Grand Rapids, MI- The CILL Cup was held October 19th and 20th it was the first successful playoff that the league has had in its 3 years. Although not without some bumps along the way. All 7 teams were invited to the yearend playoff. 4 of the 7 teams accepted their bids and came to Grand Rapids to participate in the 2013 CUP, Colorado, Chicago, Grand Rapids and Pittsburgh were in.
The first game saw a rematch of the first CILL game of the season, #2 Chicago vs #3 Grand Rapids, in the first game Chicago won by a goal, this game was to be no different , except a little bit more exciting. It was back and forth all game long. Physical game and not many penalties called, Chicago with 13 minutes in penalties and Grand Rapids with 11, Chicago took advantage of their power plays while Grand Rapids could not put something together on the opportunities. The player of the game for Chicago was #8 Zack Dorn, he finished the day with 4 goals and 2 assists and the game winner in overtime. Other points for the Outlaws… #55 Josh Arras 2 goals 1 Assist, #3 Dylan Weber 1 goal 2 assists, #4 Stu Kerr 1 goal 1 assist, #16 Ryan Knautz 1 goal 2 assists, and #26 Ryan Werhane 1 and 1. The Dragonfish were once again led by their veteran goaltender Dave Holding who was HUGE in net for the fish. The Dragonfish could not finish on a lot of the opportunities they had, and they came up short in the end. Leading the way for the Fish was Justin Hawksbee 3 goals and 2 assists. #29 Nate Adkins 2 goals 1 assist, #25 Mikey Garner 1 goal 3 assists, #28 Ceddy Soubry 1 goal 3 assists, #22 Russ King 1 goal 1 assist. #90 Adam Debevac 1 goal. The final was 10-9 Chicago over Grand Rapids in OT.
The second game saw #1 Colorado take on #4 Pittsburgh (the two furthest apart cities in the CILL). Pittsburgh did not travel well and brought a handful of guys. The Sabretooths used this game as a buffer for the Championship game where they would see the Chicago Outlaws. The Sabretooths worked on many things as they ended up scoring 7 goals.
The consolation game, Pittsburgh vs Grand Rapids, was a good way for both teams to end their seasons, both teams worked very hard during the season as well in the game, the highlight of the game was when league commissioner Russ King, of Grand Rapids, scored what he says was his last CILL goal, one hand between his legs to beat the Pittsburgh goalie. “This was my last competitive game for the Fish, I want to work on growing the CILL and making it better year after year and spreading box lacrosse in the US” Said King
The Sabertooths were lead by veterans Kevin Tait, Tyler Snyder, Taylor Embury, Dave Long, Jordan Hendry and Sean Monahan. There was a new face in goal with Garrett Fitzgerald making his first CILL start for the Colorado Sabertooths. Coach John Gallant, Colorado Mammoth Defensemen, had the Sabertooths fired up and ready to play. While the Chicago Outlaws were lead by veteran yet first year goalie Brian Larson, Dylan Weber lead the way in scoring for the Outlaws with Stu Kerr, Zack Dorn Ryan Knautz and Ray Kinkaid (GM) also chipping in on the scoring.
The action started quickly with a fast paced run and gun offense by both teams. Many of the opportunities were created in transition. The first goal of the game was scored just over a minute in by a first year Sabertooths defensemen, Clark Woodard.
The Sabertooths built a 3 goal lead going into halftime. The Outlaws charged back to tie the game at 10 in the fourth quarter. Colorado responded with some good chances before Colorado forward and Michigan native, Kevin Tait scored the go ahead goal. The Sabertooths defense and transition lead by Sean Monahan, Preston Plume, Matt Noble and first year player Travis Wrenn controlled the rest of the game for the Sabertooths. Monte Montgomery, 2nd year Sabertooths goalie, came into the game in the third quarter for the Sabertooths and his strong saves and quick clearing started the fast transition that scored the final 3 goals for the Sabertooths.
