Delta Islanders capped their season in style, pulling off an upset win to reach the podium at the B.C. Intermediate "B" Lacrosse Championships in Langley last weekend.
A big second period propelled the Islanders to a 7-5 victory over Ridge Meadows in Monday's bronze medal game.
Delta trailed 4-1 after 20 minutes but came out re-energized and re-focused to start the second.
The result was six unanswered goals, including a pair in the opening minute of play.
Goaltender Matthew Hills earned game MVP honours by keeping Ridge Meadows scoreless for the bulk of two periods. Victor Robichaud led the attack with four goals. Cody Hoegg added a pair and Kyle McKin also scored.
The Islanders earned their way into the four-team championships by posting a 12-6 record to finish third in the regular season, then
swept a qualifying series from Port Moody. A key to the team's success was disciplined play, resulting in the second fewest penalty minutes in the league.
The provincials presented a huge challenge - up against regular season champion Coquitlam, runner-up Ridge Meadows and Vancouver Island powerhouse Cowichan Valley.
The Islanders fell 13-3 to Coquitlam and 15-4 to eventual champion Cowichan. They closed out round-robin play with a more competitive 15-9 defeat to Ridge Meadows, setting the stage for the bronze medal rematch 24 hours later.
The team also came away with some regular and post-season individual hardware. Scott Liebich was named coach-of-theyear, while Hoegg and Hills were selected league all-stars.
Czech Republic native Phillip Hladky van der Buxusson, who came to B.C. this summer to play competitive lacrosse, also earned he league's top goaltender award thanks to his 85.06 save percentage.
Provincial all-stars included Robichaud and Bentley Barrados.
The Islanders roster also features:
Derrick Usipiuk, Jacob Howatt, David Olszowiec, Dylan Skujins, Jack Yingling, Alex Butschler, Hayden Grant, Nikolas Addison, Jake Milford, Paul Bains, Robinson Mitchell, Hayden Siltberg, Lucas Noguer,
Elliot Bandstra, Mick Bey, Justice Wilson and Tristen Butler.
Assisting Liebich behind the bench were Tyler Bains and Cameron Kirkbride.
Jagrup Bains was the team manager.
