There are sports fans, there are loud and crazy sports fans, and then there are Box Lacrosse parents.

On Sunday morning, after three days of intense competition, fans piled into Kinsmen arena to watch the Brampton Excelsior’s face off against the Nepean Knights in the final game of the Midget Boys Box Lacrosse championship. In round robin play, Nepean beat Brampton 5-0, on their way to a first-place finish. With vengeance on Brampton’s mind, and not a seat left in the building, the stage was set for one thrilling Final.

Brampton came out of the gates flying, with Brampton’s captain scoring an early goal that sent fans to their feet. Just moments later, Brampton added another goal. However, after a lengthy review, the goal was called back. Not letting the tough call go to their heads, Brampton kept on the pressure and added another two quick goals, just 13 seconds apart for a 3-0 lead.

In response to the strong Brampton attack, Nepean’s coach called for a goalie change and a timeout to settle down his troops. Emerging from the huddle came a brand-new Nepean team, and it was off to the races. One goal got the fans into it, the second one got them fired up, the third goal made them go crazy and the fourth goal (and the lead) almost knocked the roof off the Kinsmen arena. In just four minutes, the lead, and all of the momentum was the Knights'. That was until aBrampton’s defenceman finished off a beautiful shorthanded solo effort and the game was tied again. In the dying seconds of regulation each team had great chances, but this game deserved extra time. In the extra frame, it was the goalies leading the charge, with both goalies coming up with countless big saves.

Enter Zack Thompson. With just five minutes left, the Nepean forward who was named to the tournament All-star team, got his chance and made no mistake. 5-4 Nepean. Then just 30 seconds later, another one. 6-4. “NEVER GIVE UP!” was the message from the Brampton coach heard around the arena as the Excelsior’s continued to battle in the dying minutes. Brampton was able to add one more in the late seconds but it was too late.

What ensued next was a combination of gloves and sticks flying through the air and the deafening sound of those extremely proud parents.

After three days of hard work, and a crazy final game, the Nepean Knights prevailed as Ontario Summer Games Box Lacrosse Champions. Congratulations as well to the London Blue Devils, Peterborough Lakers, Mississauga Tomahawks, Six Nations Warriors and the runner up Brampton Excelsiors on a great weekend of competition.

Edward Qu was named the Tournament MVP.