The Innisfail Phantom teams are close to wrapping up their seasons in preparation for the Spirit of the Sticks tournament to be held from June 6 to 8.
“Our teams have had a good season to date,” said Marlane Quinton, vice-president of the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association (IMLA). “Both our midget and bantam teams are leading their league with a 7-1 record while the peewee team is in the middle of the pack. The novice team is in a rebuilding year.”
She noted the teams play a 12-game season, finishing up their regular games the last weekend of May.
“Our teams usually play a six home and six away game schedule with the exception of the mini-tykes who play six ‘fun fair' weekends for ease of scheduling and travel,” said Quinton. “Teams from all over Alberta participate in the fun weekends which take place in different communities.”
The vice-president spoke of the upcoming Spirit of the Sticks tournament to be held at the Innisfail Arena.
“There will be 600 lacrosse players from 32 teams competing on the weekend,” said Quinton. “In previous years we have had teams from Calgary, Edmonton, and all over Alberta attend. It is always a good event. Last year the bantam team took gold with the peewee and midget teams capturing silver.”
She added playoffs start the next weekend in Red Deer.
“Our playoffs use a double knockout format,” said Quinton. “This way, the playing field is equalized for every team in the league.”
For more information on the IMLA or the Spirit of the Sticks, go to www.innisfaillacrosse.com.
