MSL Finals Schedule Released

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)

Big Game 4 set for Thursday at Memorial Centre

Game 2 of the MSL Finals was 3:07 away from needing overtime when the Century 21 Lakers’ Colton Armstrong scored on a breakaway, opening the floodgates for his team. The Lakers scored three goals in a minute late in the game to take the game 8-5 over the Six Nations Chiefs. The Lakers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0. “Matt Gilray made the big strip on Cody Jamieson and I saw a clear path to the net,” Armstrong described. “He threw the ball up to me and I had some time. Usually I go really fast but I took my time and put the ball in the net. Got some air off the end boards there, I didn’t know when I was going to come down but it was a really cool experience and this arena blew right up. I wanted to give the guys a spark and right there we had a three-goal run. I don’t think these fans sat down for any of those.” The 2902 fans in attendance roared their approval for each Lakers' goal. Landon Kells played his second consecutive game, and made 53 saves in another spectacular defensive effort. “'What’s next,' that’s always the mentality in the room, and that’s the way you have to go about it because there’s going to be peaks and valleys and you just have to keep persevering," Kells said. Like Game 1, the Chiefs took a 2-0 lead before Peterborough got on the board. Dylan Hutchison grabbed the pass from Taite Cattoni and dropped it home. Steve Priolo put Six Nations up 3-1 before Peterborough rattled off three goals in a row for a 4-3 lead. Cattoni scored on the run, Owen Hiltz dodged two defenders and shot far side, and Turner Evans scored an outside shot. Dhane Smith tied it at 4 before the period was out. Rob Hellyer shot through traffic to put Peterborough up 5-4 in the third, but Justin Martin found himself alone in front of Kells and converted Eli McLaughlin’s pass to tie the game again. Armstrong jumped halfway up the boards after he scored to put the Lakers up 6-5. "My wife is having a baby soon so that one was for her. I tried to jump into the stands to give her a hug," he smiled. Hellyer then passed to Hoggarth 17 seconds after Armstrong's goal, and Hoggarth finally got inside - to his favourite spot in front of the net - and went high on Warren Hill. After a hotly contested faceoff, Resetarits’ shot went off the crossbar. Hiltz picked up the rebound, passed it back to Resetarits, in it went and that was the ball game. "We all know we want another Mann Cup," Armstrong said. "The Mann Cups here are tradition. I never won one. I really frickin’ want one so I’m battling the best I can to frickin’ bring a Mann cup back to Peterborough because I know Six Nations stole it from us last year." Eight different scorers found the back of the net for the Lakers in their win. The team floored the exact same lineup as they did in Game 1. Holden Cattoni, Doug Buchan and Mitch Ogilvie remain out with injuries. Warren Hill made 50 saves in goal for the Chiefs. Eli McLaughlin, Steve Priolo and Randy Staats all had two points. Game 3 is set for Tuesday, back at the ILA in Six Nations. Game 4 will return to the Memorial Centre next Thursday, August 22. Tickets are on sale at the box office. SCORING FOR THE LAKERS: Rob Hellyer (1-3) Thomas Hoggarth (1-3) Taite Cattoni (1-3) Joe Resetarits (1-2) Turner Evans (1-1) Owen Hiltz (1-1) Colton Armstrong (1-0) Dylan Hutchison (1-0) Adam Thistlethwaite (0-1) Matt Gilray (0-1)

Chiefs are no longer undefeated