Delta Lacrosse Game Changer

Various communities continue to work with their local government to continue to add sporting facilities to grow sports in their respective areas.

Over the  past few years the City of Delta has reached out to various sporting groups and clubs asking how the City can best serve the community and as one might expect they had a request.

While it never took place overnight, talks began to take place with the local lacrosse community in Ladner wanting to know what they could benefit from for the growth of lacrosse.

After much consultation and not just with the lacrosse association but other groups the topic arose of adding a cover to the outdoor lacrosse box located behind the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Considering that Langley has two, one adjacent to the High School and the other located beside the George Preston Arena off 200th and 42nd.

So the work began and the City was more than anxious to begin the development of the facility which would have a roof and lighting for year round use.

While this was a welcome addition for lacrosse not everyone was happy and felt the money would be better spent elsewhere, but skeptics aside the future of all sports is today’s youth.

Earlier this summer (June 22th) a Thomas Haydon Memorial fundraiser Game was held following a two-year Covid stoppage but initially the Award was launched back in 2019.

The City began the task with much planning on the 2.1 million structure working to reach the final stage for the opening, which was made official Saturday August 27th that was kicked-off with an exception opening.

The official opening was set for 11 AM, but it was opened prior to 10 that allowed both male and female lacrosse players to hit the floor and paid tribute to the history of the sport in Delta.

On behalf of Tsawwassen First Nation Bertha Williams spoke about how her relatives have been involved in Canada’s National Summer Sport for decades.

Many of the local families were recognized at the opening including the Husbands, Tambolines, Phillips and Burrs. 

Delta South MLA Ian Paton spoke briefly, mentioning his youthful days as a volunteer trainer for the Ladner Pioneers senior “B” team.

Past Delta Minor Lacrosse presidents Jim Canil and Darcy Phillips were also mentioned for their tireless efforts making the covered outdoor box a reality, also remembering that It was Phillips who led a renovation of the box over a decade ago.

The event which was well publicized  was well attended with Delta’s Mayor George Harvie, Delta South Liberal member Ian Paton, Council members, City Staff as well as Delta Lacrosse Executive.

Your’s truly was on hand at the invitation of Mayor Harvie and personally I found it ironic that the opening was on the same day that the Ladner Pioneers were leaving for the 2022 President’s Cup.

I should mention that yours truly along with YareTV had the privilege to webcast all season games which were webcast FREE for everyone to watch.

The Pioneers played 16 season league games as well as 3 playoff games against the North Shore Indials, winning all 19 for a perfect season, which is a first for any Senior franchise.

Currently they are playing in Leduc Alberta for the National Championship title and Sportswave, the City of Delta as well as Delta Lacrosse wish them nothing but success.

In the weeks leading up to the official event the question arose of why there was no scoreboard so games could be played, which got some thinking and before you can say “game on” the wheels were put in motion.

The above-mentioned fundraiser raised $22,000 which will be donated in its entirety towards a scoreboard in the newly renovated-outdoor lacrosse box,” said the alumni group in a prepared statement.

The City of Delta which has agreed to provide mounts and power for the 12×8 foot scoreboard and shot clocks that should last for around 30 years.

The Thomas Haydon Memorial scoreboard is expected to be delivered in the next 10 to 12 weeks with Devan Wray of Caliber Sports providing installation at no charge.

Following the opening ceremony which was more of a meet and greet for those attending, but for us it was a chance to grab an interview with Mayor Harvie which will be shown in full on Eastlink TV – HD 610.

Congratulations to the Delta Lacrosse on their new outdoor box which will allow them to grow their program for the future of the game.

One can only assume that next on the agenda might possibly be a covered outdoor facility for North Delta, but remember nothing happens overnight.

While this was completed the question for the sporting community in North Delta is “What changes would you like to see at John Oliver Park at the foot of Hwy 10” which is the home for ND Football.

Many feel that this park has potential for future growth, but others only want it for minor football at the south end and rugby at the north end, but there is potential.

On a side-note WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE BARN THAT WAS TO BE REFURBISHED?

Aside from the above, how and what can the City of Delta do to better grow sports?

Please feel free to pass any info on and I’ll be sure to pass it along.

thelockerroom@eastlink.ca