Merchants win season opener on road against James Gang

By Sam Laskaris

Members of the Merchants Lacrosse Club are hoping to erase the memories of a disappointing
2022 campaign.

The Senior B squad posted an unimpressive 4-9-1 record and finished in the basement of its six-
team Ontario Series Lacrosse league a year ago.

“Last year rubbed a lot of the guys the wrong way, including myself,” said Clancy Almas, the
Merchants’ head coach.

The team had huge commitment issues last season and struggled to find enough bodies to play
games most nights. The Merchants even had to forfeit their final two games of the regular
season.

As for this year, Almas is hoping the squad has turned a corner. So far so good. Following some tryout and pre-season sessions that were well attended, the Merchants hit the road on Saturday and downed the host Ennismore James Gang 14-10 in their season opener.

Merchants’ veteran goalie Ryan Schuetzkowski earned the W between the pipes. “He played very well,” Almas said. “I actually kept track and he made 41 saves. He was outstanding in the first period.” Almas added Schuetzkowski’s solid start provided his teammates with a bunch of confidence as  the club’s defence was able to feed off their netminder’s efforts.
And at the other end of the floor the Merchants’ offence was getting the job done. The Merchants led 5-2 after the first period and extended their lead to 12-5 heading into the final 20 minutes of action.

Darren Elliott and Adam Perroni led the way offensively scoring four goals each. Eddie Renaud added a hat trick for the Merchants. Justin Bragg, Cody Hamley and Dylan Goddard provided singles for the Merchants. Devin Pipher also had a solid outing and led the team in scoring in the match with seven points – all of them assists.

Almas also had plenty of praise for former Merchants’ captain Ryan Degerdon, who is now an assistant coach with the club. 

 “He did a great job running the defence in his first game on the bench,” Almas said. In fact, Almas decided to present the game ball to Degerdon in recognition of his efforts. “He was so happy when I gave it to him,” Almas added.

-Photo credit Greg Linton

-Photo credit Garry Igel

The Merchants will back be back in action this coming Friday when they stage their home opener, in their new but old home. After being based out of a couple of different locations in Oshawa the last several years, the Merchants will return to Brooklin and play out of the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena this season. 

The Merchants will square off against the Owen Sound North Stars in their home opener on
Friday. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.