Character Win for BLC Closes Gap in Series

By Mark Stehlin

While Peterborough Lakers fans were planning to celebrate the end of the Simcoe Day long weekend with a win and 3-0 series lead, the players and coaches for the Brooklin Lacrosse Club had a different vision. A strong defensive push on Monday night gave BLC their second win of the season at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), this one by a final of 7-4 to close the series gap to 2-1 in favour of the Lakers.

It was Eddie Renaud, called up from the Brooklin Merchants for the game, who opened the scoring for BLC as he scored in tight on starter Nick Rose. Ryan Barnable on a bullet shot from outside added one on the power play to give the visitors a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. BLC head coach Joel Johnson decided that Steven Orleman would take over netminder duties for this contest and he turned in a solid effort for the win.

The second period featured an early goal by Sean Westley to make it 3-0. The Lakers found their offensive punch in that frame and reeled off four straight for the lead with 6:07 left on the clock. BLC would not be denied on this night however as Westley, with his second, on a shot with pace that found its way through everyone tied the game. Team captain, Connor Kearnan scored the eventual game winner just 30 seconds later and it was 5-4 for BLC at the buzzer.

A combination of solid goaltending and stellar defense kept the Lakers off the board in the final frame. Westley with his third, followed by Will MacLeod in on a breakaway late sealed the win for the visitors.

Scoring – Renaud (1,0), MacLeod (1,0) Westley (3,0) Barnable (1,2) C Kearnan (1,2) Garlent (0,2) Miller (0,1) Byrne (0,1) White (0,1) Clark (0,2).  Orleman faced 52 shots off the Lakers and was steady in net for the win.

The Lakers now lead the series 2-1, as the teams return to Iroquois Park Sports Centre for game four on Wednesday at 8 pm. Game five is set for Thursday at 8 pm at the PMC.