It is finally here…GAMEDAY.
The Vancouver Warriors have been waiting for this day to arrive and tonight in Calgary the Warriors will kick off their inaugural season with a tilt versus the Calgary Roughnecks at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Game time is 6 PM PST.
The Warriors enter this season with a clean slate. It would be easy to talk about what didn’t happen last season for a team that had just two victories in 18 contests. Instead, this club is focused on the here and now. If you want to look up team history, you can go to the library and take out a book. For the Vancouver Warriors, it’s not just a new chapter, it’s an entirely new history, and the rubber hits the road right now.
KICKING OFF A NEW ERA: Tonight marks a new era in Vancouver Lacrosse History, as the Vancouver Warriors bring Lacrosse back to Downtown Vancouver for the first time in over a decade. The Vancouver franchise was acquired by the Aquilini Group in late spring and in just 180 short days have rebranded, remodeled, retooled and completely overhauled a roster that posted a 2-16 record in Langley. The Warriors will open in Calgary before officially christening Rogers Arena with their inaugural opener on December 21.
REBRANDED: The Vancouver Warriors were officially named on September 21, 2018. The five pillars of the Warriors franchise are Character, Integrity, Respect, Hard Work and Community. The Warriors name salutes the First Nations people that are such a vital part of our West Coast culture. The Game of Lacrosse has been played by the First Nations people for centuries, and as the game evolved so did its purpose. It became a stage of strength and glory, where the most noble would showcase their athleticism. The bravest would be considered protectors of their people…their Warriors.
REMODELED: A new logo represents Vancouver now…the logo of the Warriors. The official colours of the Warriors are Bone, Gold and Night Sky. The Protectors Shield that encompasses the Warriors logo is an unbreakable shield of togetherness and community. The Logo itself is a Bone and Gold combination of a V and W representing not just the Vancouver Warriors, but also the traits embodied by the region’s traditional Warriors; Athleticism, Protection and Strength.
RETOOLED: The Vancouver Warriors brought in a new management and coaching staff, beginning with the hiring of General Manager Dan Richardson and Head Coach Chris Gill on June 21st. Both Richardson and Gill have extensive experience in the WLA, with Gill also playing several seasons of his Hall of Fame career in the NLL. Richardson has been at the helm of the legendary New Westminster Salmonbellies WLA team now for the past 15 seasons. Rounding out the coaching staff are assistants Rory McDade, Clayton Richardson, Dan Perreault and Dwight Maetche. Ken Thomas is also on board as the Warriors Assistant General Manager.
OVERHAULED: The Warriors return just nine players from the 2017 team that played in Langley. Matt Beers is featured on defence and is the Captain of the Warriors along with fellow defender Ian Hawksbee and returning forward Logan Schuss. Among the number of moves GM Dan Richardson made to reshape this franchise was the acquisition of forward Mitch Jones from the Buffalo Bandits in late November. Jones, 26, from Delta BC, posted career highs in goals (38), Assists (43) and points with (81). Jones joins long time friend Schuss along with newcomer Dan Lomas on the left side.
All-Time Regular Season Records
All-Time vs. CGY 20-29
All-Time at CGY: 12-11
All-Time at VAN: 8-18
Last CGY Win: Apr. 21/18, 26-11 in Langley
Last VAN Win: Apr. 15/17, 15-11 in Langley
NEXT UP: Following tonight’s game, the Warriors will return home to host the Calgary Roughnecks and christen Rogers Arena as Lacrosse returns to downtown Vancouver. Opening faceoff is scheduled for just after 7 PM. For tickets, please visit www.vancouverwarriors.com/tickets for more information or call 604-899-4625 (option 3).
