The Vancouver Warriors continued their historic 2025-26 season with an 8-7 comeback win over the Halifax Thunderbirds last Friday at Rogers Arena, setting a new franchise record with their 12th victory.
Trailing 6-4 entering the fourth quarter, Vancouver scored four times in the final frame to secure the win, improving to 12-5 on the season.
The result moved the Warriors into first place in the NLL standings, pending other results, while also strengthening their position to secure home-floor advantage in the playoffs.
Fourth-quarter surge highlights playoff-style win
In a game that mirrored postseason intensity, both teams played a tight-checking, physical contest from start to finish.
Halifax held a two-goal advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but Vancouver’s defensive structure and composure proved decisive.
The Warriors limited Halifax to just one goal in the final 15 minutes while capitalizing on their chances at the other end.
A key turning point came early in the third quarter when Vancouver successfully killed off a 3-on-5 penalty.
The sequence prevented Halifax from extending its lead and helped shift momentum back toward the home side.
Head coach Curt Malawsky pointed to that moment as a defining stretch in the game, crediting his team’s discipline and execution for keeping the deficit manageable before the late push.
Goaltenders anchor both sides
The game also featured a strong goaltending battle, with both teams relying heavily on their netminders.
Vancouver’s Christian Del Bianco made 41 saves on 48 shots, delivering key stops throughout the game to keep the Warriors within striking distance.
At the other end, Halifax’s Warren Hill turned aside 51 of 59 shots, facing sustained pressure from Vancouver’s offence.
Both goaltenders played a central role in what remained a one-goal game, even as the pace and physicality increased.
Offensive leaders step up in key moments
Vancouver’s top players delivered when it mattered most.
Jesse King led the way with a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in the fourth quarter.
Keegan Bal recorded two goals and two assists for a four-point performance, continuing his standout campaign.
Curtis Dickson added two goals of his own, reaching another milestone in the process, while Owen Grant contributed a transition goal.
Steph Charbonneau’s screen helped create space on Grant’s tally, highlighting the team’s ability to generate offence through details and positioning.
Dickson said the win reflected the team’s identity, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
“We just want to be a hard team to play against,” Dickson said. “I think we showed that tonight, especially on the defensive end. They were grinding it out and made it tough for them to get to the middle.”
Milestones underline franchise progress
The victory marked a significant step forward for a franchise that has undergone steady growth in recent seasons.
The Warriors’ 12th win surpassed last year’s total of 11 and represents the most successful regular season since the team moved to the Lower Mainland in 2014.
Bal also reached a personal milestone, setting a career high with 113 points (39 goals, 74 assists), while Dickson recorded his 10th season with 40 or more goals — the second-most in NLL history.
Malawsky said the achievement is meaningful not just for the current group but for the organization and its supporters, noting the challenges of previous seasons and the importance of building a competitive product in Vancouver.
Process-driven approach fuels success
While the milestones continue to accumulate, the Warriors have remained focused on their long-term approach.
Bal said the team’s emphasis has been on staying process-oriented rather than becoming distracted by results or individual achievements.
“I think you just have to be process-oriented rather than focusing on the outcome,” Bal said. “It’s a hyper-competitive sport, but everyone in that room is in love with the process. It’s been fun, but we’re nowhere near where we want to be.”
That mindset has helped Vancouver establish an identity built on consistency, work ethic, and defensive accountability under Malawsky since the 2023-24 season.
Warriors rally around lacrosse community
The game also carried emotional significance beyond the standings.
The Warriors wore “We Are One” T-shirts during warmups in support of Hayden Yerbury, a 15-year-old Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse player who was hospitalized after being struck in the neck by a lacrosse ball.
The shirts, featuring Yerbury’s No. 21, are part of a fundraiser through MVP Athletics, with proceeds going to his family.
Malawsky described the lacrosse community as a close-knit group that comes together in difficult moments, adding that the team felt a shared sense of purpose during the game.
Looking ahead to regular-season finale
With a playoff spot already secured, the Warriors will close out the regular season on April 18 when they host the Philadelphia Wings at Rogers Arena for Fan Appreciation Night.
As Vancouver continues its best season in franchise history, the focus now shifts toward maintaining momentum and preparing for what the team hopes will be a deep playoff run.
The Warriors have one final home game then hit the floor April 18th hosting the Wings followed by a playoff game April 24th with their opponent currently listed as a TBD.
Voting is also now open for the Team Awards which will decided by you – the fan for the following categories.
Most Valuable Player
Defenceman of the Year Unsung Hero
Voting for this year’s Team Awards closes on Friday, April 17 at 11:59pm PT and can be completed HERE!
In addition to the three voted on by fans, the Warriors will also announce the winners of two additional awards:
Leading Scorer Teammate of the Year
Canadian Choice Awards
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