Mr. Speaker, on September 4 the New Westminster Salmonbellies junior A lacrosse team captured the Minto Cup, making it Canada's number one lacrosse team. The Salmonbellies battled the Brantford Excelsiors for seven hard-fought games before being crowned Canada's best.
What makes this victory especially sweet is that the national championship has not been won by a New Westminster team
since 1960. The last time a western team won dates back to 1988 when a team from Esquimalt, British Columbia won the crown.
In the past it has been Ontario teams that have dominated junior A lacrosse. All of those from New Westminster know that the cup belongs in New Westminister, a city which holds dear to its heart the heritage of Canada's original sport as well as the home of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
My congratulations go out to the entire Salmonbellies team, in particular co-coaches Steve van Os and Stan Stewardson, as well as the team's five graduating players, Kevin Stewardson, Glen Bzowy, Steve Higgs, Chris Charlton and Curtis Palidwor, the series most valuable player.
Great going, Salmonbellies.