The Estevan Big Dogs got on the floor for the first time in a game situation on the weekend, playing a home-and-home exhibition set against the Assiniboia Attack, a senior team.
The two clubs tied 8-8 Friday at the Lignite Miners Centre, and the Big Dogs lost 7-2 on Sunday in Assiniboia.
Mark Moriarty and Tanner Froese each scored twice for Estevan on Friday. Ryan Curzon, Marshall Holzer and Rhett Handley each had several assists.
"We learned a lot from the first game. We played really well for 45 minutes, we played good defence, and then I think the kids were a little tired," said Big Dogs head coach Evan Handley.
"We had some mental slips in the third period and gave up four goals."
Handley scored both goals on Sunday as the Attack dressed a more experienced squad and the Devils battled bad floor conditions.
The Big Dogs open the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League regular season on Saturday when the Regina Riot visit the LMC. Game time is 6 p.m.
"They look pretty young," Handley said. "I think it'll be a real good test for us and if we play the way we can, we have a chance to win that game."
Handley said he likes the make-up of this year's team, starting with captain Curzon.
"We've got real good leadership with guys like Ryan Curzon, Lucas Smyth, Colin Fogarty. Those kids are all good leaders and they'll give some good guidance to the young kids. "
He's also happy with his group of 17- and 18-year-olds, including Holzer, James Chamney, Michael Bittman, Wayde Curzon and Ty Currie.
About 12 players are back from last year.
"I think we're a good team that can move the ball. We should be able to score some goals," Handley continued. "These kids are all athletes. They do other sports. Defensively, we'll be able to compete athletically with other teams.
"I think we'll have two really good lines, along with some other kids we can throw out. That's exciting because that isn't something we've had in the past.
"We're growing. We have kids who came up through Estevan Minor (Box) Lacrosse."
