It made no difference in the final standings, but the Jr. B Tier 1 Rockyview Silvertips ended their season with a win yesterday again the Mountain View Mavericks.

The Silvertips took a 10-7 lead into the third and doubled the Mavericks in the final stanza for the 14-9 win.

Unfortunately, the door closed the day before on the Silvertips chance to secure home arena advantage in the central division semifinals of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL). On the strength of an eight-goal second period, the Red Deer Rampage won 11-4 against the Silvertips on July 13. Red Deer clinched first place with an 18-8 win over the Chill yesterday.

Ending the season on a 10-game winning streak, the smoking hot Rampage leapfrogged from the basement to first place in the second half of the regular season.

The semifinal series opens on Wednesday night at the Brentwood Sportsplex. Game two goes at Totem One of the SLS Family Sports Centre on Thursday at 8:45 p.m. It returns to Brentwood on Thursday should a rubber match be required.

The Silvertips got the monkey off their back with their first win against the Chill midway through the season, the first in many years. The game was praised as a total team effort. Unfortunately, a five-game losing streak followed.

Players of the Game recognized through the course of the season gathered for a group shot at last night's game. (Photo Courtesy Rocky View Silvertips)

"We weren't able to replicate that since," says Head Coach Derrick Henry. "That was the standard of what we expected from the team going forward but unfortunately things didn't go our way."

Still, Henry isn't disheartened and believes the Silvertips can advance.

"To beat the Chill, we need solid defence and our offence is going to have to produce more. They have to get in the middle more and challenge the goalie more, not just take shots from the outside."

"Ultimately, the team has got to pull together.  We can beat them, we've proven that. The playoffs is a new season and anything can happen."

The Tips will be without five-year players Matthew Dyck and Jordon Waddell in the first round but Henry believes they have the offensive and defensive tools to win.

Remembering Jaydon Sommerfeld and Jordan McKinnon

The July 14 game was also the team's Memorial Game in memory of Jaydon Sommerfeld and Jordan McKinnon. A pre-game ceremony was held involving the parents of the players.

The Silvertips family remember the players for the hard work, commitment and dedication they brought to every game and every practice. It was inspiring and is an integral part of the foundation the club continues to build upon.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Allison McKinnon said they continue to support lacrosse because it promotes what they wanted for their boys.

"This is what we both strived for, respectful healthy young athletes who are encouraged to do more and be more. That's what you guys are doing and you're giving back to the community as you're doing it. That's what both our families strived for over the years."

Jaydon was killed in an automotive accident in his rookie year. Jordan was in his third with the club and an alternate captain when he passed away from a medical condition.

Rockyview Lacrosse president Keith Berg presented Alec MacDonald with the Rockyview Rage bursary.

Tyson Hribnak was awarded the Silvertips Memorial Bursary. Alec MacDonald, of the Jr. B Mountaineers, who came through the Rockyview lacrosse program, received the Rockyview Rage bursary. 

Coach Henry said he may be new to the club this year but quickly realize how important these awards are to the players.

"Even for the award we give out after each game, you quickly realize how big of an attachment the guys have to it. You have to earn it, and the meaning behind it is not taken for granted, nor what it takes to earn it."