The Delta Islanders hope to be back at the Coquitlam Sports Centre a month from now and celebrating again.
The Islanders solidified their status as one of top contenders at the 2016 provincial championships by becoming the first-ever team from Delta to capture Midget A1 Division honours at Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse's Trevor Wingrove Tournament.
The event started off as the Dogwood Tournament back in 1984 before being renamed four years ago in honour of the admired player who lost a courageous battle to cancer. It typically showcases the top talent in the province at the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget A1 levels and attracts teams beyond the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver Island, Alberta and the US.
The Islanders' road to the championship included round-robin wins over Port Coquitlam, USA Boxla and the Juan de Fuca Whalers. Haiden Dickson, Mitch Sansberg and goalie Jarvis Dashkewytch were awarded the respective game MVPs.
Delta then moved onto the semi-finals where it faced the top seeded team from Alberta and doubled the Calgary Hornets 12-6. Assistant captain Mark Yingling was selected the game's MVP.
The result sent the locals off to the championship game to take on league rival and hosts Coquitlam. The Islanders relied on the strong play of Dashkewytch in net to open up a four goal lead and went on to post a solid 10-5 victory. Captain Dean Kishuichi collected game MVP honours.
It was only fitting Vancouver Stealth star and Ladner's own Logan Schuss was the tournament's special guest to present awards to the first Delta team to capture Midget Division honours. Among the presentations was the Tournament's Most Inspirational Award going to Dashkewytch.
Rounding out the Islanders' roster are assistant captains Jake Cantlon and Jared Molici; Jackson McCleod, Max Stalling, Jon Grieg, James Grieg, John Woodward, Arjun Singh, Mitch Godlonton, Owen Borthwick, Zack Kyriacethys and goalie Brayden Maskell. The team also relied on Bantam A1 call-ups Ben McDonald and Rhys Porteous for the championship game. The core of this team has tasted plenty of success before - winning the Bantam A1 provincial title back in 2014.
The depth of talent was reflected in the selection process for the B.C. team heading to Midget Nationals this summer with five players and one alternate named to the roster - the most of any association in the province.
The Islanders are coached by Stephen and Darron Alexander, Chris McCluskie and Tanner Taylor. The manager is Jeff Stalling.
