In a rematch of last year’s Creators Cup Championship game, the Ohsweken Demons travel to Niagara to take on the 0-1 Lockmonsters. Niagara is coming off a 10-4 road loss at the hands of the Durham Turfdogs, while the Demons where given a first week bye, and look to open their season on a winning note.
In last weekend’s 10-4 loss to the Turfodgs, the Lockmonsters fell behind 5-1 by the 7:16 mark of the 2nd quarter, and where unable to dig themselves out of the deficit. While goaltender Connor Danko bounced back after a rough opening half of lacrosse, the Lockmonsters offense was unable to get on track. With the high scoring Demons making their way into the Meridian Centre, Niagara is going to have to find their scoring touch in week 2 if they want any chance of leaving Sunday afternoon’s affair with a 1-1 record. With the likes of Corey Fowler, Brendan Thenhaus, Dylan Llord. Brad Favero, Todd Kozak and Mike Melnychenko taking up roster spots at the offensive end of the floor for Niagara, they do boast a potent offensive lineup, if they can click as a unit, well that’s a whole different story.
Ohsweken enters the game chopping at the bit, as they where the only team in the Canadian Lacrosse League to not see action in Week 1. Ohsweken has appeared in two of three Creators Cup Championships since the league came into existence in 2012, and with the roster they have in 2014, they look to be well on their way to returning to the final game in 2015. While the Demons will be without 2014 leading scorer Chris Attwood, they will return the 5 guys who where just slightly behind Attwood in team scoring. Wayne Van Every who racked up 26 goals in just 4 games last year, should led the Demons offense along side veteran Roger Vyse. Look for transition star Tom Montour to continue to excel in the Canadian Lacrosse League, where his skill at both ends of the floor are on full display. Look for Rochester Knighthawks 2014 draft picks Ian Martin and Anthony Patterson to have impactful performances for the Demons in week one, while Jake Henhawk should get the start for the Demons in their opening game.
With the two top teams from the 2014 season meeting up for the first time since last years Creators Cup Championship game, this one is sure to be a physical, action packed, high scoring game. Despite the teams both boasting high octane offensive capability, the winner will likely be determined by who can play better team defense, and get better goaltending. Both goaltenders should see a ton of work, who steps up lead their team to victory, is anyone’s guess.
