The defending Creators Cup Champions kick off the 2015 Canadian Lacrosse League season against the Durham Turfdogs at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa,ON.
The Lock Monsters welcome back ten players from last year’s championship squad. Niagara will look to Corey Fowler to help lead the offense once again. The Niagara-on-the-Lake native netted 33 points(10 G, 23A) in 8 games, good enough for sixth among CLax scorers last season. Fellow returnees Dylan Llord and Jon Arnold will also play a big role in the Lock Monsters offense.
With MVP netminder David DiRusicio joining the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL, the Lock Monsters had a huge hole to fill in between the pipes. That was answered quickly with Niagara drafting former Toronto Rock netminder Zac Boychuk. Six other 2014 draft picks join the Lock Monsters for the 2015 campaign. Gage Board, Mark Vradenburg, Dustin Gatt, Doug Buchan, Brock Levick, Connor Eustace and Devin Sartor hope to make an impact in their rookie CLax season.
After a disappointing season, the Durham Turfdogs hope to open up their 2015 campaign with a win over the defending Creators Cup Champions.
On the other side of the floor, there are many new faces on the Turfdogs, including Head Coach Mat Giles as he enters his first season with Durham.
Six draft picks from this years draft etched their names onto the 2015 roster: Brandon Armstrong, Kyle Clancy, Thomas Hoggarth, Eric Shewell, Nevan Sullivan and Bryden Curran.
Durham also acquired veterans Nate Andres, Geoff McNulty, Tim Bergin and Scott Gamble via trades in November.
As for returning talent, the Turfdogs welcome back nine players, highlighted by Dylan Goddard. The Courtice, ON native led the team in every offensive statistic in his rookie season. Goddard tallied 17 goals, 11 assists for 28 points in eight games.
Other key returnees include Nic Grasby, John St.John, Mark Farthing and Aaron Brown.
Assuming his role between the pipes is Kevin Croswell. The pro lacrosse journeyman posted a .704 save percentage despite his team posting a league worse 1-7 record.
Although this is a match up between the first and worst from 2014, many fresh faces on both sides of the floor should set the game to be a great opener.
