As the calendar flips to September, the students head back to school, the kegs are tapped and most importantly, Canadian University Lacrosse Association has returned. The road to the 2013 Baggataway Cup kicked off this weekend as twelve teams returned to the field for CUFLA action.
Here are the In Lacrosse We Trust Top 5 Power Rankings for Week 1:
Guelph (2-0-0)
The Guelph Gryphons opened their 2013 campaign with two victories including a huge 7-6 victory over the 2013 Baggataway Cup runner ups Western Mustangs. Leading the way for the Gryphons was Buffalo Bandit Jordan Critch. The Orangville, ON native buried one goal while adding three helpers.The next day Guelph pounded Laurier 16-8 on the road. With six points each, veterans Taylor Brown and Curtis Knight topped the scoresheet in the Gryphons second win in as many games. The Peterborough,ON product Brown leads all Gryphons in goals with seven and points with nine. Junior netminder Jeremy Snider was solid in between the pipes in both games, making 16 saves in the low scoring affair against Western. With a high powered and athletic offense accompanied with solid defense and goaltending, the Guelph Gryphons are set to once again be a CUFLA powerhouse. The question moving forward will once again is if the Gryphs can convert their regular season success into playoff power and bring back their first Baggataway Cup to Guelph since 2008.
McGill (2-0-0)
The defending Baggataway Cup champions picked up where they left off, opening their 2013 season with two vital East Division victories. The Redmen opened their season off with a 13-8 victory over the Trent Excalibur in Peterborough,ON. Lehigh University grad Kevin Donovan and New Westminster,BC native Connor Goodwin each chipped in a team best four points. In their second contest, McGill picked up a 14-6 victory over the Queen’s Golden Gaels. Donavan once again led the Redmen offensively, this time with 6 points. East Division Faceoff Specialist of the Year Brendan McLean proved he was more than just a FOGO as he found the back of the cage twice while adding a trio of assists. Sophomore goalkeeper Riley McGillis posted two wins in both starts while posting a 7.13 goals against average.
Brock (2-0-0)
The 18-time Canadian Champion Brock Badgers will look to return the Baggataway Cup to St.Catharines for the first time since 2009. Although the Badgers had much turnover, they return with a solid core of veteran players accompanied by some good young talent. The Badgers kicked off their season the right way as they picked up two wins over Laurentian (13-0, 20-5). Caledon,ON native Kyle Davis started his senior season off with a bang burying seven goals and adding eight assists for a league leading 15 points. Toronto Beaches Jr. A product Greg Davidson is already building off his 41 point season last year as he tallied 14 points in the first two games. Rookies Brandon Slade and Travis Arch made their presence felt CUFLA debuts as they each contributed offensively in both victories. Fifth year Senior Ian Duffy and rookie Ryan Jones both picked up wins during the weekend. Look to see Duffy make the majority of the starts and once again be an elite goaltender in the league. The dry-spell has left a bitter taste with many Badger seniors and has inspired them to conclude their CUFLA careers off as national champions once again.
Bishop’s (1-0-0)
The 2011 National Champions opened their season off with a convincing 17-6 win over the Carleton Ravens. Peterborough Laker Alex Henderson picked up a hat-trick and six assists for nine points. Markham Ironheads Jr.B captain James Malloy filled the net with four markers and chipped in an assist for a steady five points. The 2013 East Division Goalkeeper of the Year David Bigley earned the teams’ first win. The Gaitors will look to keep their record perfect as they head to Ontario to take on Trent and Queen’s.
Western (0-1-0)
The Stangs entered the 2013 season as heavy favourites to be crowned CUFLA champions. However, the 2012 Baggataway Cup runner up Western Mustangs dropped a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to the Guelph Gryphons. Junior attackman Dylan Ham and sophomore attackman Ryan McCory each chipped in two points in the loss. University of Vermont transfer Jordan Tripp tallied a goal in his CUFLA debut while Chestnut Hill College grad Shane Morlock was held off the game sheet. The Mustangs will look for the Whitby,ON native to find the back of the cage often this season. Despite being charged with the loss, 2012 East Division Goalkeeper of the Year Zach Grace made 16 stops in the season opener. The Mustangs look to bounce back this weekend with a two game home stand against divisional opponents in McMaster and Brock.
