The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers season came to an end Tuesday night at the Memorial Centre in an 11-8 loss to the Six Nations Chiefs, who took the MSL Final series four games to two, winning the Everett Coates Memorial Trophy. They’ll represent Major Series Lacrosse in the 2024 Mann Cup, which they’ll host at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena beginning September 6. It’s the second consecutive season the Lakers have lost out to the Chiefs on their home floor. “It sucks,” said Colton Armstrong. “It sucks to end playoffs like that, go up two games and then lose four straight.” The Lakers were two games away from winning the MSL in a season when many counted them out, which bodes well for the future. “We came together as a group and we showed both Peterborough and Six Nations that we’re not going to give up,” Armstrong said. “We showed heart on this team… It sucks to lose but this is a big stepping stone for us for next year. We’re going to come back next year very, very hungry.” The Chiefs led 5-2 after the first period, and 7-3 after the second period, which also featured a fight between Armstrong and Bryan Cole. Peterborough outscored Six Nations 6-4 in the third period, and twice came within a single goal of the Chiefs, both on Thomas Hoggarth markers, but they couldn’t find the equalizer. Landon Kells made 39 saves as he continued his strong play in goal, and was named Hardest Working Player of the game. Thomas Hoggarth was named the offensive player of the game and Eric Shewell the defensive player of the game. Warren Hill, who made 44 saves in the game, shared the Johnny “Shooter” Davis Award with Doug Jamieson as playoff MVPs. Each goaltender was 4-1 in the postseason. The Lakers, who played three more playoff games than the Chiefs, and six more than any other MSL team, took the top five spots in playoff scoring: 1. Joe Resetarits - 21G/38A/59P 2. Rob Hellyer – 15G/42A/57P 3. Turner Evans – 15G/31A/46P 4. Thomas Hoggarth – 23G/14A/37P 5. Owen Hiltz – 14G/20A/34A It's another sign that the future is bright for the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers. "I think if you asked people two months ago if we would take them to six games they would have laughed at you," said Jake Withers, who won 15 of 22 draws in the final game. It maybe have been a rocky regular season, but the team really came together the moment the playoffs started, and captain Robert Hope reminded everyone in the dressing room afterwards that preparation for next season begins right now, so the Lakers come back stronger. "I think we’re doing all the right things," said Withers. "I trust every single person in that room. I trust the coaching staff and executive. Six Nations got the best of us this year but we’re trending in the right direction." The Lakers will return in 2025. SCORING FOR THE LAKERS: Thomas Hoggarth (3-0) Turner Evans (2-2) Joe Resetarits (1-3) Owen Hiltz (1-2) Colton Armstrong (1-0) Alex Pace (0-1) Taite Cattoni (0-1)