Ladner Pioneer Ring Presentation

Photo Credit Steve Erickson

This past season for the Ladner Pioneers was simply more than a success; it was a season that will be ingrained in the hearts and minds of everyone.

The start of the season had many skeptics or naysayers doubting them from the initial face-off until the final buzzer, but SportswaveTV was there to webcast all home games for your enjoyment, which you can still watch on the above link.

It’s true that some of the players were in the line-up due to a situation that involved what some called a “conflict” with a higher level of the game.

Under the guidance of GM John Burr he managed to assemble a coaching staff who brought in players who had a passion to win.

The team plays in the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association and is made up of the New West Salmonbellies, North Shore Indians, Port Coquitlam Saints and the Victoria Shamrocks.

Sadly not all teams were able to finish the season ending regular schedule or compete in post season play in the playoff round.

The league was forced to put in a condensed playoff schedule to end the season but the season final was between the Pioneers and the North Shore Indians.

From there the team had a couple of weeks off to rest injured or banged-up bodies before heading to compete for the Presidents Cup Trophy emblematic for the Canadian Senior “B” Champions.

It was ironic that the team flew out on the same day that the City of Delta had the official opening for the covered outdoor lacrosse box located behind the Ladner Leisure Centre.

That event drew a large crowd which featured up and coming future Pioneer or Delta Islanders players as well as past players.

The Pioneers were in tough for a hard fought series which featured the Six Nations Rivermen, Capital Region Axemen, Akwesasne Bucks, Snake Island Muskies and the host Miners.

The Pioneers went through eight games managing a record of 6-1-1 with 13 points managing 86 GF, 66 GA along with 186 Pim’s.

The top four teams all played eight games with the Miners finishing second (5-3-0) with 10 points, Six Nations finished tied with the Miners (5-3-0) and Six Nations (5-3-0) while Akwesasne finished fourth  with a record of 4-4-0.

The Pioneers were in tough in the final with loyal fans watching from the Tsawwassen Legion to a somewhat packed house who watched them pull out the win 8-6 win over the Akwesasne Bucks.

At times the game changed hands with the Pioneers sending in plays that at times caused their opponent to take a second look.

Winning the Championship was the first stage and the second was waiting for their Championship rings.

The wait was over and  the team finally received their Championship rings December 7th in a ceremony at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

Both Kevin Adlem and I were in attendance covering the presentation for Eastlink TV which was well attended by the majority of the players.

The presentation was made by John Burr who mentioned that no one was able to open the box until all rings were presented and then it was like Christmas came early.

It was interesting to note that Logan Schuss purchased an additional ring for his Father who played on precious Ladner Pioneer championship teams.

If you win this is what Bruce and Connor Davidson (Father and Son) do to keep the memories alive in the family and apparently they were done by a past Pioneer player who owns a Tattoo shop in Vancouver.

As we all  know, championships don’t come each season and there is a good chance that this squad won’t be together next season, but some might return for the 2024 season.

We’ll keep you posted on this.

Congratulations to the Pioneers on the Championship win and we look forward to webcasting games next season.