players, most recently by Corey Small in 2017.

Bal also reached several career milestones, crossing the 100 games played threshold, and recording his 200th career goal, 300th career assist, and 500th career point this season.

His play and leadership on and off the floor have been critical to helping the Warriors clinch their first playoff appearance in team history.

Defenceman of the Year: Ryan Dilks

Ryan Dilks was voted the team’s D-man of the Year for the second time in as many years noting that last season when he was the NLL’s Defensive Player of the Year. 

He has helped with five assists this season and is tied for third in the NLL with 31 turnovers also securing 104 loose ball recoveries, and 12 blocked shots. 

Rookie of the Year: Alec Stathakis

Making his NLL debut this year after concluding his collegiate career at the University of Denver, Alec Stathakis has been voted as the team’s Rookie of the Year. 

He calls  Northville, MI, home in the off-season and was drafted 40th overall by the Warriors in the 2023 NLL Entry Draft and contributed five points (1-4-5) in his debut season, along with 137 loose ball recoveries, three caused turnovers, two blocked shots, and 261 faceoff wins. 

The 261 faceoff wins rank fifth in the NLL along with a 59.3% faceoff win percentage is also fifth in the league amongst those who have taken at least 300 draws this season.

Unsung Hero: Jackson Suboch

He calls Toronto home and was named the Unsung Hero Award this season in his second season who has three career-highs in assists plus nine blocked shots along with 41 loose ball recoveries and four caused turnovers. 

Teammate of the Year: Brett Mydske

Warriors captain Brett Mydske has been voted by his teammates as the Warriors Teammate of the Year for the 2024.25 season. 

His leadership both on and off the floor has led the Warriors to have their best regular season in team history, and his help mentoring the team’s younger players has helped them grow over the course of the season.