Brooklin Defeat Visiting Kodiaks Ending Cobourg’s Playoff Aspirations

By Sam Laskaris

If people were waiting for members of the Brooklin Lacrosse Club to simply play out the remainder of the season they would be wrong. Brooklin was officially eliminated from post-season contention in the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) last week.But that hasn’t prevented the squad from still giving it its all. Further proof of that was witnessed on Wednesday as Brooklin put together a rather solid outing, defeating the visiting Cobourg Kodiaks 10-6.

That match, which was held at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre, officially ended any chance Cobourg had of earning a top four finish this season and thus earning a playoff berth. Brooklin’s record improved to 3-13 with its victory. The Kodiaks’ mark fell to 7-10. “It’s huge for us,” Brooklin’s Julian Garritano said of his squad’s W. “We’ve got a young team here and we’re building.” Brooklin’s Mitch Wilde said it has not been an issue for his teammates to remain motivated in the latter stages of this season. “It’s just a lot of fun,” he said. “And it’s a great opportunity for some of our younger guys as this is their draft year (for the National Lacrosse League).”

Both Garritano and Wilde said they had no idea Brooklin played the role of spoiler on Wednesday, ending the Kodiaks’ playoff hopes. “Honestly it shouldn’t be a factor at all,” Wilde said. “We shouldn’t be worried about who is in front of us. “Garritano echoed this sentiment. “We just plan on winning games,” Garritano said of Brooklin’s remaining dates in its 2019 schedule. “That’s all that matters to us.” Wilde, who scored once himself, was pleased to see his squad hits its stride offensively.

“From top to bottom I think our offence really played well tonight,” he said. “It was good to see things clicking there.” Jake Fox netted a pair of goals for Brooklin. Also scoring for the team were Garritano, Nick Chaykowsky, Ryan MacSpayden, Connor Kearnan, Justin Robinson, Dawson Theede and Justin Lemcke.

Brooklin also turned in a solid effort defensively. And rookie goaltender Riley Hutchcraft had several outstanding saves en route to his second victory of the season. Brooklin got off to a quick start on Wednesday scoring the first three goals of the match. Though the Kodiaks scored the next two goals, Brooklin did get one back before the period concluded to lead 4-2 after 20 minutes. 

Brooklin kept up solid play in the middle frame, once again outscoring the Kodiaks 4-2 to take an 8-4 lead into the final period. Brooklin’s next contest will be Thursday when it travels to Brampton to face the host Excelsiors.

That match, Brooklin’s final road one of the season, will be staged at the Brampton Memorial Arena beginning at 8 p.m.

And then Brooklin will conclude its 2019 campaign next Wednesday with a home game. The Six Nations Chiefs will provide the opposition for that outing, which has an opening faceoff scheduled for 8 p.m.