Western Lacrosse Association relocates game in Pt. Alberni due to wildfires and road closures

Due to the ongoing and evolving impacts of the Cameron Bluff wildfire and closure of Highway 4, the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) has made the difficult decision to relocate the regular season game between the Victoria Shamrocks and Burnaby Lakers, scheduled for Saturday June 24 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, to The Q Centre in Victoria.

The league had worked closely with David Michaud and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization over the past several months to bring a regular season WLA game to the Alberni Valley Multiplex, however, in light of information shared by the provincial government this week, WLA commissioner Paul Dal Monte, in consultation with Michaud and WLA Governors determined that it would not be possible or responsible to play the game in Port Alberni.

“I’d like to thank Chris Welch, the Victoria Shamrocks organization, and The Q Centre for stepping up to host this game. While we know this is a huge disappointment for lacrosse fans in Port Alberni, as well as our players and coaches, our primary responsibility is the health and safety of the firefighters and road crews, and we are committed to returning to Port Alberni in 2024”, said Dal Monte.

In an effort to support the Community of Port Alberni and those who acted so quickly when Highway 4 was originally closed, the Burnaby Lakers & Victoria Shamrocks will donate a portion of the proceeds of the game to the Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni. The Bread of Life Centre stepped up and served breakfast to over 160 individuals who found themselves in Port Alberni without accommodations.

“While this is a disappointing turn of events, we support the WLA’s decision.” said Bulldogs President David Michaud. “We’re excited that the WLA is committed to bring a game to Port Alberni and we will begin work immediately to host a game in June of 2024.”

Fans who purchased tickets online will automatically be refunded in the next 5 business days on the card they used to purchase the tickets, while those who purchased at the Bulldogs Box Office can receive a refund in person starting next week.

The game between the Burnaby Lakers and Victoria Shamrocks will be played Saturday June 24th at 7 pm at The Q Centre in Victoria.

Ticket Information

I bought tickets in port alberni, what happens now?

I'd like to buy tickets for the victoria game?

Tickets are available online, or at the Shamrocks box office during regular hours. The office will be open special hours on Saturday, June 24th from noon until faceoff.

I'm a season ticket holder for the Shamrocks, do I get tickets for this game?

No, as this is not a regularly scheduled Shamrocks home game (it is considered to be a Burnaby home game), season tickets and vouchers will not be honoured.

I'm a season ticket holder for the shamrocks, can i buy my regular seats?

Due to the short turnaround in relocating the game, seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of box suites, who will be contacted this week.

where is the money for this game going?

Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to cover the costs of hosting the game, including Burnaby's travel, and costs of webcasting and staff. Proceeds in excess of costs will be donated to The Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni. Neither team will profit from this game.

We would particularly like to acknowledge the board and staff of West Shore Parks & Recreation, who are waiving the usual costs of renting the floor at The Q Centre for this game in support of the fundraising goals of the game.