Okotoks Raiders- 2018 RMJALL Champions

The Okotoks Raiders & the Calgary Mountaineers waged war for 7 games, saving the best one for the last.

Last night, in sweltering heat, on the hottest day in Calgary's history, @ Max Bell 2, with no A/C,  these 2 longtime bitter rivals battled it out till the last whistle. The Raiders prevailed 9-8 in another see-saw tilt, where the lead was never more than 2 goals. The Raiders were up by 2 late in the 3rd, when the Mounties scored @ 5:40 to climb within 1. With 17 seconds left to play, the Mounties gambled on an illegal equipment call that was rejected by the officials. That gave the Raiders possession, the game & the series win.  This seven game series was as good as you will ever see in this part of the world. Close, hard fought games, no quarter given, none taken. Overtime, last minute wins, fights, suspensions, controversy, emotion was over the top, palpable. Both organizations should be proud of their accomplishments this year. The best part is that not only will these 2 teams put aside their differences & co-host the Minto Cup next week, but they will both be representing Alberta in the tournament against the Brampton Excelsiors, the OJALL champions & perennial BCJALL champions Coquitlam Adanacs. If you are a lacrosse fan in Calgary from Aug.16-26, & even if you have never seen a live lacrosse game, you will want to be at Max Bell to witness this lacrosse spectacular.