The Las Vegas Desert Dogs have some exciting news for all the lacrosse fans out there here in Alberta. They've just introduced their very first Junior NLL Desert Dogs team, which is a big deal for young players in the province.
This new team will be playing at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC) in Oakville, Ontario from Aug. 18-20. Three local kids from the Rocky View area, Declin Frazer, Alexander Lypchuk, and Taki Wu, are all set to show their skills at this special event.
In assembling a diverse lineup, the Las Vegas Jr. Desert Dogs have drawn players from various locations, creating a melting pot of talent and potential. The 18-player roster showcases representatives from Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Sask., St. Albert, Calgary, Airdrie, Rocky View County, Okotoks, and even stretches across the border into the United States.
One of these young athletes, 11-year-old Alexander Lypchuk, stands as a testament to the enthusiasm of the Junior NLL Desert Dogs endeavour.
Expressing his delight at the chance to play the sport he loves, Lypchuk is eager to face other teams and soak in the atmosphere of playing his favourite sport at such a high level.
“I was very happy because some of my friends are from other teams so I get to face them," he said. "Being part of the new team and going to Ontario it’s going to be so much fun - an experience I haven’t got to do before and [also] playing at a higher level of lacrosse."
Lypchuk also feels proud because he and his team are going to represent Alberta. He knows a lot of people from Calgary and Edmonton who are going to play against the Las Vegas team.
“We’ve got friends in almost all of Calgary and lots of them made Junior Roughnecks," Lypchuck explained. "Even some from Edmonton and some of them will be playing against Las Vegas so it will be so much fun playing against them."
As the days inch closer to the highly anticipated event, the excitement is tangible. The Las Vegas Jr. Desert Dogs are gearing up to leave a mark on the lacrosse community, showcasing not only their prowess on the field but also the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that defines the game.
“We have drills that our coach makes us do on an app, you have stuff to do Monday and Wednesday and we have to do 480 reps of wall-ball twice a week,” said Lypchuck.
With each player like Lypchuk, the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre is getting ready to witness the birth of a new chapter of junior lacrosse marked by talent, dedication, and the thrill of friendly competition.
“I think we’ll come together perfectly," said Lypchuk. "Our coach is helping us mentally and we have a group to talk amongst each other on WhatsApp."
