The North American Indigenous Games are less than eight months away, which means teams will soon be solidified in 14 sports the event will offer to patrons.
Here in B.C., the governing body for Indigenous sport has narrowed down its box lacrosse teams and have shortlisted three Prince George players for its Under-16 men’s development squad.
Derek Gelowitz, Dylan Ilett and Nicholas Krawczyk are on to the next stage of tryouts, competing against 23 other players for a spot on the final roster by Spring 2020.
Gelowitz is a member of the Metis First Nation and was part of the provincial medal-winning Prince George Midget ‘B’ Posse squad this year.
He potted the game-winner in a 6-3 rout of Langley to claim the bronze medal.
Ilett is affiliated with Nechako/Metis First Nation and also plays hockey for the Cariboo Major Bantam Cougars.
The 14-year-old represented Team B.C. in the box at the 2019 Bantam Lacrosse Nationals in Coquitlam this past summer, settling for silver after falling to Ontario in the gold medal match.
Nicholas Krawczyk of Duncan’s First Nation earned a prestigious honour back in March from the Indigneous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (ISPARC).
He was the recipient of the Provincial Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport based on his leadership abilities as he was named captain for his Prince George rep and house teams last season.
Krawczyk was one of the youngest Premier’s Award winners at age 14 and was also a member of the bronze-medal Prince George Posse Midget ‘B’ team at provincials.
All three teenagers will continue to train over the winter months ahead of Spring development training sessions.
Team B.C.’s box lacrosse rosters will be finalized following those camps.
Halifax is hosting the 2020 edition of the North American Indigenous Games, taking place from July 12 to 19.
