By Devan Mighton
Three members of the Windsor Warlocks minor lacrosse association returned home with medals after stellar performances at the Canadian Minor Lacrosse Championships in Halifax, NS, and the Carol Patterson Cup Women’s U22 Championship in Whitby.
Emma Mighton: Backstopping Ontario to U17 Gold
Sixteen-year-old goaltender Emma Mighton helped Team Ontario clinch gold at the U17 Women’s Nationals in Halifax, adding a second national title to her growing resume. After winning gold in Regina in 2023 and silver earlier this year, Mighton delivered an outstanding performance, posting a 3-1 record—including a 54-save win in the semi-final against Nova Scotia and a 47-save victory over Alberta in the final.
“It was amazing,” Mighton said of her first trip to Nova Scotia. “Playing with and against the best girls in the country is such a cool experience.”
Ontario stumbled in its tournament opener, falling 5-0 to Alberta. “We didn’t get that many chances to practice as a team before Nationals, and, in the first game, you could feel it,” she explained. “Everyone was a little disorganized and nervous.”
The team found its rhythm as the week went on, culminating in a tightly contested final. Up by two goals in the dying minutes, Ontario allowed a quick Alberta goal, setting up a dramatic finish. In the last seven seconds, Mighton made a clutch breakaway save, securing gold for Ontario.
Kayla Derush: Battling Back for U22 Bronze
Kayla Derush, a 20-year-old Windsor veteran, competed at her third national tournament at the U22 championship in Whitby. Despite suffering an injury in Ontario’s opening game, Derush slowly returned to action as the tournament progressed.
“My experience was amazing. This was the best team I’ve been on,” Derush shared. “Everyone got along and I got close with everyone.”
One highlight came in the opening game, where Ontario beat four-time defending champions Alberta in overtime.
Though Ontario missed out on the championship game, they bounced back to defeat Manitoba for the bronze. Playing in Ontario also meant more family and friends could cheer the team on. “I feel like that really helped with our performance because of the energy they brought.”
Blair Cosgrove: Coaching Team Quebec to Bronze
Former Warlocks player and coach Blair Cosgrove added to the medal haul, helping guide Team Quebec’s U15 squad to a bronze medal in Halifax. Now coaching with the West Island Vikings minor lacrosse association, Cosgrove reflected on the experience from behind the bench.
“Growing up playing lacrosse in Ontario, you take for granted the opportunities you have,” Cosgrove explained. “Getting involved with lacrosse in Quebec has really given me a bigger perspective. Nationals was the first time some of the Quebec kids had seen lacrosse at such a high level. Watching them learn, grow and compete is something I can’t put into words.”
Cosgrove called the experience “incredible,” and one filled with memories to last a lifetime.