Five P.A. lacrosse players to represent Saskatchewan at bantam nationals

Earlier this month, the Prince Albert Trappers vanquished all opponents to claim the provincial bantam box lacrosse title. Next week five of those champion Trappers are getting the chance to repeat that feat at the national level.

Matthew St. Germain, Bauer Swystun, Chase Ulriksen, Hayden Ulriksen and Kyler Wiese will be suiting up with Team Saskatchewan at the 2017 Canadian Lacrosse Association Bantam Box Lacrosse National Championship in Saskatoon from July 30 to Aug. 4. Bauer and St. Germain were part of last year’s provincial team that finished fifth at the tournament, while Wiese and the Ulriksens are joining the team for the first time.

Bryan Swystun coached the Trappers quintet at provincials. He said it’s very fulfilling to see his players qualify for Team Saskatchewan.

“I know that these kids have worked hard and their skills have really improved,” he said.

“It’s very rewarding, as somebody who’s watched them go through the process and grow up through the sport, that they’re (among) the best kids in the country. It’s a lot of credit to them. They worked hard.”

The players were selected at a weekend-long tryout in Saskatoon. Dozens of athletes of different sizes, skill levels and playing styles from all over the province attended the camp and took part in drills and scrimmages. At the end of the weekend a number of players were asked to leave the dressing room and those who remained were told that they made the team.

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