A Rollercoaster Ride for BLC Fans as Lakers Take 3-0 Lead in Series

By Mark Stehlin

Last night's playoff contest between Brooklin and Peterborough had a bit of everything; drama, hard-hits, a big crowd, momentum changes, penalties and overtime. When the final buzzer sounded the Lakers left the floor with a 12-11 OT win and 3-0 series lead. 

The game started well for Brooklin as Tanner Cook scored his first of three at just two minutes in to get the large, boisterous crowd on their feet. The Ontario Lacrosse Festival has invaded Iroquois Park Sports Centre this week and BLC and the Merchants will both benefit from the large crowds on hand.  The teams traded goals and it was a 5-3 lead for the visitors after the opening frame.

- photo by Sam Hossack 

The offenses for both teams took time to get going in the second period, it wasn't until almost thirteen minutes had elapsed that the first goal was scored. Austin Shanks got his third of three on the night with a short-handed marker to close the gap. The teams managed only four goals between them that period and a late marker by Connor Kearnan made it 7-5 for the visitors after two periods. 

It was the third period where the aforementioned momentum change occurred.  The home side won the period 6-4, capped off by their four-goal run when trailing 11-7 in the last 2:22.  The crowd was on their feet and fans for both teams urged their players to find a way to win. The clock wound down and with 0:11 showing, Tanner Cook fired one past Doug Buchan, who replaced an injured Landon Kells with minutes to go, to tie the game and send it to overtime. A sudden victory 10-minute overtime awaited the large crowd. Austin Hasen was the hero as he scored on a power play with just under three minutes left in OT. 

Scoring  - Shanks (3,0) Keenan (1,2)  T Cook (3,4) Theede (0,4) Byrne (1,0) Westley (1,2) C Kearnan (2,3) B Kearnan (0,1) Knight (0,2) Shots on net were even at 49 apiece. 

Head Coach Joel Johnson said "we had a couple of Junior A call-ups and a Senior B player in the line-up, who stepped into roles and helped us out."

He added "our special teams were great and Higgy played an outstanding game."

Johnson said "the word of the night for me was frustration, it was a game we deserved to win." He added "it seems that the team we are fighting most is probably ourselves."

He wrapped up his comments by stating "we are not going to quit, the guys who put on the jerseys are showing hard work and dedication."  He added "we're not done, I have all the confidence. We know our backs are against the wall and we can choose to use that to step up and fight, enough is enough and we will come out strong on Thursday." 

The teams now have a break until Thursday when game four takes place at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough. A concert by Billy Talent, a Canadian rock band based in Mississauga, is scheduled on Tuesday at the "Mem", hence the reason for the gap between games.  

The Brooklin Merchants lead their Ontario Series Lacrosse final series 1-0 over the Six Nations Rivermen and will host game two on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Iroquois Park Sports Centre.