Lakers Take Game 1 of the MSL Finals
Lakers Take Game 1 of the MSL Finals
Anna Taylor • August 14, 2024
Chiefs are no longer undefeated
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers aren’t messing around. They want their Mann Cup back.
The Lakers played a near-perfect road game on Tuesday night, winning 9-8 as they opened their MSL Final series vs the previously-unbeaten Six Nations Chiefs.
Shots were not kept at the ILA but it cannot be overstated how good Landon Kells was in goal. He was square to every shot and saw the ball well, thanks to a stout defence in front of him.
“I expected us to come out firing,” Kells said. “It’s the MSL Finals and both teams deserve to be here. It was just going to be who wanted it more and I feel like we dictated the pace and we dictated how we wanted the game to be played.”
The Lakers were down 3-2 with five minutes to go in the first period before Joe Resetarits tied the game. The game was tied 4-4 before the Lakers scored the last two of the period for a 6-4 lead. It was the first time in seven attempts that the Lakers scored more than three goals in a period against the Chiefs this season.
They increased that lead to 8-5 after the second with Turner Evans and Rob Hellyer sandwiching a Dhane Smith goal.
Six Nations outscored Peterborough 3-1 in the third period, but Taylor Jensen’s transition goal was the game winner as the Lakers managed to hold off a late comeback attempt.
“The defence makes my job easy when they play like that,” Kells said. “They weren’t getting any looks from inside. The looks they were getting were outside shots which I should stop down the alley.”
Travis Longboat scored a pair of goals for the Chiefs, and Larson Sundown had four assists. Doug Jamieson took the loss in goal. Chiefs’ captain Cody Jamieson took three minor penalties, giving the Lakers three of their seven power plays.
Game 2 goes Thursday night at the Memorial Centre. Season ticket holders have until Wednesday at 5 p.m. to claim their seats. Single-game tickets go on sale Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. in person, by phone or online.
SCORING FOR THE LAKERS:
Joe Resetarits (2-4)
Thomas Hoggarth (2-1)
Owen Hiltz (2-1)
Rob Hellyer (1-3)
Turner Evans (1-2)
Taylor Jensen (1-0)
Taite Cattoni (0-3)
Matt Gilray (0-1)
Joey Cupido (0-1)
The Peterborough Lakers are thrilled to announce that season tickets for the 2025 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season will be on sale starting Monday, February 10th at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase their tickets in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office . With a tradition of excellence and an electrifying fan base, Lakers games are an unmissable event for sports enthusiasts. Season tickets offer fans the best seats in the house, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the high-intensity action, skillful playmaking, and championship-caliber performances the Lakers are known for. Many of the NLL players play in the MSL with all the teams so if you want to see these elite players in your own back yard get your tickets today to reserve your seats. Key Dates for Season Ticket Sales: 📅 Monday, February 10th at 10 a.m. – Season tickets go on sale at the Grant Thornton Box Office for both renewals and new subscribers. 📅 Wednesday, May 1, 2025 – The last day to renew season tickets and hold on to your same seats from 2024. 📅 Thursday, May 8th at 10 a.m. – Any seats that have not been renewed will be released to the public for purchase. 📅 Friday, May 9th at 10 a.m. – Season Seat Swap/Upgrade Day. 🚨 A Sweetheart of a Deal! 🚨 Fans can still purchase a $100 Lakers gift certificate for just $90 until February 14th —don’t miss out on this special offer! Season Ticket Benefits: ✅Guaranteed seats for all 9 regular season home games (No playoff games included) ✅Exclusive savings compared to single-game tickets ✅Priority access to playoff tickets ✅Special offers and promotions for season ticket holders ✅Be part of the Lakers' passionate lacrosse community ✅ Season tickets can be pre-printed or picked up at Will Call ✅Passes to Jr. A and Jr. C Lakers games are included! Season Ticket Pricing: 9 Home Games. All games on Thursday nights, starting at 8 p.m.
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers added nine players to their roster through the Major Series Lacrosse Draft, including six Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers graduates. The Lakers were able to protect three Jr. A Lakers prior to the draft, adding defenders Nick Crowley and Frank Coyle and goalie Cole Gervais. They possessed seven picks in the draft’s five rounds and added Tye Scott (second round, Brampton Excelsiors), Chris Harland (third round, Toronto Beaches), Michael Blaymires (fourth round, Peterborough Lakers), Cole Begley (fourth round, Mimico Mountaineers), Caleb Connell (fifth round, Peterborough Lakers) and Nick DiLauro (fifth round, Peterborough Lakers). Read more from Mike Davies: https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/sports/lacrosse/peterborough-lakers-add-nine-to-roster-through-msl-draft/article_d1b53bba-81e1-5cc6-bc73-84d30bab4cea.html
A $100 value for only $90!
The National Lacrosse League kicked off its 2024-25 season this past weekend, and a number of Lakers (current and former) played integral roles for their teams. Toronto Rock 5 @ Ottawa Black Bears 11 Former Jr. A Laker Tyler Hendrycks of the Rock made his pro debut in his hometown, garnering one assist, This wasn't a great game for the Rock, and Corey Small was held pointless while Mark Matthews was limited to a single assist. In the Black Bears' inaugural game, Kiel Matisz scored once and added two assists. Jay Thorimbert won the faceoff battle and scooped up four loose balls. Vancouver Warriors 7 @ Colorado Mammoth 11 There are no Laker connections on the Warriors. Lame. Eli McLaughlin contributed three assists, while also picking up six loose balls. Captain Robert Hope one assist, nine loose balls and one caused turnover, while getting into a scrum at the end of the game and suffering a bloody nose. Las Vegas Desert Dogs 12 @ Rochester Knighthawks 14 Landon Kells made 58 saves as the Vegas netminder was peppered with 72 shots in this game. Defender Dylan Hutchison contributed a pair of assists and a pair of loose balls. Peterborough native Kyle Killen score twice and assisted once. Rochester had five Laker connections on the floor, including Turner Evans, who scored once and assisted once. Taylor Jensen took the face-offs for Rochester and scooped 10 loosies, Matt Gilray had one assist and eight loose balls, and Chad Tutton and Ian Llord had three and two loose ball scoops, respectively. Saskatchewan Rush 10 @ Albany FireWolves 9 OT There is not one single Laker connection on Saskatchewan's roster. Rude. Ethan Walker had a goal and three assists for Albany, who are expecting another big season after making it to the Finals last season. Former Laker Zach Young had two loose ball scoops.
The Peterborough Lakers are thrilled to announce that Pete Dalliday, a familiar and energetic voice in local sports, is joining the organization in a pivotal role. Dalliday, well-known for his passionate game commentary on YourTV for the Lakers, as well as his presence on local radio and TV, brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and deep ties to the Peterborough sports community. Dalliday has been a dedicated supporter of lacrosse and the Lakers for many years, sharing his love for the game with fans across Peterborough and beyond. His longstanding involvement as a commentator has given him a unique perspective on the team's journey and success. Now, Dalliday will take on a new challenge as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. In this role, he will help expand the Lakers' footprint, not only in the local sports landscape but also in Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) and across Ontario. “We are excited to have Pete join our team in this capacity,” said Len Powers, Chairman of the Board. “His connection to the community and understanding of the Lakers' values make him a perfect fit as we strategically grow our presence and engage more deeply with our fans. Pete's enthusiasm will be key as we build the future of lacrosse here in Peterborough.” With his extensive experience in broadcasting, Dalliday will help elevate the Lakers' marketing strategies, driving new sponsorship opportunities and increasing awareness of the sport throughout the region. The Lakers are confident that his leadership in this new role will contribute to growing the game of lacrosse in the area and beyond. Pete Dalliday's dedication to promoting sports in Peterborough is undeniable, and we look forward to seeing his positive impact within the organization. Said Dalliday, “I’d like to thank the board for this opportunity to help lead such an iconic franchise. As someone who has always felt a deep connection to the Lakers—whether as a fan, former player, or from the booth—this role feels like a natural fit. I’m excited to build relationships and strengthen community ties here in Peterborough to support our team, players, fans, and families, continuing to make the Lakers a true part of our community.” Welcome aboard, Pete!
Withers named MVP
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)
The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers suddenly find themselves on the brink of elimination from the Major Series Lacrosse finals after an 8-5 loss in Game 5 Sunday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. The Lakers had a 2-0 series lead but the Chiefs have won the last three, meaning Tuesday’s Game 6 at the Memorial Centre is a must-win for the Lakers or the season will come to an end. Get your tickets NOW at tickets.memorialcentre.ca . The Lakers started well in Game 5, leading 3-1 in the first period. The Chiefs turned it around and led 6-4 after the second, and the Lakers couldn’t catch up. Rob Hellyer led Peterborough with a hat trick and one assist. Travis Longboat got the hat trick for Six Nations. Shots are not kept at the ILA but the Lakers could not have asked for more from Landon Kells and their defence. Doug Jamieson got the win in goal. Tickets for Game 6 are on sale now at the Memorial Centre box office – let’s sell out the arena for the most important game of the season! We aren't ready to be done! If necessary, Game 7 will be Thursday night back at the ILA. SCORING FOR THE LAKERS: Rob Hellyer (3-1) Joe Resetarits (1-2) Carter Page (1-2) Turner Evans (0-1) Adam Thistlethwaite (0-1) Owen Hiltz (0-1) Taite Cattoni (0-1)
The Major Series Lacrosse Finals are down to a best-of-three series after the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers fell 13-10 to the Six Nations Chiefs in Game 4 Thursday night at the Memorial Centre in front of 3,420 fans. Game 5 is Sunday at 7 p.m. in Six Nations, and Game 6 Tuesday back at the Memorial Centre. If necessary, Game 7 will be in Six Nations on Thursday, August 29. Single-game tickets for Game 6 will go on sale Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. when the box office opens. The Lakers surprised the Chiefs in the early going but the experience of the Chiefs showed in the last two games. The game was tied 5-5 after a frantic first period. Joe Resetarits kicked things off with a power play goal, converting Ron Hellyer's behind-the-back pass past Warren Hill. The Chiefs went up 3-1 until Resetarits found the back of the net again with a low spin shot. Jake Withers tied it up 18 seconds later, winning the faceoff and dodging past four defenders, shooting with a little jump over the crease. Thomas Hoggarth got the Lakers' third goal in 1:08 before Eli McLaughlin tied it at 4. Colton Armstrong stripped a defender at centre floor and scored on the breakaway before Lyle Thompson tied it again, 20 seconds later. The Lakers went up 6-5 early in the second on a goal from Adam Thistlethwaite, but then Brendan Bomberry and Lyle Thompson, with his third of the game, scored 18 seconds apart for the lead at 7-6. Bryan Cole made it 8-6 with 8:53 left and Larson Sundown extended the lead to three goals with 1:58 left. “We played a good 50 minutes of lacrosse but they’re such a talented team that in that 10 minutes we got lackadaisical, they made us pay,” said Withers. “That was the difference down the stretch. We play every game to win so we were hoping for a sweep but anyone who has any sense of logic would probably tell you that wasn’t going to happen.” The Chiefs outscored the Lakers 4-3 in the third period, including an empty netter from Justin Martin. Taite Cattoni popped in a power play goal with two seconds left but it was too late in this one. Landon Kells stopped 46 shots in Peterborough’s net, while Warren Hill made 45 saves for Six Nations. Lyle Thompson scored three goals and three assist for the Chiefs for his most productive game of the series - the Lakers defence had held him to four assists in the first three games. Dhane Smith added eight assists. Former Laker Eli McLaughlin scored twice and added three assists. “You have to play a perfect game,” said the birthday boy, Resetarits. “We’re right there, we’re playing well with them. No one’s discouraged, we’re all ready to go. We want it. We want to earn it. We know it’s not going to be easy or given to us. We have to earn it." SCORING FOR THE LAKERS: Joe Resetarits (4-1) Taite Cattoni (1-2) Thomas Hoggarth (1-1) Owen Hiltz (1-1) Colton Armstrong (1-0) Jake Withers (1-0) Adam Thistlethwaite (1-0) Rob Hellyer (0-5) Turner Evans (0-4)
