Lakers Get The Best Of Oakville In 9-6 Win

By Anna Taylor
Photo Credit: David Pickering

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers picked up their fourth win in a row on Thursday night, dispatching the Oakville Rock 9-6 at the Memorial Centre. It moves the Lakers back into sole possession of second place in the MSL standings, two points ahead of the Brooklin Lacrosse Club with a game in hand.

The Lakers received a pair of goals each from Ben Trumble, Braedon Saris and Holden Cattoni. The game was tied six times, with Cattoni’s second goal of the game the winner halfway through the third period. Brad McCulley scored a highlight-reel no-look behind-the-back goal for insurance with a minute left to play.

It feels like the Lakers have turned a corner.

“I think they're keeping it simple and they’re playing with a bit of pace,” offered head coach Mike Hasen. “The ball is moving. We have had a tendency of getting it stuck on one side. Right now, it's swinging side to side and a lot of guys are getting a lot of good looks. We’re getting a lot of great shots and great opportunities and, you know, I think the biggest thing for us is that we're sticking with it. We’re not bailing on things when it doesn't go our way. Like 27-28 shots after the first period tonight with (only) one goal, right, we stuck with it. We didn't try to change anything, we just continued through and that’s a great sign of maturity, basically.”

Each team received only one minor penalty throughout the game (though the Lakers Broedie Birkhof also received a major and two misconducts).

“A lot of it is based on Broedie’s reputation, unfortunately,” said Hasen. “It’s unfortunate because you know he took two three whacks before he did anything.”

But the team rebounded hard – Joe Resetarits scored a shorthanded beauty and then the Lakers shut it down in the third. Drew Hutchison made 36 saves in goal for the Lakers, who got the better of Landon Kells in the Rock net, firing 62 shots at him.

Jack MacAlpine and Carson Moyer each had two goals for Oakville. Captain Josh Dawick contributed three assists. 

The Lakers are on the road Saturday to Collingwood to play the Owen Sound North Stars. It’ll be a depleted lineup with a number of Lakers attending Jordan Stouros’ wedding.

Hasen said he projects 13 regulars, including Nick Rose, will be available. The rest of the holes will be filled by callups from Sr. B and Jr. A.

“We’re going to look a little bit different. A few unknowns out there but defensively we're going to be strong. The right side is going to be consistent but the left side is going to be a little bit by committee with a couple new guys in there.”

The Lakers are back on home floor next Thursday, July 24 to play their final regular season home game before closing out the regular season on Sunday, July 27 in Cobourg. It’s Little Lakers Night in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre and also Fan Appreciation night.

Scoring for the Lakers:

Braeden Saris (2-1)

Ben Trumble (2-1)

Holden Cattoni (2-0)

Joe Resetarits (1-2)

Brad McCulley (1-1)

Mike Robinson (1-0)

Colton Armstrong (0-2)

Matt Gilray (0-2)

Dylan Hutchison (0-1)