CLax Power Rankings: Monsters Win Three

Posted By on February 12, 2014

1. Niagara Lock Monsters (3-0)

 

The Canadian Lacrosse League’s hottest team remains unbeaten through three games, as they picked up their third win of the season in a 16-10 victory over the Barrie Blizzard this past Sunday.
The LockMonsters once again used a strong second half to close out a victory as they netted nine of their 16 goals in the second half, outscoring the Blizzard 9-3.
The turning point of the game was after rookie netminder Dave DiRuscio relieved the duties of 2013 CLax Goaltender of the Year Connor Danko. The 2012 and 2013 BCLA Junior A Most Outstanding Goalie of the Year was stellar in his CLax debut making many timely saves to secure the victory.
Local talents Corey Fowler and Andrew Potter continue their CLax domination as they each had their hands in on 15 of the 16 goals in the victory.

The Lock Monsters will look to extend their winning streak to four as they head to Oshawa to take on the Durham TurfDogs at the GM Centre Sunday at 2 pm.

2. Durham TurfDogs (1-1)

After only netting four goals in their season debut, the Durham TurfDogs rebounded with an offensive explosion, aiding them to claim an 18-13 victory over the Barrie Blizzards on Saturday (Feb. 8).

After a disappointing debut for the TurfDogs, third year veteran Brad Levick posted a team high of five points, scoring a hat-trick and adding a pair of helpers. Rookie Dylan Goddard also netted five points. Fellow newcomer Mack O’Brien found the back of the cage four times while playing outstanding in his own end of the floor.

Brampton Excelsiors goaltender Ryan Masters earned the win for the TurfDogs.

The TurfDogs will host a pair of games this weekend as they host the SouthWest Cyclops on Saturday and the first place LockMonsters on Sunday.

3. Ohsweken Demons (1-0)

The Ohsweken Demons had no problem finding the back of the net, scoring 21 goals this past Saturday, but the 2012 Creator’s Cup Champions had major problems keeping the ball out of their net as they allowed 19 goals against.

2012 CLax scoring champion Chris Attwood kicked off his 2014 season on the right foot, tallying four goals while dishing out five assists for a team high of nine points. Tom Montour, Wayne Vanevery and Josh Johnson were outstanding, each adding seven points in the Demons season opener.

Despite winning their home opener, any time a team allows 19 goals against in a single game it is very concerning. The Demons will have to address their defensive struggles on the back end of the floor before heading to St. Catharines to take on the undefeated Lock Monsters Monday night.

4. SouthWest Cyclops (0-1)

In the game of lacrosse, usually 19 goals for in a game should be good enough to clinch a win; unfortunately for the SouthWest Cyclops this was not the case. Despite scoring 19 goals in their inaugural debut, SouthWest fell to Ohsweken 21-19 at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena this past Saturday night.

Leading the way for SouthWest was 2013 Brampton Inferno scoring leader Ryan Campbell and Edmonton Rush prospect Mike Burke who each registered six points. Brampton, ON native Campbell had a pair of goals and four helpers while Edmonton Rush prospect Burke dished out five assists and chipped in a goal. Closely behind was former Rochester Knighthawk Jimmy Purves and former Durham TurfDog Shane Scott who each added five points.

Head Coach and General Manager Jeremy Tallevi’s Western Mustangs had an impact in the game as Jordi Jones-Smith, Matt Spanger, Patrick and Ryan McCrory all found their way onto the game sheet.

The Cyclops hope to find themselves in the win column after this upcoming weekend as they have a pair of games, Friday night against Ohsweken and Saturday afternoon against the TurfDogs of Durham.

5. Barrie Blizzard (0-3)

The struggles continue for the Barrie Blizzard as they dropped their first three contests of 2014, being outscored 31-50.

On the bright side for the Blizzard, Orillia, ON native Caleb Wiles has picked up where he left off last season. The 2013 CLax Rookie of the Year has five goals and five assists for a team leading 10 points in three games. Other Blizzard members helping the offense include Tyler Gibbons and Jonas Derks. Gibbons, an Owen Sound NorthStars product has tallied nine points (5 G, 4 A), of which seven came in the first game of the season. Former TurfDogs GM Derks has been steady on the floor for Barrie this season, leading the Blizzard in assists with seven while adding a pair of goals.

The Blizzard will have the weekend off to tighten loose ends and prepare for their next game on February 23 against Ohsweken.

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