The Start of a New Era Results in BLC Victory

By Mark Stehlin

It was a new look Brooklin Lacrosse Club that took to the floor last night, with changes behind the bench, in the boardroom and some new faces on the floor. That all culminated in a 16-11 final to start the 2024 campaign in the winning column. The night began with a tribute to former manager Barry Johnson who passed away in December 2023. BLC was grateful to welcome back two former club presidents, Calvin Curtis and Paul Cotton, who presented the Johnson family with a portrait to honour Mr. Johnson's contribution.

Barry’s son Joel took the reins of the team a few months ago after Jason Crosbie stepped away following the 2023 season. Johnson said “it was a long wait to start the season, a good deal of planning took place and we were excited to get underway." He added “given the tribute to my father, this was a special night.”

- photo by Sam Hossack

Kyle Waters got the home team on the board early in the opening frame and BLC went on to take a 3-1 lead into the first break. Owen Sound came out playing a little more organized in the second frame and went on a bit of a run with that period ending 5-4 in favour of BLC and an 8-5 home team lead after two.

Johnson said “the second period saw a couple of breakdowns and they worked hard, I’ll give them credit.”

The third period was all Brooklin.  They reeled off five straight to take a commanding 13-5 lead and, despite another brief comeback by the visitors, held on to the win by a final score of 16-11.

Johnson said to his team after the game “I liked the contagious work ethic. I saw what we are capable of”, and wants to build on that going forward. 

- photo by Sam Hossack

Scoring for BLC – Austin Shanks (5,2) Tanner Cook (3,3) Luke Keenan (1,4) Connor Kearnan (0,5) Brady Kearnan (2,2) Sean Westley (1,2) Dylan Robinson (2,0) Kyle Waters (1,0) Keenan Cook (1,1) Nick Chaykowsky (0,2) Colton Watkinson (0,1) Liam Osborne (0,3) Dawson Theede (0,3) Ryan Wagner (0,1)

Next up for Brooklin is a trip to Owen Sound on Saturday June 1 at 2 pm before a return to Iroquois Park for a visit from Six Nations on Wednesday June 5 at 8 pm. Prior to that, the Merchants Lacrosse Club will host Clearview on Friday May 31 at 8 pm at Iroquois Park. Admission to this game only is free for kids under 13 years and others are asked to "pay what you can."