The Durham Turf Dogs are one of the returning teams for the 2013 season, and they have made plenty of moves.
As for the on floor additions, the Turfdogs made a huge deal picking up Jesse Guerin and Nate Andres up front while also grabbing netminder John Chesebrough. This summer, Guerin posted an impressive 22 goals, 37 assists which was good enough for second in Major Series Lacrosse scoring leaders.
Andres registering just over a point per game last year with the Oshawa Machine. The Whitby, ON native found the back of the net three times while adding 10 helpers for 13 points in 12 games.
“Guerin is a high prolific scorer that we hope will fit in nicely while Andres will help us with his great leadership and play” said Crosbie.
The Oshawa goaltending product Chesebrough posted a 12.15 GAA and a .783 SV% with the Machine in 2012 and will look to battle for a starting position with the Turfdogs.
Turner also credits that Clare Donnelly has been a surprise in camp thus far.
“Donnelly has a non stop motor and is a hound on loose balls,” said Turner.
In 12 games, with the Norwood Champs of the OLA Sr. B, Donnelly recorded five goals and two assists for 7 points in 12 games.
Durham has a core of returning players that will play a vital part in the success of Durham in 2013. The core is lead by a pair of Brooklin Merchant (OLB Sr.B) players, Dan Ransom and Scott Defransisco.
“Defrancesco and Ransom have great chemistry and are an awesome pair together on the left side,” said Turner.
Markham Ironhead product (OLA Jr.B), Ransom finished in the top 10 of scoring leaders (9) with 48 points(18 G, 30A) in 13 games. Former Coquitlam Adanac Defrancesco tickled twine 32 times putting him third in the league in goal scoring.
Crosbie expects Halton Hill Bulldog alumnus’ Shane Scott and Nic Grasby to build off last season and step up to a bigger role this year. Also, Peterborough native Eric Bissell and former Canisius Golden Griffin Graham Bergsma will look to each have a big year up the middle.
On defense, both Crosbie and Turner credit Mitch Dumount to be the heart of the defense.
“Alongside Dumount, Poulton will also be heavily relied on to secure the back end for us this season,” said Crosbie.
After a disappointing finish, Durham is hungry to once again be a dominant force in CLax, but this time finish their ultimate goal. With a great group of returning players sprinkled with new talent, the Turfdogs are looking to have a strong season once again and hope to hoist the Creator’s Cup in 2013.
