The Moose Jaw Mustangs U15 lacrosse team will be going on a trip of a lifetime as they are heading down to Phoenix, Arizona this weekend.  

The Mustangs will be competing in the United States Box Lacrosse’s 2023 Winter Nationals from Feb. 4 to 5.  

Mustangs Head coach, Joey Folk is not a wins-and-losses kind of guy but heading into this tournament he does have a goal in mind.  

“As long as our team works as hard, as they can and as hard as I know they can, I’m pretty much happy with that, as long as the kids compete every game," says Folk. This is a good stepping stone because we’re hoping to continue this program in the years coming up. This will be a perfect opportunity to see where we’re at and build for the future.” 

It will also be an opportunity to see how the Canadian lacrosse game compares to how it’s played in the United States.  

“They’re a little more run and gun, whereas up here we’re a little more physical and more used to playing the box style.” 

They heard about this tournament from an event in Calgary last year and Folk wanted to keep their training going in the off-season and this open tournament was the way to do that.  

This experience will also be one the team will never forget. For #15 Kashton Smith, he says that he’s excited about the nicer weather in Arizona.  

“It’s pretty much summer down there right now,” says Smith. Also, to play against the teams in Arizona and see how we match up.” 

Like Smith, #20 Caiden Arnott, is looking forward to the event for the nice weather and he gets to continue to play the game he loves.  

“Get away from school, have a vacation, play some lacrosse, and have some fun,” explains Arnott with a smile on his face.  

The tournament will also give these kids an opportunity to play in front of NCAA scouts and coaches, which could potentially allow them to continue playing lacrosse after high school.  

“I do want to keep playing in the future. Hopefully, I can get somewhere and I’m not exactly sure what my goal is right now,” says #12 Chase Folk.  

For #14 Luke Turner he’s excited about the tournament to be able to play against the United States but also gets to continue playing lacrosse.  

“I like the roughness, and hanging out with friends. I just love the sport,” notes Turner.  

Moose Jaw is guaranteed four games with the potential to play up to seven if they make it all the way to the finals They will go up against teams from Colorado, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Idaho.  

The Mustangs will open up the competition on Saturday morning when they play the High Sierra Avalanche.  

People can keep along with their progress HERE.

Getting down to Arizona was no small feat for the team, but the Moose Jaw community has steeped up to help alleviate some of their expenses. 

"It was really great. Some of the people that have stepped up are the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, Babich Farms, John Iatridis the owner of the Mad Greek Restaurant, the Crushed Can Rec Room & Bar, Schultz Electric, and Do-All Mechanical. This can't be done without any of these sponsors," says Folk. 

The U15 squad will also be joined by Moose Jaw's U18 Mustangs, as they will be competing in the same event this weekend in the Elite A Division.