Red Deer’s Carson Wells got to live out a lifelong lacrosse dream, which came unexpectedly.
Earlier this month after the Red Deer Rampage were knocked out of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League Jr. B Tier I provincials Wells got an offer he could not refuse.
After a successful season helping lead the Rampage to a central division title, he was picked up by the provincial champion Edmonton Warriors in their quest for the gold medal at the Founders Cup Jr. B Lacrosse National Championships in Port Coquitlam, B.C.
However, when first approached he was offered the backup goalie position. But when the Warriors’ netminder went down in the provincial final, Wells was handed the starting job.
“It was definitely nerve-wracking,” Wells said. “I never competed at such a high level… But I felt like I went in there and everything turned out great.”
Indeed it did.
Not only did Wells start all six games for Edmonton but the Warriors won the gold medal game over the Akwesasne Thunder 9-7 on Aug. 19.
“It was an unbelievable experience. It’s honestly been a lifelong dream ever since my brother played juniors. It’s hard to put into words because of how high up that is,” he said.
“It’s the national championship. It’s insane and I’m still shocked.”
The Warriors opened the tournament, which took place from Aug. 14-19, with an 18-11 win over the Queen City Kings followed by a 14-6 win over the Thunder.
A day later the Warriors defeated the Port Coquitlam Saints 14-12 but the next game the Warriors lost their first game to the Onondaga Redhawks 10-9. The Warriors rebounded with a 9-7 win over the Victoria Shamrocks before the gold medal game.
“The B.C. and Ontario teams are usually the teams to beat in any lacrosse tournament. As a Red Deer goalie, I’ve never seen shots like that. The shot accuracy and power was a whole different ball game,” he said.
“The first game was definitely a little shaky for me just because I was new to the experience but I simplified my game and got it done.”
Wells’ performance throughout the tournament earned him top goaltender honours and was named a first-team all-star. Through six games he posted a .813 save percentage and an 8.57 goals-against average.
“I didn’t feel like I was at my best but that was also because I never played such high-level lacrosse before. My save percentage was lower than I was expecting but going into the championship game I wasn’t expecting either award. Overall, I felt like I had a very good tournament,” he said.
Wells was also a part of the Rampage’s magical run throughout the RMLL divisional playoffs where they upset the league-best Silvertips. He’s not sure if he’ll return as he’s pondering an offer to play Junior A lacrosse next season but hasn’t made up his mind.
“We all clicked and bonded well. None of the guys on the team were expecting to make it to provincials this year,” he said.
“I think it’s fair to say the whole province wasn’t expecting the Rampage to make it but we came together at the end of the season… We had some crazy momentum.”