The Rockyview Silvertips junior 'B' lacrosse team season was short and sweet, but there was nothing but pluses to take away from the play.

On July 24, the Silvertips ended their season with an 11-9 loss to the Lethbridge 'Cudas, a team they had beaten earlier in the tournament. The Tips played hard to the end, scoring their last goal with 22 seconds remaining in play.

Previously to that, they won their first two games of the tournament before losing to the Shamrocks in the round-robin. The Tips finished third in the round-robin after a tie-breaker system awarded second to the Okotoks Marauders.

Silvertips general manager Darren Deitz says close scores were common in the exhibition season. The Tips lost two of their first three games in overtime before going on a four-game winning streak.

He says the exhibition season gave them insight into the play of their two draft pick classes. The majority of players were getting their first taste of junior lacrosse after the last two regular seasons were cancelled.

"It's been good to see how they interact with the veterans on the team. and it gave the coaches a lot of insight into next year when it comes time to make an official roster."

"We've been really happy with the last two years of draft picks, and we'll have a third year of draft picks to tap into for making up a team next year."

One player, alternate captain Sean Finnigan, did age out just before the end of the tournament, and they'll also be losing several veterans before the 2022 season opens.

"We'll have a young team going forward but there are lots of talented kids in the Calgary and surrounding area to tap into, so we're excited."

Only the Shamrocks, the reigning national champions, dominated the Silvertips in the tournament. Deitz believes it was a good learning opportunity for the team to understand what they need to do.

"It was good for our guys to play that game because they learn lots from it."

The Rocky View team calls the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre home and drew solid crowds for both their home games.