Tyke 1 Bandits win gold at Bob Patching

The championship tyke Bandits included (standing l to r) Barry Wilson (trainer), Duncan Ellis (assistant coach), Ted Rybka (head coach), Keaton Wilson, Rob Impey (assistant coach), (sitting) Gianluca Mora, Noah Rebellato, Liam Rebellato, Nicholas Saville, Samantha Hillson, Ryan Radisa, Eric Becker, Andrew Rybka, (lying) Tyler Ellis, Christopher Mora, Luca Mazzo, Ronald Rout, Matthew Impey.

The Caledon-Vaughan Minor Lacrosse Association recently held their 23rd annual Bob Patching Lacrosse Tournament. This exciting three-day tourney saw 32 teams from all over Ontario and Quebec battle in a four game series of lacrosse matches. It was a great privilege for the Bandit rep teams to participate in this huge event.

For the tyke 1 team this tournament turned out to be very special. By the end of day two the team finished their round robin with a perfect 3-0-0 record to lead the pack of 6 teams. The final match saw the Caledon-Vaughan Bandits vs. the Halton Hills Bulldogs. The tykes came out strong and remained in control for the entire game. The final score was 5-1 and the Bandits were awarded the gold champion trophy.

Certainly a highlight of the tournament was when Jim Veltman, captain of the Toronto Rock and veteran of the National Lacrosse League, came to visit the boys in their dressing room to congratulate them on their win against his own team, the Markham Thunder. Glenn Clark, head coach of the Toronto Rock and assistant coach of the Markham Thunder, was also a popular figure signing autographs that weekend.

Thanks to Wendy Walker, tournament director, sponsors and the countless number of volunteers who helped with the BBQ, sold raffle tickets, provided timekeeping etc. to make this a great success. Everyone looks forward to next year's tournament!