Thanks to everyone who has watched, supported, and helped at the 16th annual Vancouver Invitational! Congratulations to the Phoenix Heat, who went undefeated in the tournament to win 1st place.
It’s been an absolute blast, and we look forward to having everyone out next year.
1st Place – Phoenix Heat
2nd Place – Ontario Lightning
3rd Place – Seattle Slam Div. 1
Seth McBride: Most Clutch
Jeremy Hannaford: Best Picker
Mike Whitehead: Most Heart
Jim Roberts: MVP
On Day 1, we’ll be gearing up to watch the Phoenix Heat, the #2 ranked club in the USQRA (United States Quad Rugby Association) take on the Ontario Lightning in the first match of the day.. Nearly the entire Phoenix club has been invited to participate at the USA Wheelchair Rugby selection camp. Scott Hogsett, Joe Delagrave, and Nick Springer also appeared in the 2012 London Paralympics, where they USA took bronze. The Ontario Lightning are no slouches either – their roster features longtime Canadian national team staple Garrett Hickling and paralympian Jason Crone.
On court B, we have the Ontario Thunder facing off against the Alberta Roughnecks. The Thunder will be working hard to contain the speedy Zak Madell, considered one of the most dominant players in the world.
We have a lot of games over the weekend, so check back as we update with scores and stories, and if you’re in the area, get over here!
Congratulations to the Seattle Slam for placing 1st in the Pacific Sectionals Quad Rugby Tournament and advancing to Nationals! Also in attendance were the Portland Pounders, who finished 5th in the tournament. Both clubs will only have a week to rest before heading to Vancouver to battle Team BC (unofficially referred to as the BC Bandits).
Team Seattle has an impressive roster featuring Japanese national team member Daisuke Ikezaki. He’s a class-3.0, and is known for both his agility and his endurance on the court. He often plays entire games for Team Japan.
The Seattle Slam and the Portland Pounders are not the only two American clubs appearing. The tournament will also feature strong competition from the Phoenix Heat, ranked 2nd in the country by the USQRA in January.
I can’t believe we’re only a few days away. See you on Friday!
So! Are you looking for work experience? Want to lend the wheelchair rugby community a hand? Care to meet some new friends? We might even have a shirt for you.
Volunteer for the Vancouver Invitational. The tournament is a longstanding staple for wheelchair rugby clubs and enthusiasts, and it’s one of the few opportunities to see some of the best wheelchair rugby athletes in the world.
Volunteers have been helping at the Vancouver Invitational since it’s inception 16 years ago. We would not be able to hold events like this without support from individuals like yourself. Click here to sign up, or if you have any questions, be in touch.
