The Rockyview Rage did it again. They won the Calgary District Lacrosse Association Midget C league championship June 23 in Calgary.
But, unlike last season’s victory in which Rage upset heavily-favoured Calgary Knights, Rockyview was supposed to cruise to this year’s title over the Calgary Sabrecats. Didn’t happen.
It’s why you play ’em.
With the teams splitting the opening two games in the best-of-3 league final, it was down to the rubber match at Max Bell Arena.
With regulation and overtime deciding nothing (3-3 tie) it was off to the shootout, where Rage goalie Ethan Parker stole the show.
“It was fun,” said Parker outside the team’s dressing room following the victory. “When I saved all those goals, I was so happy.
“The pressure was hard. Being the goalie it was kind of hard. The pressure was real.”
Parker was the difference, in regulation, overtime and the shootout.
“He was really square to the play, he played his angles well, he attacked when he needed to. He was awesome,” said beaming head coach Bruce Morrison, whose team finished first in the regular season at 9-1-2. “Ecstatic. We had a really good mix. We had guys who came out to work every game.
“I couldn’t be more proud.”
Rage’s Tommy DeLair opened the scoring in the first period before Sabrecats equalized.
Seiver Bredeson and DeLair made it 3-1 in the second period but penalties caught up to Rockyview as Calgary sniped two to tie the score 3-3, sending the game to overtime and then the shootout, where Rage shooter Ethan Simpson bagged the game winner.
