The calendar said Aug. 27, but it might as well have been Christmas Day for David Glover and Matt Hoegg.
The respective presidents of Delta Minor Lacrosse and the Delta Islanders were all smiles Saturday as the City of Delta held a grand opening celebration for the Ladner Covered Multi-Sport Court.
The $2.1 million project, which included a $1 million grant from the BC Government’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, essentially put a roof and lights over top of the existing outdoor box located next door to the Ladner Leisure Centre. It’s one of the few of its kind in the country for a sport that typically is at the mercy of when dry floor is available in ice rinks, usually no more than a four-month window of the year.
“We're going to be running programs throughout the year. This is going to be huge for training and development,” said Glover. “We can compete now with these bigger communities. It’s a game changer for us.
“It also takes a huge load off our schedulers. We have always been scrambling for space and there never seemed to be enough daylight, especially in March when we are trying to get ready for the season.”
In the past, the Islanders have had to purchase floor time elsewhere, such as the Langley Events Centre, and even use nearby turf fields to prepare their players for the junior season. Now everything can be accomplished right next door to their home arena.
“Health and safety is a big thing for our players too. Now we have a clean and dry surface year round. It was always a little worrisome if the guys were out here and there were puddles and that sort of thing to deal with, so it’s good on both the competitive and healthy side for us,” said Hoegg.
“We heard the Delta Lacrosse Association’s need for a covered outdoor facility for year-round play and I’m so pleased with the outcome,” added Delta Mayor George Harvie. “This project presented an opportunity to benefit Delta’s local sports associations as well as members of the community and is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together.”
The opening ceremonies paid tribute to the sport’s rich history in the community.
Bertha Williams spoke on behalf of Tsawwassen First Nation and how her relatives have been involved in the game for decades.
A number of longtime local families were also recognized including the Husbands, Tambolines, Phillips and Burrs. Delta South MLA Ian Paton even recalled his days as a volunteer trainer for the Ladner Pioneers senior “B” team.
Past Delta Minor Lacrosse presidents Jim Canil and Darcy Phillips were mentioned for their tireless efforts in lobbying to make the covered outdoor box a reality. It was Phillips who led a renovation of the box just over a decade ago.
The facility will also feature a scoreboard and shot clocks thanks to a donation from the Thomas Haydon Memorial Award Alumni, a non-profit group the was established in memory of the Delta firefighter and lifetime Ladner lacrosse player and coach who lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in 2018.
A number of Haydon’s co-workers were on hand Saturday as the Delta Firefighters Charitable Society served up barbecued hot dogs to go along with the celebration cake served after the formal ceremony.
