After two long days of Founders Cup action in Haggersville, Ontario, the host team Six Nations Rebels sit atop their division with two dominant wins.
In game one, The Rebels had their hands full against the Kamloops Venom in the first period. The British Colombia champions scored two late goals to bring them in within a goal going into the dressing room.
The Ontario champions responded quickly and often in the second frame out scoring the Venom 10-3 in the period to make the score 14-6. The remainder of the game was all Rebels as the score ended 18-6 to secure the first tournament victory for Six Nations.
Game two was all too familiar for the Ontario champions as they were only up 5-4 on the Manitoba Gryphons in the first period.
Chase Martin shut the door for the remainder of the game while the offense supported him with 8 goals in the second and third to help pick up their second victory in as many games.
The Rebels get back to action tonight (Thursday) at 8pm EST against Team Nova Scotia who are also tied in first in Group B. The Rebels have the upper hand in the standings as they only have two games played while Nova Scotia have played three.
Look for Nova Scotia to work the ball between their two top scorers Andre Laleune(10 PTS) and Ian McShane(9 PTS). A key weapon for the Bluenoses is Whitby native Stu McIlhone. Nova Scotia’s ability to move the ball up the floor is mainly through McIlhone’s speed and great stick skills. The former Markham Ironhead and Clarington Green Gael is also not afraid to take the ball to the cage scoring 4 goals in three games.
In group A, the Akwesasne Indians stand alone in first place with 4 points. The OJBLL finalists have been hungry for vengeance on the Rebels taking no prisoners along the way.
Akwesasne have won both games in dominant fashion beating the Onondaga Red Hawks 23-9 and the Saskatchewan SWAT 15-7.
The Indians faceoff against a struggling Team Quebec today (Thursday) at 11:45am EST.
Team Quebec is currently winless in two games losing 8-5 to the SWAT and 22-7 to the Red Hawks.
Onondaga bounced back after their big loss against Akwesasne, hammering Team Quebec 22-7. The Red Hawks have showed some offensive ability by posting 31 goals for in two games, including 9 against a strong defensive Awkesasne squad. Leading the way for the Red Hawks is Lyle Thompson with 10 goals 7 assists and 17 points. Cousin and UAlbany teammate Ty Thompson trails 4 points behind with the Awesasne Indians.
The Red Hawks take on the SWAT in a vital match up that could eventually decide the second place seeding for Group A.
The other matchup of Day 3 is the Calgary Mountaineers vs. the Kamloops Venom bright and early at 9pm EST.
Calgary had the day off yesterday(Wednesday) and will look to use their fresh legs to their advantage to improve their record to 2-0.
As expected, the two Ontario teams have dominated play thus far in the first two days but other teams are looking to knock off the top dogs and become the latest Cinderella lacrosse story.
For scores and live updates check the official 2012 Founders Cup Website!
