What a weekend in Canadian Lacrosse League competition, on Friday night the Southwest Cyclops defeated the Ohsweken Demons to claim sole possession of first place in the standings, only to be defeated by the previously winless Niagara Lockmonsters on Sunday afternoon. The Cyclops squeaked out a 10-9 decision over the Demons on Saturday night at the Syl Apps Community Centre, in a back and forth penalty filled affair.
On Sunday the Niagara Lockmonsters, who had been off for just over two weeks new their playoff lives where on the line, as another loss would essentially bounce them from playoff contention. Knowing the loss would in all likelihood end any chance they had at winning back to back Creators Cup Championships, the Lockmonsters doubled up on the Cyclops, defeating them 12-6. An 8 goal run that started late in the 2nd quarter and spanned the entirety of the 3rd quarter was ultimately the difference in the game. While the Lockmonsters still trail Durham, Ohsweken and Barrie in the standings, wins over Durham and Ohsweken this weekend could vault them all the way up the standings to 2nd place.
1. Southwest Cyclops (4-2)
The 4-2 Cyclops entered this past weekends matchup with the Ohsweken Demons looking to claim sole possession of first place in the Canadian Lacrosse League, and they did just that, with a narrow 10-9 victory. Jay Preece was once again excellent in goal for the Cyclops, improving his goals against average to a measly 6.20. The usual suspects led the Cyclops offensively, as Jordan Critch led the bunch with 7 points on a goal and 6 assists. Captain Mike Burke was strong offensively once again, picking up 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points, while Vancouver Stealth draft pick Dan Keane would also record a 5 point night, on 3 goals & 2 assists.
However after riding the high of the narrow 10-9 win, the Cyclops took to the floor in Niagara against the winless Lockmonsters, only to see Niagara defeat them 12-6 in what was a game where we finally saw just how good the Lockmonsters can be. Southwest took far to many penalties in the loss and where unable to stop and 8 goal streak by the Lockmonsters that spanned from late in the 2nd quarter, right through the 3rd.
Southwest has been arguably the most consistent team throughout the season, and couple a high scoring offensive, with a stingy defense and strong goaltending, and despite the tough loss to Niagara, they did pull out a win over a very tough Ohsweken squad this past weekend, thus the reason they hang on to the number 1 spot.
2. Ohsweken Demons (2-2)
Despite the narrow 10-9 loss to the Southwest Cyclops the Demons remain in the number two spot for the time being. This past week was the first time the Demons defense allowed a team to reach the 10 goal mark. Ohsweken has allowed a league low 37 goals against over their 4 games, and while that’s impressive, the Demons offense is struggling.
The Demons rank 2nd last in the league in goals for, just 3 in front of last place Niagara. With the likes of Roger Vyse, Tom Montour, Chris Attwood, Rodd Squire and Wayne Van Every upfront, you would think offence would be the least of their worries. With the defense playing outstanding and Jake Henhawk continuing his strong play its on the offense to pick their game up in the coming weeks.
With the names previously mentioned being trotted out at the offensive end on a nightly bases, it’s only a matter of time until they get things clicking, and when that happens the Demons are going to be even tougher to deal with. Chris Attwood led the Demons offensively this past weekend, with 2 goals & 4 assists for 6 points, while Wayne Van Every picked up 2 goals & 3 assists for 5 points.
3. Barrie Blizzard (2-2)
The Blizzard where off this past weekend, but are still riding high after a 9-7 win over the Ohsweken Demons at the ILA on February 6th. While the Blizzard’s season has been up and down, the inconsistency’s have been the difference between the club sitting at 4-0 and 2-2.
Barrie has been in every game this season, and arguably should have defeated Durham and Southwest in their losses, as they led in both games. Barrie is getting strong goaltending from veteran Angus Dineley and strong offensive contributions from Mike Teeter, Brad Levick and Mike Mawdsley. The recent additions of Scott DeFrancesco and AJ Masson will only increase the Blizzard’s depth as the season moves on. If Barrie can stay out of the box while maintaining their physicality defensively, they should see themselves continue to rack up the wins.
4. Niagara Lockmonsters (1-3)
The struggling Niagara Lockmonsters picked up their first win of the season this past week, defeated the top team in the Canadian Lacrosse League in decisive fashion. The Lockmonsters doubled up the Cyclops by a score of 12-6, getting strong offensive contributions from the likes of Dylan Llord (5 goals & 2 assists), Corey Fowler (1 goal & 4 assists), Andy Tober (1 goal & 4 assists) and Mark Vrandenburg (2 goals & 2 assists). Couple the offense with a strong game from Connor Danko in goal, and stingy, aggressive defensive play and you have your recipe for success. The Lockmonsters despite being 1-3 now, looked so good this past weekend, you have to move them up the rankings, as they looked poised to put together a string of wins in the very near future.
5. Durham Turfdogs (2-2)
The Turfdogs where not in action this passed weekend, and unfortunate for them, they move down the rankings. Durham has been inconsistent all season, and it shows on a game to game bases. They’ve struggled to get contributions from anyone other then the likes of Dylan Goddard, Jesse Guerin, Josh Wasson and Geoff McNulty, and their goaltending is to be polite.. not very good. Kevin Croswell has struggled since taking over the starting job, Cole Murray looked great in the opener, but struggled in game 2 and has yet to see the net since.
John Chesebrough deserves a shot in goal this coming weekend, as he’s performed well for the Turfdogs in the past. The veteran netminder has stole games with the Brooklin Redmen, Brooklin Merchants an the Turfdogs in the past, and could easily make the Turfdogs goaltending troubles go away with a strong start on Sunday. The defense has been good, but offensive players getting caught on the defensive side of the ball need to be better. The team needs to start sharing the ball better, and moving more offensively, their lethargic picks have done nothing to open up offensive opportunities… They simply need to be better.
