As the SouthWest Cyclops (2-2) look to improve their record above .500, the Barrie Blizzard (0-4) are still in search of their first win of the season. The two newest Canadian Lacrosse League clubs will clash this Saturday(3/1) at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena at 8 p.m.
Transition scoring has been key for SouthWest this year as many two-way players have consistently found the back of the cage for the Cyclops. Leading the charge has been former Rochester Knighthawk Jimmy Purves. The Sarnia, ON native has tallied 11 goals and four assists for 15 points, in which six came during last weekend’s victory over Durham. Alongside Purves has been the Western Mustang rookie duo of Jordi Jones-Smith and Matt Spanger, who have each tallied eight points in four games.
Offensively, the Cyclops have been led by rookie Mike Burke who leads the team in goals(10), assists(12) and points(22). Veteran Kim Squire has had a solid start to 2014, scoring seven goals and chipping in with nine assists for 16 points. SouthWest newcomer Shane Scott has been a great addition for the Cyclops offense contributing seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in four games.
On the back end for SouthWest, a pair of Orangeville Northmen products, Blair Goss and Bradley Kri, have been commanding the defense. The tandem have been stellar in their first season of CLax play, each getting defender of the week honourable mentions already this year.
Arguably the biggest storyline in CLax has been former Durham Turfdog General Manager Jonas Derks leading Barrie in points with 15 (5 G, 10 A) in just three games. Many were shocked when the Blizzard took former National Lacrosse Leauge player in the CLax entry draft this year, but Derks has proven skeptics wrong, showing he has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Offense has not been sparse for the Blizzard as 2013 Rookie of the Year Caleb Wiles has tallied 13 points while Kitchener, ON native Eric Benesch has netted 12. Keeping the ball out of the net has been a constant issue for the Blizzard early in 2014. In just 4 games played, the Blizzard have given up a league high 218 shots in four games and also most goals against with 68.
The potent offense and athletic transition of SouthWest will pose a huge test for the struggling Barrie Blizzard.
Last night the Blizzard continued to make moves as they boosted their offense through a trade with the Niagara Lock Monsters. Barrie acquired Owen Sound, ON native Travis Gibbons and Toronto Rock practice roster player AJ Masson for veteran defender Scott Gamble and a conditional first round draft pick in either 2014 or 2015.
For all your Canadian Lacrosse League news, scores and updates, check back to ILWT for the best CLax coverage!
