The Delta Islanders have stepped up their tribute to National Indigenous Peoples Day with an action-packed schedule on Saturday (June 24) at the Ladner Leisure Centre.
After hosting a doubleheader for the inaugural event a year ago, the Islanders have put together four games with West Coast Junior Lacrosse League’s Junior B Islanders getting involved, along with the defending national champion Senior “B” Ladner Pioneers.
The day will kickoff with the Junior “B” Islanders taking on long-time rival North Shore Indians at 11 a.m. The Pioneers will follow with a 2 p.m. league game against Victoria. The Junior “B” Tier One Islanders will then hit the floor at 5 p.m. against Richmond. It will conclude with the Junior As welcoming the Langley Thunder at 8 p.m.
The idea of having an expanded schedule was always the plan according to Islanders team president Matt Hoegg.
“It’s something we talked about last year and the idea was just too good to pass up,” he said. “It worked out perfect with the Pioneers happening to have a game in the afternoon that day then working the Junior B’s game into the morning. Getting it all put together is exciting. Having North Shore here for the first game is amazing. Their fans travel so well and I’m sure they will bring their drum circle.”
The three junior teams will once again be wearing special jerseys for the occasion, created by Tsawwassen First Nation artist Karl Morgan. The design is centred around TFN’s original lacrosse. The club has ordered orange and white sets with the latter being auctioned off. Proceeds will go to the Orange Shirt Society, Moose Hide Campaign and Residential School Survivors Society. There will also be 50/50 draws and food sales to raise money for the organizations.
“They look fantastic,” continued Hoegg. “The idea is we will keep a set and auction off the other each year.”
TFN member and Junior “B” Tier One Islanders head coach Nathan Wilson is expected to lead the pre-game ceremonies.
