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Nanaimo lacrosse players wear national colours

Canada captures gold but locals help Czech Republic, England, Australia, Netherlands
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Nanaimo’s Pete Dubenski tends goal for Team Czech Republic during the World Lacrosse Men’s Indoor Championship last week. Dubenski formerly played for both the senior A and senior B Nanaimo Timbermen. (Photo courtesy Vancouver Sports Pictures)

BY GARY AHUJA/SUBMITTED

Playing on home turf, with the expectations of victory, every game came with its fair share of challenges.

But Canada persevered and demonstrated a dominance at a whole new level in capturing the Cockerton Cup on Saturday night at Langley Events Centre, defeating the Iroquois Nationals 19-12 in the gold-medal game at the World Lacrosse Men’s Indoor World Championship.

The event involved 20 teams and took place over 10 days. There were several local connections. Senior A Nanaimo Timbermen teammates Tyson Roe and Brandan Smith both played for England, helping that team reach the semifinals. Senior B Timbermen veteran Aaron Vanderhorst, from Nanaimo, suited up for the Netherlands, Colin Jeffrey of Nanaimo played for Team Australia, and former senior A and senior B T-men goalie Pete Dubenski, from Nanaimo, represented the Czech Republic. Former senior B player Julian Kolb was a coach with team Austria.

In the tournament final, Canada seized control in the second quarter, turning a 6-5 lead into a 10-6 advantage at the half and never looked back en route to winning the championship for a fifth consecutive time. All five victories at the quadrennial event have come at the expense of the Iroquois Nationals, and for a fifth straight time, it was the United States winning bronze as the Americans defeated England 11-8.

“Relief is the best description, and excitement, obviously…” said Canadian head coach Glenn Clark. It is a long week, you put a lot into it and there is a lot of pressure representing Canada and the success they have had.”

Read more at www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports.

RELATED: Canada conquers at world indoor lacrosse championship in B.C.

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Vancouver Sports Pictures Senior A Nanaimo Timbermen player Tyson Roe competes during a game against the Iroquois Nationals. (Photo courtesy Vancouver Sports Pictures)