Typically, junior lacrosse isn't played around here in August, but it was a welcomed weekend for all 12 teams participating in a season-ending tournament hosted in Cochrane by the Rockyview Rage Jr. B T2.

Held Aug. 12 to 15, it was a special tournament that we may not see again when lacrosse returns to its regular format next year. The Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League didn't hold a regular season, and there were no provincial or national championships for Canada's national sport. Instead, teams held a series of exhibition games. Having a tournament here was the icing on the cake for many.

It was the Surrey Rebels who came out on top in the Jr. B T2 tournament, and the St. Albert Miners won the Jr. A event.

Cochranites Nathan Lam and Christian Scott played for the Mounties in the Jr. A tournament.

Eight Jr. B teams from Saskatchewan to B.C. competed in the tournament, many of whom the Rage have never played.

The Rage finished with a 1-3 record. Their bench was short, and many players had aches and pains by the end, yet they were still visibly thrilled to be able to play their sport of passion.

It will be particularly memorable for Zach Kozack, who ended his junior career on Sunday with the Rage.

Kozack played his second year of juniors with the Rage before heading to Red Deer. Then the dead zone of COVID hit last season before returning to the Rage this season. 

He says playing an exhibition season was a blast, and that the tournament was an intense way to wrap up his junior career.

Rage head coach Tanner Lam and assistant coach Aiden Pincombe, both Silvertips alumni, say while their bench was limited in the exhibition season, they've seen a drastic improvement in play.

"We've been able to work with a lot of guys," says Lam. "No one's been sticking to one spot, and everyone's been doing every role. It's been really good to see everyone grow like that."

Pincombe originally came to help with the goalies, and it grew into helping out the team in general.

"Tan was nice enough to bring me on the squad this year, and we've done some pretty solid work. A lot of these guys have progressed. There has been some really phenomenal improvement on this team, and I think both of us are pretty proud of what's happening."

The coaches already have their eye on next season.

"It's going to be a lot of fun with how much everyone's grown."