Double Duty in Victoria for Cole Pickup

The Minto Cup has been over for a week while other Canadian National Championships are currently being decided. BCJALL players have enjoyed the final days of summer and some are now packed and moved to campuses across Canada and the US for another school year - with field “Fall Ball” around the corner.

But for the Victoria Shamrocks, Cole Pickup there is no off season as he jumps immediately into hockey season with the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The routine is nothing new for the BCJALL 1st Team All-Star and Victoria Shamrocks Rookie of the Year “I started played lacrosse in the spring before Kindergarten at 5 years old, and then hockey that fall.” Cole admits that time management is challenging at times, but he and his family manage to find some down time. “I’ve been working full time this summer, practicing or playing lacrosse, then getting on the ice a couple of times a week, and at the gym [in]between. I did manage to have the first week of August off. As a family we all went to Las Vegas and Disneyland for a week. It was a great break.”

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Cole Pickup receiving his Rookie of the Year Award from Victoria Shamrocks General Manager Rod Wood (Photo by Gary Woodbrun)[/caption]

Cole’s passion is noticeable both in his play and when asked about which sport he prefers more. “I love both sports; I really enjoy being with a team, and working hard together for the win.” He’s lucky in that he can share those wins in the same arena, The Q Centre, year-round. “I am so fortunate to be playing both hockey and lacrosse at home. I was able to finish high school with my friends at home, sleep in my own bed and have my friends and family support me at my games. Playing both sports wouldn’t have been possible without such great support from both the Grizzlies and Shamrocks.”

Coming off of his best year of lacrosse playing in 18 games for the Shamrocks, he recorded 32 goals and 39 assists for 71 points along with 79 minutes in penalties. “I think [lacrosse and hockey] have always complimented each other. Speed, agility, eye hand coordination, the physical aspects; they both have it.” He said when asked if one sport helps in the development of the other. Cole was initially protected by the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL). However, he chose to commit to the BCHL and the Grizzlies to focus on finishing his education, with hopes of a professional playing career in the future.

Cole understands the demands of NCAA athletics “I think it would be great to play both [lacrosse and hockey] at the NCAA level, but I'm not sure that would be possible with academics as well.” He has field lacrosse experience having played with elite travel program Burnaby Mountain Selects in a tournament in Denver, CO. “I have spoken with both lacrosse and hockey schools. I am hoping to earn a scholarship and It’s been great to hear from the schools and about what they have to offer. The NCAA is a great way to further my education, play a sport I love, develop over the four year and earn a degree and then play professionally.”

If Cole is able to "pickup" where he left off with the Shamrocks the Grizzlies are in for a successful 2014-2015 season!