By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator

Box lacrosse made its proud return to the Summer Games in Niagara for the first time since 1985, and Team Manitoba d-man Dusty Morden (#67) says the experience so far has been like no other.

“It’s really fun. I haven’t really done anything like this before, and it’s amazing to be here.”

The team performed really well, finishing first in its pool in the preliminaries. On his strategy for the quarter-finals, Dusty had his eyes on the prize.

“[We need to] focus on lacrosse, and doing what we have to do to get a medal. I want to come out being the best player I can be, on the best team, and come out being victorious.”

After a tough loss to Alberta on Friday, Team Manitoba bumped down to the consolation draw, taking them out of medal contention.

Dusty’s played lacrosse for eight years and plays for the Manitoba Blizzard back home. He’s here in Niagara competing in the second week of the Canada Summer Games with his brother Dylan, who plays on Team Toba’s male softball team (#8).

“Having my brother here is cool. It’s pretty cool to see him here, to watch him play, I’m proud of him.”

Softball has been on the Canada Games program since the very first Canada Summer Games in 1969. Dylan’s been looking forward to the Games for months, and had three simple goals, to meet new people, have fun, and win games.

Though the results don’t have either the box lacrosse or softball teams up on the podium, the boys’ parents, who made the trip over from Manitoba, were proud for both of their kids to have this opportunity.

 

*photo credits: box lacrosse (Ashley Northcotte, 2022 Canada Games), softball (Virginia Stranaghan, 2022 Canada Games)