Californians play into championship game in Canada

Five players from the Petaluma River Cats’ youth program were key members of a California lacrosse team that showed the Canadians that the sport is well-played by their southern neighbors.

Max Bechtel, Tommy Buickerood, Spencer Almy, Matt Salazar and Kyle Gomez-Flowers were members of a 12 and under U.S. team that participated in the Canada Day Indoor Lacrosse Tournament in Calgary.

The team, organized by Shayton Santos, a San Jose Stealth professional player with strong Canadian ties, was the first U.S. contingent ever to play in the traditional Canadian tournament.

“It went far better than anyone expected by a long shot,” said Petaluma’s Dave Almy, who helped coach the U.S. team.

Despite having almost no experience with the indoor game, played on a smaller field than the outdoor sport played in Petaluma, and having only 10 practices before heading to the tournament, the U.S. team fared very well, battling their way into the championship game against a strong Canadian team.

Playing for the gold medal in a version of the sport most of the American players were still learning, the California team fell behind, 7-2, then rallied to tie the game. Neither team scored in two overtimes and the game went to a shootout, with the Canadians winning on the third shot.

“They did a great job,” Almy said of the California squad. “Everybody is excited and looking for the next opportunity.”

The U.S. team certainly impressed National Lacrosse League coach Paul Stewart.

“I never imagined that the California indoor lacrosse team would even win a game, let alone achieve anywhere close to the success they had. Understand that nobody in the lacrosse world would ever think that a California team had any business even being in a game, let alone contending for a championship. They truly showed us that it is time to change how we think.”

The Petaluma players had a big foot in the Californians’ success.

Buickerood and Salazar were selected as game MVPs by opposing coaches during tournament play. Spencer Almy was a starter in most games and Bechtel and Gomez-Flowers each made big plays for the U.S. team.

“The game is markedly more physical and rugged than the field game,” coach Almy said. “But the kids from California gave as well as they took.

“I think they showed a higher level of athleticism (than the opposition).

“Once they got through making adjustments, they competed well.

“I think they may have run out of gas a little by the championship game, but it was a great showing and a great experience.”

The team was supported by the Beyond the Glory Restaurant. “Their support was instrumental in helping offset the not inconsiderable expenses of getting to and from Canada,” said Almy.