The most successful program in CUFLA history endured another disappointing ending to a promising season as the Brock Badgers suffered a heart breaking 4-3 loss to the Western Mustangs in the Baggataway semi finals.
The Brock Badgers defense was outstanding in the loss but unfortunately, the Western Mustangs defense was equally on point.
“They pressured us on defense and caused us to turn the ball over and take low percentage shots” said senior Dustin Dunn. “We didn’t adjust to the high pressure and spread the field.” The Badgers had the third best offense in CUFLA in 2012 with 140 goals for in 12 games, but the Mustangs were able to shut them down in the semi finals.
“I think it just came down to those key moments in the big games over the course of the season where we could never quite bare down and make the big play” said senior goaltender Ian Duffy. Duffy had no problem making the play through out the season as he was a vital part to the defensive success in the 2012 season. Netminder Ian Duffy had outstanding support in front of him throughout the season and especially in the finals. Close defenders included Buffalo Bandit defender Steve Priolo, Peterborough native Brad Baker, Washington Stealth draft pick Justin Pychel and longstick midfielders Minnesota Swarm draft pick Bryan Campbell and British Colombia native Quinn Stuart all played a critical part in the regular season success.
“On paper no doubt we were top team in the tournament, but with this league being so tight now, talent alone will not win a championship” said Peterborough native Dunn.
Dunn’s remarks can be stated true as the past five seasons have seen five different teams crowned kings of CUFLA.
Although penalty trouble was not a problem in the finals, it was the achilles heel during the regular season for the Badgers. Throughout the season, Brock found themselves parading to the penalty box game after game. “It’s been well documented that we ran into penalty trouble a lot and that is hard for any team to overcome” said Ajax native Duffy.
Fellow senior Jordan Weedmark agreed that penalties was a major negative point to the season. “Penalties ultimately cost us the tight games we lost during the regular season said Weedmark. “I think if we had less penalties and stronger decisions off the bench, we would have achieved our goal.”
As the season ends this marks three years since the Baggataway Cup has returned to St.Catharines, Ontario. Despite the drought, Badgers seniors are convinced the program is not on a downfall.
Ian Duffy is a senior but may return for a fifth year, despite his decision the co-captain has faith in Brock. “Regardless of what I decide to do personally I know the program will bounce back. As a group we have to much pride and tradition to hang our heads and concede” said Duffy. “Whether or not you get the trophy at the end of the year you have to come back in August and just work that much harder.No one ever stops trying to beat Brock Lacrosse. We have a lot of good young players up front and most of our defense will be returning so the future is definitely bright.”
“Losing my last game as a Badger is tough and closing out my four years at Brock with one championship is not what I expected” said Dunn. “But aside from winning and losing, I throughly enjoyed my time as a Brock Badger and would not trade the friends I have made for anything. I have no doubt in my mind that Brock will continue to produce a winning team.”
The Badgers are the winningest team in CUFLA history and don’t plan to give that title up anytime soon. Confidence has been a big part of the Badgers history for a long time, but after three championship free years, a culture change may be needed. It will be a long off season for the Badgers knowing they were just one goal away from being in the Baggataway Cup finals, but the long period could make them even hungrier to get back on top. The Brock Badgers have a rich history of winning and will look to bring the cup back home in 2014.
