The Prince Albert Predators have arrived in Abbotsford, B.C., with one clear goal—winning the MacDonald Cup for the second year in a row. The Western Canada Junior B lacrosse champions will begin their title defense on Wednesday, August 6, with high hopes and sharp focus.
After wrapping up a second undefeated season and securing their league title two weeks ago, the Predators took time to recover and prepare. The break between the playoffs and the national tournament gave the team 11 days without competition. However, Head Coach Lucas Wells believes the rest will prove valuable.
Wells shared that the team used the downtime to go back to basics. “Last week and a half was just kind of getting back to being healthy,” he said. “We focused on simple drills and didn’t push too hard. The tournament is long, so I didn’t want to wear the players out.”
This year’s MacDonald Cup features eight teams, all from British Columbia, making the Predators the only out-of-province team. Wells said he isn’t sure why Alberta teams are missing this year but believes Saskatchewan’s playing style will stand out.
“Teams here don’t expect how physical or fast we play,” Wells said. “We’re aggressive, we’re quick, and we’re loud. That’s not something many teams are used to, and it usually catches them off guard.”
The Predators are known for their in-your-face style, which helped them win last year’s title in Alberta. Now, they plan to bring that same energy to the B.C. competition.
The team’s first test will come against the West Kootenay Timberwolves at 2:00 p.m. Saskatchewan time on Wednesday. They will then face the Westshore Bears on Thursday and the Valley Sturgeon on Friday during the round-robin stage.
Coach Wells acknowledged the challenge of playing three games in three nights but sees it as a benefit. “We get better the more we play,” he said. “The first game might be a bit slow, but by the third game, we should be at our best.”
Winning all three games would give the team a strong position heading into the playoff rounds. Still, Wells believes that even if the start is shaky, the team’s momentum will build quickly.
Wells expects the Predators’ style to not only surprise but also frustrate their opponents. “They may not like us,” he said, “but that’s okay. We’re here to win.”
Although the team is facing only B.C. squads this year, the Predators are confident that their prairie grit and proven system will hold up against any opponent.
All games in the tournament will be streamed online. Fans can follow the action live through Twitch, giving supporters back home the chance to watch the team fight for another national title.
With strong leadership, a tested game plan, and a full roster, the Prince Albert Predators are ready for another big run. Their goal is clear: return home with the MacDonald Cup once again.
