Williams Makes His Return as BLC Resumes Winning Ways

By Mark Stehlin

For Brooklin Lacrosse Club (BLC) fans who arrived during warm-ups before last night’s game, they witnessed a familiar # 51 on the floor with his teammates. The last time Dyson Williams played at Iroquois Park Sports Centre, air-conditioning had just been introduced and the playing surface was still concrete. His impact was immediate as he scored three times and added one assist in an 11-9 win over the Owen Sound NorthStars.

“It was a cool game to be part of and it felt good to be out there after four years away. We stayed composed and found a way to win. It’s been a couple of months since I’ve played box so it’s great to be able to build chemistry again with guys I know and some new guys as well,” said Williams after the game.

He joins his National Lacrosse League, Oshawa FireWolves teammates, Mike Byrne, Taggart Clark and Will Johansen on the team.

“The first year with the FireWolves exceeded expectations, this area is a hotbed and to be able to bring the program to the Durham Region was exciting. It feels great to be back on the floor here in the summer and we hope the winter success translates to more fans here as well,” added Williams.

- photo c/o Dean Link 

The opening frame was tight as both teams came out a little tentative. BLC scored the first two and saw the NorthStars answer back to make it 3-1 after the opening frame. Williams scored his first of three late in the first period.

Owen Sound closed the gap to one goal on a power play in the first few minutes of the second. Not to be outdone, BLCs Will MacLeod scored a great goal as he leapt from behind the net and deposited it behind NorthStars goalie Kaleb Martin. BLC owned a 7-4 lead going into the second intermission.

Owen Sound Head Coach Mike Burke put together an inspired intermission speech as the NorthStars played with grit and determination in the third period. They outscored their hosts 7-4 in that final frame, including three short-handed goals, two on the same penalty, to keep the game interesting, The visitors pulled it back to 10-9 with four minutes left on the clock before Williams scored with just over a minute remaining as BLC escaped with the 11-9 win to improve to 5-3 on the season.

“It took us a bit to find the offensive groove tonight, some new faces out there and we need to find consistency going forward. We need to learn to keep our foot on the pedal and avoid those lulls that we find ourselves in at times. We will find our way and I am confident in these guys,” said offensive coach Clancy Almas.

BLC is on the road Thursday night in Cobourg, the season series between the teams is 1-1 and so a win would move BLC further up the standings and introduce a jolt of confidence as the mid-point of the season has arrived.