Burnaby, B.C., June 15, 2023 – Due to the ongoing and evolving impacts of the Cameron Bluff wildfire and closure of Highway 4, the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) has made the difficult and disappointing decision to relocate the regular season game between the Victoria Shamrocks and Burnaby Lakers, scheduled for Saturday June 24 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, to The Q Centre in Victoria.
The league had worked closely with David Michaud and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization over the past several months to bring a regular season WLA game to the Alberni Valley Multiplex, however, in light of information shared by the provincial government this week, WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte, in consultation with Michaud and WLA Governors determined that it would not be possible or responsible to play the game in Port Alberni.
“While we know this is a huge disappointment for lacrosse fans in Port Alberni, as well as our players and coaches, our primary responsibility is the health and safety of the firefighters and road crews, and we are committed to returning to Port Alberni in 2024”, said Dal Monte.
In an effort to show support to the Community of Port Alberni and those who acted so quickly when Highway 4 was originally closed, the Burnaby Lakers & Victoria Shamrocks have decided to donate the proceeds of the games 50/50 to the Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni. The Bread of Life Centre stepped up and served breakfast to over 160 individuals who found themselves in Port Alberni without accommodations.
“While this is a disappointing turn of events, we support the WLA’s decision.” said Bulldogs President David Michaud. “We’re excited that the WLA is committed to bring a game to Port Alberni and we will begin work immediately to host a game in June of 2024.”
Fans who purchased tickets online will automatically be refunded in the next 5 business days on the card they used to purchase the tickets, while those who purchased at the Bulldogs Box Office can receive a refund in person starting next week.
The Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) is an amateur league of men’s Senior A box lacrosse sanctioned by the Canadian Lacrosse Association. The WLA consists of seven teams, based in cities throughout southwestern British Columbia. Each year, the playoff teams battle for the right to compete against the Major Series Lacrosse champion (Ontario) for the Mann Cup every September. The championship is hosted alternately between Ontario (MSL) and British Columbia (WLA) every year.
MEDIA CONTACT
Paul Dal Monte, WLA Commissioner
604-862-8683
