The Portage Collegiate Institute Trojans field lacrosse team's getting set for the upcoming 2017 season in the Winnipeg High School Field Lacrosse League.

The Trojans went 3-3-2 last year and managed to find some success in the playoffs. They lost in the semifinal after some injuries left them without the bulk of their leaders on the field. They did, however, manage to win the consolation game to bring the Consolation Banner home to PCI. The Trojans lost a bulk of their roster to graduation last year, with 14 team members leaving.

"It's going to make things a little bit interesting again," says head coach Al Patterson. "We have some physically strong guys coming out now and hopefully that brings back a little bit of the aggressive part of the game we've been known for over the past few years we've played because a couple of the guys all played football, so they're used to that style of play. They've got some development on the ball handling aspect of it but it's something we'll work on and they'll get better at it for sure."

The Trojans are looking at a roster of just over 20 players, with some splitting their time between field lacrosse and soccer. Patterson's expecting the new players to take note of some of their veterans.

"It's almost like everyone is kind of new to the game on a fairly regular basis. Even box lacrosse players don't have the same playability on the field like they do in the arena, so there are different techniques you use with different checking involved and a different net. We do have a solid group of returnees which is nice, and I do think we've got one of the better goaltenders in the league in Riley Sveistrup. He makes a big difference for us, and that whole group with their knowledge and their background, and the fact that they're returning will be a huge asset for us."

The Trojans open their WHSFLL season on Saturday, April 29th against the R. D. Parker Trojans in Winnipeg.

"There's nothing more exciting to a coach than getting an opportunity to see what your kids can do when they get out on the field," adds Patterson. "It's going to be interesting what everyone looks like out there. There's also a little bit of worry too, but that's what sport all about."