The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Austin Dobie spread his lacrosse fever to Cole Pickering as both local boys travelled to Thompson to participate in a one-day tournament this past weekend. Dobie, who had recently played with the Peewee team in Prince Albert, said playing with the out-of-town team was easier this time around. "I could call out their names instead of just saying 'pass, pass,' I could say, 'Scotty, pass!'" said Dobie. As Pickering's first year of lacrosse, he was able to play in his first real game this past weekend Ð at the Novice level. "It was fun," he said. He was also able to get past the goalie for his first goal. "Cole scored his first goal. It was his first game and he scored a goal. I have played five games and I still haven't scored," Dobie said with a grin. Playing in a real game, Pickering said he found out that the Thompson players, who are able to play and practice three times as often as those in Flin Flon, "hit better and they play a lot better." Dobie took up his spot on the Thompson Ravens, the same team he played with in Prince Albert. He said overall, this weekend was "more fun" than the last time. Pickering played defense for one of the Thompson Novice house league teams. It was a successful weekend for both players as they hope to be able to return again next year. This past weekend was Thompson Minor Lacrosse's big windup of the season. Through the league, said Russ Dobie Ð the instructor for the Flin Flon and Creighton area Ð there are a few travel teams that will be competing in a few tournaments, but for the rest of the teams, the season is over. A few lacrosse players from Thompson help make up Team Manitoba at the Peewee level. Austin was able to play against the competitive team with the Bantam house league team. Though Bantam is one level higher than Peewee, the players are at equal playing levels. Playing against Team Manitoba, Austin said "it was hard." But, he was proud to say he knocked down a member from the Provincial team. Team Manitoba ended up winning the game against Austin's team. Throughout play on Saturday, Austin's team won both of their games in the Peewee division while Pickering's team tied their only game played. Because there were only two Novice house league teams, Pickering only had one game. Russ was also able to get in on the action. He said he hadn't played competitive lacrosse in about eight years, until this past weekend. Russ participated in the Masters game. "It was incredibly tiring," he said. "These guys who were playing take it pretty seriously. This was not just a man's jogging type of game." The Masters game featured three-15 minute periods. "We played hard," said Russ. "No one took it easy on me and I didn't take it easy on anyone else." Russ said there was a definite difference in playing last weekend than what he has been used to lately Ð coaching and teaching beginners the ropes of the sport. This past weekend was the final windup for Thompson. In Flin Flon, Russ hopes to have a big windup at the end of the month. As well, he is looking into bringing in an introduction clinic to the area. In the past, Russ had talked about a coaching clinic Ð but it has since changed as an introduction clinic.
